Video Editing Software

This is a curated list highlighting some free and low-cost video tools that align with instructional design workflows. Be it multi-track editing, animation, or interactive video features, these tools support the full spectrum of content creation needs and can be a great compliment to creating interactive content with dominKnow | ONE. 

Whether you’re designing for corporate training, higher education, or customer enablement, these tools can empower your team and help to craft polished, learner-focused training content.

• Shotcut is a free open-source video editing tool that offers a wide range of professional features in a user-friendly interface. It supports hundreds of video and audio formats, includes a multi-track timeline, and offers advanced tools like keyframing, filters, transitions, and color grading. Shotcut works on Windows, macOS, and Linux—making it accessible to creators across platforms. With no watermark or subscription required, it's a great option for beginners and pros alike.
   
• Avidemux is a lightweight tool ideal for quick tasks like cutting, filtering, and encoding videos. It’s not timeline-based, so it's best for straightforward edits rather than full productions.
   
• Blender is primarily a 3D modeling suite, Blender’s video editor supports green screen compositing and animation integration. Use it to visualize complex processes (e.g., engineering simulations) or add 3D diagrams to lectures
   
• Kdenlive is a powerful open-source editor designed for more advanced users. It features multi-track editing, effects, transitions, keyframe control, and proxy editing. It’s particularly popular among Linux users but also available for Windows and macOS.
   
• OpenShot is a beginner-friendly, open-source video editor that supports unlimited layers, 3D animations, and a variety of video effects. Great for creating engaging educational content with visual enhancements.
   
• DaVinci Resolve provides a free version that is incredibly powerful and widely used in professional film and TV production. It offers advanced color grading, visual effects, audio post-production, and a robust editing timeline—all in one platform.
   
• WeVideo is a browser-based editor with real-time collaboration, ideal for team-based course development. Its interactive layers (quizzes, polls) turn passive videos into assessments. Analytics track learner engagement.
   
• ClipChamp is a browser-based video editor integrated with Windows 11. Offers templates, stock media, and easy-to-use editing tools, making it accessible for quick instructional video creation.
   
• CapCut is a versatile video editing app available on desktop and mobile. Features include AI-driven tools, text-to-speech, and motion tracking, useful for creating dynamic instructional videos.
   
• Adobe Express Video Editor (Free & Paid Versions) is a  web-based video editor offering templates, stock assets, and simple editing tools. Suitable for quick creation of instructional videos and social media content.

When delivering learning content—especially across Learning Management Systems (LMS), intranets, or mobile platforms—video file size can significantly impact load times, bandwidth usage, and learner experience. Compression reduces file size without noticeably degrading quality, making videos faster to stream or download and easier to embed across platforms.

For instructional designers, efficient compression ensures that learners on all devices and internet speeds can access content smoothly, while also helping teams stay within storage limits or upload restrictions. Many of the tools listed in this guide offer built-in export settings or presets for web-optimized delivery.

To learn more about video compression, why it's important and some tools to assist, visit: Audio & Video - Web Media Optimization Recommended Practice