Expert Insights: Elevate Your Video Editing Knowledge for iMac Now

So you've got an iMac as your mac for video editing. This will be your guide to the best video editing software for your iMac and the best ways to maximize the power of professional video editing.

This article relates to our previous post: Best Mac for Video Editing

Is An iMac Good For Video Editing?

Yes, an iMac is a great option for video editing! It has powerful hardware that can handle complex tasks, and its large display makes it easy to work on videos.

Additionally, Mac OS provides a range of features that are ideal for video editing.

Which iMac is Best for Video Editing?

The current iMac model for sale at Apple include:

iMac 24" with M1 chip

Which Mac Video Editing Software is Best?

There is a lot of video editing software available for iMac, both free and premium.

See this article where we go over all of the video editing software and each one's pros and cons and price. Since you're on a Mac, the main choices from Apple are iMovie and Final Cut Pro.

Starting with premium video editing apps:

Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is a professional video editing application developed by Apple Inc. for Mac OS. It was originally released in 1999 as a software product for Mac OS 8.5, and has been regularly updated since its release. As of the writing of this article, Final Cut Pro is in version 10.6.10.

Read about my history with Final Cut Pro.

Pricing: Final Cut Pro requires a one-time payment of $299.99 on the App Store. There is also a free 30-day trial available. Apple also offers a Final Cut Pro Student Discount for both students and teachers.

The Takeaway: Final Cut Pro is good for beginning editors. Its trackless magnetic timeline paradigm works very well. And of all the premium Mac video editing software on this list, since it's developed by Apple, it has tremendous speed on current iMacs for video editing.

Related Article: Final Cut Pro vs Premiere Pro

Davinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolveis a video editing application developed by Blackmagic Design. It was originally released in 2004, and has been regularly updated since its release. As of the writing of this article, DaVinci Resolve is in version 18.5.

Pricing: DaVinci Resolve is available for free, or as a Studio version with additional features for a $299 one-time payment.

The Takeaway: DaVinci Resolve has powerful features, and the free version is perfect if you're just learning how to edit videos. Plus all versions of Davinci Resolve include industry-leading color correction and color grading. If you have an interest in being a colorist, Davinci Resolve is the industry standard.

Adobe Premiere Pro CC

Premiere Pro is another professional video editing application developed by Adobe Systems, who are known for their Creative Cloud suite of programs such as Photoshop and After Effects.

It was originally released in 2003 as "Adobe Premiere", and has been regularly updated since its release.

As of the writing of this article, Premiere Pro is in version 24.0Adobe Creative Cloud Student Discount: Everything You Need To Know

Pricing: Premiere Pro is available as part of the Creative Cloud subscription starting at $20.99/month for an annual plan or $31.49/month for a month-to-month plan.

There is also a free 7-day trial available. There are discounts available for students and teachers.

The Takeaway: Premiere Pro can be bought by itself or as a part of a Creative Cloud plan, which gets you tons of other professional video and graphics applications like After Effects, Audition, Photoshop, and Illustrator. The Creative Cloud suite is good for professional video editors that need a whole arsenal of pro video tools at their disposal.

Related Articles:

Premiere Pro Pricing Explained

Adobe Creative Cloud Pricing Explained

Premiere Pro vs. Final Cut Pro

Movavi Video Editor

Movavi Video Editor is a video editing application developed by Movavi. It was originally released in 2007, and has been regularly updated since its release.

As of the writing of this article, Movavi Video Editor is in version 20.4.

Pricing: Movavi Video Editor price ranges from $39.95 for a lifetime license of the basic version to $199.95 for a business license of the plus version.

They also offer a Video Editor + Effect Packs 1-year subscription for $79.95 (discounted from $178.95 until October 15, 2023)​

For a 1-year license of Movavi Video Editor, the price is $54.95​.

The Takeaway: Movavi Video Editor is a good option for beginners, or casual video editors who want basic features at an affordable price point.

It's not as fully featured as some of the other software on this list, but it has all the tools necessary for creating basic videos and slideshows.

Plus, its animated titles and transitions can add some flair to your videos.

Wondershare Filmora

Wondershare Filmora is a video editing application developed by Wondershare. It was originally released in 2014, and has been regularly updated since its release. As of the writing of this article, Wondershare Filmora is in version 9.4.

Pricing: Wondershare Filmora is a one-time fee of $89.99 which gives access to Filmora X for life​.

Free Video Editing Applications

I won't go into as much detail about the free video editing applications for iMac, but here is a list:

iMovie

iMovie offers a sleek interface and intuitive editing tools, enabling users to create polished videos with ease on both macOS and iOS platforms. Its variety of built-in templates and effects cater to beginners, making professional-looking video editing accessible.

Shotcut

Shotcut is a free, open-source video editor that supports a wide range of formats and boasts a customizable, user-friendly interface. Its extensive range of editing tools and tutorials make it a flexible choice for both novice and experienced editors.

Avidemux

Avidemux simplifies video editing with its straightforward interface, making it easy for beginners to perform basic cutting, filtering, and encoding tasks. Despite its simplicity, it supports various file types and offers a set of useful tools for everyday video processing.

Hitfilm Express

Hitfilm Express is a robust video editing and visual effects software that provides a professional-grade editing environment. With its vast collection of VFX tools and tutorials, it's a solid choice for aspiring filmmakers and editors on a budget.

OpenShot

OpenShot is a user-friendly, open-source video editor that provides a simple way to create and edit videos with its drag-and-drop interface. Its broad range of features and cross-platform compatibility make it a versatile choice for different user levels and operating systems.

History of the iMac

The first iMac was released in 1998 and is credited with revitalizing Apple's reputation as a computer manufacturer.

It was an all-in-one computer, with the monitor built into the same casing as the processor and other components.

The original iMac featured a Bondi Blue translucent plastic design, making it immediately recognizable amongst other computers of its time.

In the following years, Apple continued to release new versions of the iMac with updated designs and improved hardware.

In 2002, they introduced a flat panel display instead of the previous CRT screen, and 2004 marked the transition to Intel processors.

Today, the iMac continues to be one of Apple's top-selling products, with their latest 2019 version featuring retina 4K and 5K

Is the iMac the Best Mac for Video Editing?

Not necessarily, the current models of MacBook Pro, the older Mac Pro, and the new Mac Studio are generally models that professional video editors prefer.

But the Best Mac for Video is likely the best mac that you can afford.

Or the Best Mac that offers you the feature that you need most for your specific job.

Video Editing on an iMac Frequently Asked Questions

How much RAM do I need for editing on an iMac?

It depends on the type of video editing you want to do and the software you are using, but 8GB RAM is a good starting point. If your budget allows for it, 16GB or more can greatly improve performance and allow for smoother editing.

Can I edit 4K video on my iMac?

If your iMac has a Retina display and a graphics card from AMD Radeon R9 series or later, then it should have enough power to handle 4K video editing. You will also need to make sure you have enough storage space available for the large 4K files. Check with your specific software program's system requirements as well.

What is the best editing app for iMac?

There is no one answer to this question as it ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Some popular options for iMac include Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Movavi Video Editor. It's a good idea to research each program and see which features are important to you, and also try out the free trials if available.

I use Adobe Creative Cloud as my main video editing application, occasionally use Final Cut Pro for the rich third-party plugins, and use Davinci Resolve for advanced color grading.

What kind of processor do I need for video editing on an iMac?

The current iMac 24" includes an M1 chip, which is amazing at editing video. However, for previous models, the minimum recommended processor for video editing on an iMac is an Intel Core i5. It's also a good idea to have multiple cores in your processor for better performance. If budget allows, upgrading to an Intel Core i7 or i9 can greatly improve the speed and smoothness of editing. A good video editing processor like the M1 or M2 will make for a powerful video editing Mac.

Related Article: How a Mac CPU impacts Mac Video Editing

Do I need an external hard drive for video editing on my iMac?

It depends on the amount of storage space available on your iMac and the size of your video files. If you have enough storage space, then an external hard drive may not be necessary. However, if you find yourself running out of storage space, or if you are working with large 4K files, it may be worth investing in an external hard drive for storage and potentially better performance.

Do I need a special graphics card for editing video on an iMac?

While a dedicated graphics card will improve the performance of your video editing on an iMac, it is not necessarily required. The current M1 chip includes integrated graphics with enough power to handle most basic video editing tasks. However, if you plan on doing more intensive editing or using VR/3D effects, then a dedicated graphics card may be worth considering as an upgrade option. Check with your specific software program's system requirements as well.

Related Article: How Does a GPU Impact Video Editing?

How is video editing on an iMac compared to a Mac Mini?

The iMac includes a built-in display, which can make the editing process more streamlined and convenient. However, the Apple Mac Mini is a more compact and affordable option that can also handle basic video editing tasks with the right upgrade options (such as adding an external monitor and dedicated graphics card). It ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. The iMac is your mac for video editing vs a Mac Mini. Both the Mac Mini and the Apple iMac offer decent power at a good price.

How is video editing on an iMac compared to a MacBook Air?

The iMac is a better option for serious video editing, as it includes a larger display and more powerful hardware options. The MacBook Air may be able to handle basic editing tasks, but it may struggle with more intensive projects. However, the MacBook Air's portability can be convenient for on-the-go editing needs. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. The iMac is your better mac for video editing vs a MacBook Air.

How is video editing on an iMac compared to a Mac Pro?

The Mac Pro is the most powerful option for video editing, with high-end hardware options and expandability. However, it also comes at a higher price point. The iMac can still handle basic to intermediate video editing tasks and may be a more budget-friendly option. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Additionally, keep in mind that the new M1 chip has greatly improved the performance of the iMac for video editing, potentially closing the gap between it and the Mac Pro. The Mac Pro is your Mac for video editing vs the iMac. Though, as the Mac Pro ages and is not updated by Apple, the updated M1 chips in the iMac might supersede the Mac Pro as your best mac for video.

How is video editing on an iMac compared to a MacBook Pro?

The MacBook Pro can handle basic to intermediate video editing tasks and may be a convenient option for on-the-go editing needs. However, the iMac includes a larger display and more powerful hardware options, making it a better choice for serious video editing projects. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Additionally, keep in mind that the new M1 chip has greatly improved the performance of the iMac for video editing, potentially closing the gap between it and the MacBook Pro. Depending on the model, video editors might prefer the power of the iMac as the best mac for video editing, though the current MacBook Pro models offer the M1 Max chip, which gives tremendous power to video editors.

How is video editing on an iMac compared to the Mac Studio?

Video editing on an iMac is typically much more limited than on a Mac Studio. The iMacs have much less powerful processors and graphics cards, so they can't handle as many video effects or render videos as quickly. Video editors likely would prefer the Mac Studio in this case, but more price-conscious video editors would like the better balance of power to price of the current Apple iMac 24".

Are older iMacs good for video editing?

It ultimately depends on the specific hardware of the older iMac model. Generally speaking, a newer iMac with a more powerful processor and graphics card will be better to edit video.

However, some older iMac models, like an Intel Mac may still be able to handle basic editing tasks. Check with your specific software program's system requirements as well. Upgrading certain components, such as the RAM and graphics card, may also improve performance for video editing on an older iMac model.

Is the iMac Pro good for video editing?

Yes, the iMac Pro is designed for intensive tasks such as video editing and includes high-end hardware options. However, it also comes at a higher price point. The regular iMac can still handle basic to intermediate video editing tasks and may be a more budget-friendly option. It ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Additionally, keep in mind that the new M1 chip has greatly improved the performance of the regular iMac for editing, potentially closing the gap between it and the iMac Pro.