I use three primary video editing software when producing my corporate and YouTube videos. These apps allow me to unleash my visual creativity. There's a deep learning curve with them, but if you're patient, and take the time to learn, you'll be a master in no time. I'd suggest, if you want to learn about these video editing applications, to check out Lynda.com and sign up for a free 1 month trial. YouTube can also be a great resource as well if you want to go the free route.
I'm still learning about these applications; there's a lot of features and different workflows depending on what you're trying to accomplish. My next goal is that I want to learn more about the various keyboard shortcuts, to be more efficient with video editing.
Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is a non-linear program made by Apple on macOS. It's a powerful, intuitive video editing program. It has a drag and drop type interface, much like iMovie, but more advanced.
Final Cut Pro is my main driver in terms of video editing because I find it most intuitive. Whereas Adobe Premier, I find more technical. Final Cut Pro allows me to be more creative because I think the drag and drop interface, enables me to think less technically, but more intuitively. In other words, it helps me visualize the final video easier due to the nature of the editing system. It's almost as if Final Cut uses the right side of my brain, the more creative side, whereas Premier seems to be using the left side of my brain, the more logical side.
For some features I cannot do in Final Cut Pro, I turn to Adobe Premier.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a full-featured application and one of the leading video editing software out there. It comes with Adobe's Creative Cloud Suite, as a monthly or yearly subscription. What I like most about it, is it allows me to use Red Giant Software, a software specializing in motion design, visual effects and colour correction, much more efficiently on Premiere. I have found that Red Giant software will occasionally crash on Final Cut. The visual editor for Red Giant software works better in Premiere.
Premiere I find overall more technical. It gives the vibe that it's more professional and in many respects, is seen in the industry as such. Many creators on YouTube, advocate for Premier as the best video editor. Therefore, I'd say, consider it as staple software you should learn.
Adobe After Effects
After Effects is a sophisticated and fully functioned effect editor. I use it for keyframing and motion tracking. I need to learn a bunch more to take advantage of this application, but if you can stick with it, this application can open up several different creative outlets for you. I'd suggest checking out the many videos on Lyndia.com, to learn more about this program.
