Apple Final Cut Pro X: Final Cut Pro X recently added a bunch of 360-degree support, though it only supports the HTC Vive in terms of VR headsets. It offers 360-degree titling, some effects, and a. Unsure which solution is best for your company? Find out which tool is better with a detailed comparison of Final Cut Pro & Adobe Premiere Pro & iMovie. Use an easy side-by-side layout to quickly compare their features, pricing and integrations.
by Kayla Morrison • 2020-12-03 17:16:19 • Proven solutions
The consensus is that there are lots of video creation and editing programs currently. These programs will help you create photo slideshows, add background music to video, or even crop your videos. That said, two of the most popular video editing tools for macOS are Final Cut Pro and iMovie. However, choosing between these two apps can be difficult because both of them offer excellent features. So in this article, we want to discuss the difference between iMovie and Final Cut Pro and the best alternative to these programs. Keep reading!
Part 1. iMovie vs. Final Cut Pro: Which Is Right for You
iMovie
iMovie is the default file editing program for iOS and Mac. It is developed by Apple Inc. and was first released in the year 1997. The interface is self-explanatory, making it perfect for amateur and pro video editors alike. However, you'll need to use it several to understand the basic video editing and sharing tools on this platform. For example, most users don't know that you can easily upload videos online to YouTube using iMovie. You can also create exciting and professional photo slideshows with beautiful templates and background music. You just need to import the images and use the effects and themes.
Pros:
- Easy to use interface.
- Free to use.
- Easily make professional and homemade videos.
- Share video clips directly to YouTube, Facebook, etc.
Cons:
- It only exports videos in MOV and MP4 formats.
- Not a beginner-friendly app.
Final Cut Pro
Giving iMovie a serious run for its money is Final Cut Pro, which its users claim that it's even better than iMovie. That aside, I find this program to be perfect for professional video editors looking for extended features. It features powerful options such as auto face analysis, magnetic timeline, video stabilization, background processing, etc. You can obtain the Final Cut Pro from the Apple App Store and install it on several Mac computers for $299. Although this is a bit steep, the powerful features and regular updates make it worth the money.
Pros:
- It has a magnetic and trackless timeline with fast performance.
- There are excellent organization tools like auto analysis, tagging, libraries, ratings, etc.
- It supports HDR and 360-degree footage.
Read write ntfs mac. Cons: Pdf expert vs acrobat pro.
- Steep price.
- It has no search feature in the import dialog.
- Not for greenhorns.
- It has no motion tracking or stabilization for 360-degree video.
Part 2. Fun to Use: Recommended Video Converter Alternative for iMovie and Final Cut Pro
Wondershare UniConverter is the perfect iMovie Final Cut Pro alternative for macOS. It will only cost you around 2 minutes to fully install this app. Moving forward, Wondershare UniConverter can quickly edit your videos thanks to its powerful editing tools like trimming, cropping, applying effects, adding subtitles, etc. You can also use it to convert any video format to MP4, FLV, VOB, MOV, and many other video formats. Even better, you can quickly transfer files to Android, iPhone, iPod, flash drives, etc. Simply put, Wondershare UniConverter is the best video editing software for pro and novice macOS users.
Wondershare UniConverter - Best Video Editing Tool
- There is a built-in editor for cutting, trimming, adding subtitles, and many other file editing tasks.
- Convert movies files to optimized preset for almost all devices.
- Download videos from popular sites like YouTube, Dailymotion, Vevo, etc.
- It has a 30X faster conversion speed than any conventional converters.
- Edit, enhance & personalize your videos file.
- Download/record videos from YouTube and other 10,000 video sharing sites.
- Versatile toolbox combines video metadata, GIF maker, video compressor, and screen recorder.
- Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7, macOS 11 Big Sur, 10.15, 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6.
Steps to edit videos using Wondershare Final Cut Pro iMovie Alternative
Step 1 Import video clips.
From the Video Converter window, click the to start importing clips saved on your computer or any other connected device. Kindly note that importing several files is allowed. After your videos have been successfully added, they'll appear as thumbnails on the left side of the home window.
Step 2 Convert to another format (Optional).
If you want to transfer your videos to a specific device, let's say iPhone, Samsung, or even Apple TV, you can convert them to a device-specific format. To do that, click the Output Format > Device > choose your device name and resolution. If your device's name is not on the list, click Video, then select MP4 because it's universal.
Step 3 Edit your video.
Now click either the Crop, Trim, or Effect icons below the thumbnails to open the editing and preview window. There, you can trim, apply effects, add/remove watermarks, crop, remove/add audio, and many more. Click the Ok and then tap the Play icon on your video to preview your changes. If you're okay, move to the final step.
Step 4 Save the changes.
Set your preferred destination folder by clicking the File Location below the screen. I recommend the Desktop since it's easier to find. Lastly, hit the Convert or Start All if you have several videos. Wondershare Video Editor will convert and save the clips under the Converted button. Now you can right-click your video and choose what you want to do with it.
iMovie and Final Cut Pro are both video editing programs developed by Apple. Why would one company create two completely different video editing applications and, more importantly, which one should you choose for editing on Mac? In this article, we'll try to make things clearer so you can better understand the main differences and decide which one is more suitable for you.
Let's get started!
Compare Imovie To Final Cut Pro 8
Quick Review
If you want a quick answer, here it is: iMovie is for beginners, Final Cut Pro is for professionals. If you're just starting to edit, the first one will be just perfect for you.
Want details? Let's get to a more thorough analysis.
Imovie Vs Pro
| Feature/Parameter | iMovie | Final Cut Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | User-friendly, suitable for beginners | Complicated for beginners |
| Video-editing tools | Basic | Advanced |
| Sharing option | Iswift 4 2. ✅ | ❌ |
| Support by mobile devices | ✅ | ❌ |
| 4K video support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto enhancements/Presets | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multicam editing | ❌ | ✅ |
| 360° video editing | ❌ | ✅ |
| Target group | Beginners | Professionals |
| Plugins | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mobile app | ✅ | ❌ |
| iCloud synchronization | ✅ | ❌ |
| Price | Free | $299.99 |
About iMovie
iMovie was released by Apple in 1999 as a macOS 8 application. This video editor is aimed at amateurs in videography. It doesn't mean the software is not powerful, though. iMovie has all of the essential features for making movies and getting familiar with creative editing. It lacks some more advanced features, but you won't need those until you're an experienced professional movie editor anyway.
iMovie has a simple, easy-to-use interface, which makes the program perfect for beginners. If you're making a family movie, a video invitation to a party, or a video for your new YouTube channel, iMovie is perfect for you. With the help of the software, you can cut and trim clips, add audio tracks, apply effects, and overlay images.
iMovie is the oldest app in Apple's iLife, a suite of programs for media creation.
About Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is another video editing app developed by Apple, this time for professionals. It was also released in the late 90s.
Final Cut Pro is a more complex and advanced application, designed to help video editors make movies for the big screen. For example, well-known movies like No Country for Old Man (2011), 500 Days of Summer (2009), The Social Network (2010), and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) were made with Final Cut Pro. This software you'll for sure meet in all best professional video editing programs ratings.
The software includes a wide range of effects, technical features, and animations. It demands powerful hardware and deep knowledge of how to use all these advanced tools. None of which makes Final Cut Pro any worse or better than iMovie. It's just designed to do other things by a different audience.
Now that we know who the programs were designed for, let's do a few 'Final Cut Pro vs iMovie' comparison rounds of the benefits to see which one is better for you.
iMovie vs Final Cut Pro: Which One Is More User Friendly?
As we said, iMovie was initially made for beginners and amateur videographers, so it's really easy for a new user to understand what's what. It's organized clearly and needs only a few buttons to help you create your movie quickly, avoiding any possible confusion.
Final Cut Pro, on the other hand, is quite complex. Before starting to do any real movie editing, a new user will have to spend some time exploring the software. The program provides good stabilization and color correction features. It also enables you to use different plugins to customize your working surface. But there's a learning curve and it will take some time to get used to.
Although the developers claim that Final Cut Pro has an intuitive design, it's worth mentioning that it is intuitive only to those who've already spent a couple of years editing videos.
Winner: iMovie
By the way, we know another great video editing program for beginners 😉 It has more features than iMovie, and it's much more user-friendly and easy-to-use than Final Cut. Have you guessed what program we're talking about? Right, Movavi Video Editor Plus. With this program, you'll be able to create beautiful movies with wide-ranging effects, atmospheric transitions, and multiple audio tracks. Ready to give it a shot? Wait, we'll make it even more tempting for you: until the end of this year, you can get Video Editor at a special secret discount for our blog readers!
Final Cut Pro vs iMovie: Which One Has More Features?
Definitely, Final Cut Pro. Here are just a few things that Final Cut Pro has and iMovie doesn't:
- 3D animation
- Audio compression
- Automatic synchronization of up to 64 angles of videos of different formats
- Advanced color grading tools
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are tons of truly exciting tools to boost your creativity.
Also, to Final Cut Pro, you can add third-party plugins to make the software even more multifeatured. That means an unlimited supply of effects, transitions, tools. The plugins are provided by major stock footage sites, like Shutterstock, Pixel Film Studios, Videohive, Motionvfx. You can find both paid and no fees.
Winner: Final Cut Pro
iMovie vs Final Cut Pro: Which One Is Better For Video Color Correction
We've already noted that Final Cut has advanced color grading features. Let's take a closer look at them. In this program, you can work with color wheels, color curves, and hue/saturation curves. You can adjust color corrections over time. Microsoft excel download official. All these tools and scopes support high-quality HDR video.
Online voice changer for skype. In iMovie, you can adjust saturation, brightness, contrast, and shadows by dragging on the controllers. As you can see, iMovie's color grading features are quite simple and basic. But, let's be honest, they're enough in most cases.
Winner: Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro vs iMovie: Which App Renders Faster?
Since iMovie has fewer effects, transitions, and layers, the app can process video faster. Movies made with Final Cut Pro are usually much larger and therefore take more time to render.
Winner: iMovie
iMovie vs Final Cut Pro: Which Program Provides Better Sharing Features?
After you're done editing your video in iMovie, you can share it directly on Facebook, Vimeo, or YouTube. Also, iMovie is not only for computers – there's also an app for iPhones and iPads – so you can easily share your video from any of your devices. Final Cut Pro, being 'serious' software for professionals, doesn't have these kinds of features.
Winner: iMovie
Which One's Workflow is Better?
The workflow in both applications is pretty similar. Both support importing footage, using a magnetic timeline, and adding effects and presets in a similar way. The only difference is that Final Cut Pro has many more tools than iMovie, and therefore there are more things to manage. But the developers have worked on that aspect really hard to provide users with new organizing tools in every update.
So… it's a tie!
Which One Has Better Text Features
iMovie provides users with preset motion-based graphics for text. In this editor, it's very easy to add titles to a project, but you're limited in adjustment options. Basically, all you can do is change the font, size, and color of the letters – and that's it. In Final Cut Pro, on the other hand, you have many more options for your creativity. But, of course, adding text in this editor is a bit more complicated.
Winner: Final Cut Pro
Last But Not Least: Pricing
If you want a quick answer, here it is: iMovie is for beginners, Final Cut Pro is for professionals. If you're just starting to edit, the first one will be just perfect for you.
Want details? Let's get to a more thorough analysis.
Imovie Vs Pro
| Feature/Parameter | iMovie | Final Cut Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | User-friendly, suitable for beginners | Complicated for beginners |
| Video-editing tools | Basic | Advanced |
| Sharing option | Iswift 4 2. ✅ | ❌ |
| Support by mobile devices | ✅ | ❌ |
| 4K video support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto enhancements/Presets | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multicam editing | ❌ | ✅ |
| 360° video editing | ❌ | ✅ |
| Target group | Beginners | Professionals |
| Plugins | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mobile app | ✅ | ❌ |
| iCloud synchronization | ✅ | ❌ |
| Price | Free | $299.99 |
About iMovie
iMovie was released by Apple in 1999 as a macOS 8 application. This video editor is aimed at amateurs in videography. It doesn't mean the software is not powerful, though. iMovie has all of the essential features for making movies and getting familiar with creative editing. It lacks some more advanced features, but you won't need those until you're an experienced professional movie editor anyway.
iMovie has a simple, easy-to-use interface, which makes the program perfect for beginners. If you're making a family movie, a video invitation to a party, or a video for your new YouTube channel, iMovie is perfect for you. With the help of the software, you can cut and trim clips, add audio tracks, apply effects, and overlay images.
iMovie is the oldest app in Apple's iLife, a suite of programs for media creation.
About Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is another video editing app developed by Apple, this time for professionals. It was also released in the late 90s.
Final Cut Pro is a more complex and advanced application, designed to help video editors make movies for the big screen. For example, well-known movies like No Country for Old Man (2011), 500 Days of Summer (2009), The Social Network (2010), and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) were made with Final Cut Pro. This software you'll for sure meet in all best professional video editing programs ratings.
The software includes a wide range of effects, technical features, and animations. It demands powerful hardware and deep knowledge of how to use all these advanced tools. None of which makes Final Cut Pro any worse or better than iMovie. It's just designed to do other things by a different audience.
Now that we know who the programs were designed for, let's do a few 'Final Cut Pro vs iMovie' comparison rounds of the benefits to see which one is better for you.
iMovie vs Final Cut Pro: Which One Is More User Friendly?
As we said, iMovie was initially made for beginners and amateur videographers, so it's really easy for a new user to understand what's what. It's organized clearly and needs only a few buttons to help you create your movie quickly, avoiding any possible confusion.
Final Cut Pro, on the other hand, is quite complex. Before starting to do any real movie editing, a new user will have to spend some time exploring the software. The program provides good stabilization and color correction features. It also enables you to use different plugins to customize your working surface. But there's a learning curve and it will take some time to get used to.
Although the developers claim that Final Cut Pro has an intuitive design, it's worth mentioning that it is intuitive only to those who've already spent a couple of years editing videos.
Winner: iMovie
By the way, we know another great video editing program for beginners 😉 It has more features than iMovie, and it's much more user-friendly and easy-to-use than Final Cut. Have you guessed what program we're talking about? Right, Movavi Video Editor Plus. With this program, you'll be able to create beautiful movies with wide-ranging effects, atmospheric transitions, and multiple audio tracks. Ready to give it a shot? Wait, we'll make it even more tempting for you: until the end of this year, you can get Video Editor at a special secret discount for our blog readers!
Final Cut Pro vs iMovie: Which One Has More Features?
Definitely, Final Cut Pro. Here are just a few things that Final Cut Pro has and iMovie doesn't:
- 3D animation
- Audio compression
- Automatic synchronization of up to 64 angles of videos of different formats
- Advanced color grading tools
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are tons of truly exciting tools to boost your creativity.
Also, to Final Cut Pro, you can add third-party plugins to make the software even more multifeatured. That means an unlimited supply of effects, transitions, tools. The plugins are provided by major stock footage sites, like Shutterstock, Pixel Film Studios, Videohive, Motionvfx. You can find both paid and no fees.
Winner: Final Cut Pro
iMovie vs Final Cut Pro: Which One Is Better For Video Color Correction
We've already noted that Final Cut has advanced color grading features. Let's take a closer look at them. In this program, you can work with color wheels, color curves, and hue/saturation curves. You can adjust color corrections over time. Microsoft excel download official. All these tools and scopes support high-quality HDR video.
Online voice changer for skype. In iMovie, you can adjust saturation, brightness, contrast, and shadows by dragging on the controllers. As you can see, iMovie's color grading features are quite simple and basic. But, let's be honest, they're enough in most cases.
Winner: Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro vs iMovie: Which App Renders Faster?
Since iMovie has fewer effects, transitions, and layers, the app can process video faster. Movies made with Final Cut Pro are usually much larger and therefore take more time to render.
Winner: iMovie
iMovie vs Final Cut Pro: Which Program Provides Better Sharing Features?
After you're done editing your video in iMovie, you can share it directly on Facebook, Vimeo, or YouTube. Also, iMovie is not only for computers – there's also an app for iPhones and iPads – so you can easily share your video from any of your devices. Final Cut Pro, being 'serious' software for professionals, doesn't have these kinds of features.
Winner: iMovie
Which One's Workflow is Better?
The workflow in both applications is pretty similar. Both support importing footage, using a magnetic timeline, and adding effects and presets in a similar way. The only difference is that Final Cut Pro has many more tools than iMovie, and therefore there are more things to manage. But the developers have worked on that aspect really hard to provide users with new organizing tools in every update.
So… it's a tie!
Which One Has Better Text Features
iMovie provides users with preset motion-based graphics for text. In this editor, it's very easy to add titles to a project, but you're limited in adjustment options. Basically, all you can do is change the font, size, and color of the letters – and that's it. In Final Cut Pro, on the other hand, you have many more options for your creativity. But, of course, adding text in this editor is a bit more complicated.
Winner: Final Cut Pro
Last But Not Least: Pricing
iMovie is completely free for Mac users while Final Cut Pro costs $299,99! So the winner in this category is pretty obvious. But we must mention that you can get a discount on Final Cut Pro when buying a new computer from Apple with the program pre-installed or if you are a student. Also, there's a 90-day free trial for the program. So you can download it and enjoy all the advanced super-features for three months and see for yourself if it's really worth it to pay for the software.
