If you’re new to editing videos on Mac in 2025, you’re in the right place. With so many tools and apps out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start. But don’t worry — this beginner guide will walk you through the best and easiest ways to get started. Whether you’re trimming clips, adding music, or creating something more polished, Mac offers great options for all skill levels. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of editing videos on Mac and how to edit a video on Mac, so you can create your videos with confidence, even if it’s your first time.
Table of contents
Beginner Guide Part 1: Why Choose a Mac for Video Editing?
Macs are a popular choice for video editing, and it’s easy to see why. First, they’re fast. Thanks to Apple’s M1, M2, and M3 chips, even basic Macs can handle editing tasks like trimming, adding effects, and exporting without lag.
Second, the retina display shows colors and details clearly, which helps when adjusting lighting and making color edits. Plus, Macs come with iMovie pre-installed — a free, beginner-friendly editing app. You can upgrade to Final Cut Pro later if you need more features.
Add to that macOS’s clean, reliable interface and how easily it connects with iPhones and iPads, and you’ve got a great setup for learning video editing the easy way.
Beginner Guide Part 2: How to edit a video on Mac
Editing videos might sound complicated, but with the right tools and simple steps, it’s surprisingly easy — especially if you’re using a Mac. Whether you want a free tool to get started or something more powerful with advanced features, Mac has great options for every level. Let’s explore how to edit videos on Mac using both a free video editing software for Mac and one of the best video editing software for Mac.
Section 1: Free Video Editing Software for Mac
If you’re just starting and want a no-cost, beginner-friendly option, iMovie is the perfect place to begin. It comes pre-installed on most Macs, which means you can jump straight into editing without downloading anything. All you need is this beginner guide and a Mac.
Step 1: Open iMovie
Tap the iMovie icon in your Dock to launch the app and begin your video editing journey.
Step 2: Import Video
Once iMovie is open, click the “Import” button or press ⌘ + I to bring your video into the project.
Step 3: Edit Video
Drag your video into the timeline to start editing. You can easily insert additional clips using the same method. You’ll see options like Audio, Titles, Backgrounds, and Transitions — just pick what you want and apply it.
You can trim, split, or cut your video clips directly within the timeline as well.
Step 4: Export Video
iMovie doesn’t have a lot of export options, but it’s still easy to save your edited video to your computer. Just click the Share button and choose where you want to save it.
Section 2: Best Video Editing Software for Mac
If you’re ready to take your video editing to the next level, HitPaw Edimakor is one of the best video editing software for Mac available in 2025. It’s beginner-friendly but offers more advanced features than iMovie, including AI tools, motion tracking, and a wider range of templates.
Key Features of HitPaw Edimakor:
- Intuitive timeline editing with drag-and-drop tools.
- Built-in video effects, transitions, and sound effects.
- AI-powered features like background remover and auto-subtitle generation.
- Multi-track editing for advanced storytelling.
- Fast export options for YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
How to Edit Videos on Mac with HitPaw Edimakor:
Go to the official HitPaw website to download and install Edimakor.
Add Video to the Track
Click on the video you want to use, then either right-click and choose “Add to New Track” or simply drag it to the main track in the timeline.
Delete the Video
Added a video you don’t want? Just click on it in the timeline, then right-click and choose “Delete,” or click the “Delete” button in the quick toolbar to remove it.
Preview the Video
Press the “Play” button in the preview window to see the video you’re working on. You can also turn on the “Preview Line” to help you find and focus on the exact part you want to see.
Split the Video
Want to remove part of your video? Just move the play head to where the unwanted part starts, then click the “Split” button in the quick toolbar. Move the play head to the end of that section, then click “Split” again. Now click on the part you don’t want and press “Delete” to remove it.
Crop the Video
Have extra bits in your video that you want to remove? Click on the clip in the timeline, then press the “Crop” icon in the quick toolbar. Drag the box to keep only the part you want or adjust the Aspect Ratio to set the size. Move the box to the right spot, play it to check the result, and click “OK” when you’re happy.
Freeze Frame
Want to pause the action in your video? A freeze frame lets you turn a moving moment into a still image for a few seconds — great for movies or creative edits.
Just click the “Snowflake” icon in the quick toolbar and your freeze frame will be added. Alternatively, right-click the clip in the timeline and select “Add Freeze Frame.”
Pan & Zoom the Video
Want to add smooth camera movement to your video? The Pan & Zoom feature helps make it look more professional.
Click the “Crop” icon above the timeline, then choose “Pan & Zoom” at the top of the pop-up window. Set where you want the movement to start and end. Click the play button to preview it, and if it looks good, hit “OK” to apply.
Rotate the Video
To rotate your video, just type in the angle you want. You can also click and drag the circle rotate icon or grab the big yellow circle in the preview window and turn it to the angle you like.
Mirror the Video
Select your video in the timeline, then look at the top-right section for the mirror options. Click “Flip Horizontal” or “Flip Vertical” to mirror your video the way you want.
Zoom the Video
If you don’t want the video to fill the whole screen or just want to focus on one part, use the “Zoom” slider. Drag it to zoom in or out as needed.
Change the Video Opacity
By default, your video is fully visible at 100% opacity. To make it more see-through and show what’s behind it, just drag the opacity slider to lower the transparency.
Change the Video Background
If your video doesn’t cover the whole background, you can add a nice background instead. In HitPaw Edimakor, select your video in the timeline, then go to the preview window and scroll down to find the background options. Choose “Gaussian Blur,” “Color,” or “Image” to change the background to whatever you like.
Editing Audio
- Delete Audio: Select the audio track, right-click, and choose “Delete” or click the delete icon.
- Mute Audio: Click the audio icon beside the video track to turn off the original sound.
- Detach Audio: Right-click the video on the timeline, and select “Detach Audio” to separate the audio track.
- Split Audio: Select the audio track and click the split icon to cut it.
- Adjust Speed: Pick the audio, click the speed icon, and select your preferred speed.
- Adjust Volume: Drag the volume slider in the properties panel to make the audio louder or quieter.
- Fade In/Out: Adjust the fade sliders in the properties panel to gradually begin or end the audio.
- Noise Reduction: Enable “Noise Reduction” in the audio settings to reduce background noise.
Text Editing Made Simple
- Add Text: Choose a text style, click “Add,” then drag edges on the timeline to adjust duration.
- Edit Text: Double-click the text in the preview to modify it, or use the properties panel to adjust the font, size, color, opacity, and rotation.
- Delete Text: Select the text and press delete or click the delete icon.
- Add Animation: Choose text animations from the right panel.
- Use WordArt or Templates: Browse or search for WordArt and templates, then add and customize them.
Transitions Basics
- Add Transition: Browse transitions, and drag one between clips or images on the timeline.
- Edit Transition: Adjust duration by dragging edges or inputting time.
- Delete Transition: Select and press delete.
Filters & Effects Overview
- Add Filters/Effects: Drag your choice from the Filters or Effects panel onto your clip.
- Edit Duration/Strength: Drag edges to adjust length; click to change strength or parameters.
- Delete Filters/Effects: Remove from the properties panel or right-click on the effect track and delete.
That’s it! With the simple steps in this beginner guide, you’re all set to edit your audio, images, text, stickers, and more like a pro.
Final Thoughts
Editing videos on Mac in 2025 is easier than ever, thanks to this beginner guide, powerful tools and user-friendly apps. For beginners, iMovie is a great place to start, but if you want more features and smoother editing, HitPaw Edimakor is a fantastic choice. It offers helpful AI tools and creative options that make editing videos on Mac fun and simple. Give Edimakor a try to boost your editing skills and create amazing videos with confidence!
