Title: 10 Best Green Screen Video Editors Free
Introduction
Green screen technology changes the way videos are edited by letting you swap the background without any visible lines. This opens up a world of creative possibilities. It's an important part of modern editing for everything from movie effects to virtual presentations. While premium tools dominate the industry, there are many free green screen editing software options that deliver exceptional results without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we rank the top 10 best green screen video editor tools for beginners and pros alike. Whether you're crafting cinematic visuals or social media content, there’s a perfect free solution for you.
In this article
Part 1. Ranking the Best Green Screen Software
The best green screen video editors, according to user reviews, rankings, and important features, are summarized below:
TOOL+ Ranking out of 5 | Platform | Color Spill Control | Additional Features | Free Plan Limitations | Ideal for |
Filmora (4.8) | Mac, Windows | Yes | AI tools, effects library | Watermark on free plan | Beginners, creators |
VSDC (4.7) | Windows | Yes | Non-linear editing | No hardware acceleration | Advanced users |
Blender (4.7) | All Platforms | Yes | 3D rendering, VFX | Learning curve | 3D editors |
HitFilm Express (4.5) | All Platforms | Yes | VFX and compositing | Limited export formats | Filmmakers |
Lightworks (4.5) | All Platform | Yes | Professional editing tools | Export only in HD | Professional editors |
iMovie (4.4) | Mac | Yes | Simple interface | Mac-only | Apple users |
OBS Studio (4.4) | All Platforms | No | Screen recording, streaming | Not optimized for editing | Streamers |
VirtualDub (4.3) | Windows | No | Lightweight editing | Limited formats | Quick edits |
ZS4 Video Editor (4.2) | Windows, Mac | No | Basic editing | Outdated interface | Basic users |
Wax (4.1) | Windows | Yes | Plugins for advanced effects | Stability issues | Entry-level users |
Part 2. Best Green Screen Software Free and Premium
When you use green screen software on a desktop, you have more control and accuracy, which makes it perfect for complicated video projects. Desktop tools have advanced features like color spill removal, seamless compositing, and high-resolution editing. This can help you make professional videos or creative content. Let's look at some of the best green screen video editors out there.
1. Wondershare Filmora (Mac and Windows)
Some of the best video editors have chroma key tools for new users. Filmora is among the best green-screen video editors. It's easy to make a video with a green screen now. You can also add free video effects to your movie along with a green screen to make it look better.
On both Windows and Mac computers, you can get Filmora green screen video editing software. In addition, you can now change the saved project on both Windows and Mac, so you don't have to worry about which one you have.
Features
- Background Remover: Filmora's advanced AI simplifies the process of effortlessly removing backgrounds or isolating subjects in your videos.
- Smart Cutout: With AI-powered Smart Cutout, you can quickly refine your clips. It precisely identifies and removes people, objects, icons, or other elements from your videos with just a few clicks.
- AI Object Remover: This intuitive feature allows you to eliminate unwanted objects in your video with a few brush strokes.
- Instant Mode: Make high-quality videos in minutes using Filmora's instant mode; it is specifically designed for people with no editing experience.
- Speed Ramp: Use the Speed Ramp feature to use video speed as a creative tool to create professional footage.
- Auto Beat Maker: Easily synchronize your video scenes to the beat of your soundtrack for a seamless and engaging experience.
- Chroma Key: Seamlessly replace green backgrounds.
- AI Masking: Automatically removing backdrops and improving visual flow allows smooth scene transitions, keeping viewers engaged.
- AI Portrait cutout: Effortlessly remove backgrounds from people-focused shots.
How to apply green screen with Filmora step-by-step
Step 1: Import Your Clips
Begin by importing the green screen background (video or image) along with your main video into Filmora. Place the main video on the timeline and the green screen clip on a separate timeline above it.
Step 2: Apply the Green Screen Effect
Navigate to the Video > AI Tools on the Property Panel and find the Chroma Key section. Use the eyedropper tool to select the background color you want to remove. Fine-tune the effect by adjusting the offset, tolerance, and edge feather sliders to enhance the result.
https://images.wondershare.com/filmora/guide/filmora-chroma-key-remove-selected-color.jpg
With these simple steps, creating a green screen video is quick and straightforward. For more in-depth guidance, check out our detailed guide on how to make and use a green screen.
2. VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC is the best green screen video editor that comes with a tonne of features for drawing and selecting, adjusting colors and lighting, applying filters, creating transitions, and adding audio effects, among many more. Along with being able to edit green screens, it is one of the few freeware video editor tools available. By the way, if you want to mix a green screen video, you'll need a desktop tool.
Features
- It is a fully licensed green screen maker.
- It will take you a long time to learn.
- The size of this program is
3. Blender
Keying screen usage
Blender makes green screen work simple with its node-based compositing. Keying nodes offer various features, letting you pick the best for your project. The process is like linking LEGO blocks to create a signal path. The popular Keying node handles chroma keying and backdrop removal effectively. You can also tweak the matte using traditional methods for precise results.
Features
- Free and open-source with high-quality tools.
- Node-based compositor for advanced post-production.
- Multiple keying nodes for precise green screen removal.
- Supports multiLayer OpenEXR files for seamless compositing.
- Intuitive workflow with flexible node linking.
4. HitFilm Express
chroma key software
One of the best free green screen editing software is HitFilm. It lets you generate unique videos with a green screen. It offers an online course for beginners to make green screen videos. Millions of users can generate chroma key videos. It has about 140 preset effects.
Features
- 2D and 3D compositing for easy green screen movies.
- Unlimited tracks and transitions give you more flexibility over your video, making it more appealing.
5. Lightworks
You can get Lightworks for free to change green screens. For 25 years, it has been a well-known editor. This chroma key software has advanced tools that you can use to make a green screen movie. There is no bad choice if you know how to edit videos. Lightworks is just good. Sound and video effects can improve the look of your green screen movie. For 4K, you can use proxy processes instead of a green screen.
Features
- It's an expert and potent green screen editor.
- It is a recognized editor.
- It is intended for filmmakers.
6. iMovie
You can combine all of your moving images into a polished production with the help of iMovie. It is compatible with every new Mac. In addition to the standard video editing tools like crop, rotate, trim, and split, it comes with an easy-to-use timeline, in-built audio and animations, and a variety of effects, such as the green screen effect, that anybody can use.
Features
- One of the most well-known green screen editors for Macs—
- Having the ability to use it on an iPhone makes your work cross-platform.
7. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free green screen editing software. This open-source video recorder is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. Although many people believe it is only a video recorder, it can be used for a variety of tasks, including creating green screen videos. Once the video has been recorded or imported, begin applying chroma crucial effects. Its user interface is customizable, which is really useful!
Features
- Use it on any platform without spending any money.
- Screen recording is another feature it offers.
8. VirtualDub
If you are looking for free green screen editing software for quick processing and flexibility, you can try VirtualDub. It assists you with basic video editing tasks like switching audio tracks, applying filters, cutting clips, and altering audio, but it lacks the capabilities of professional video editing software. Although it is not as strong as many other software programs, it also has a simple green screen option.
Features
- A plug plugin can be added in order to create a green screen video.
- Its application is stable.
9. ZS4 Video Editor
Zwei-Stein's green screen editor has been updated as ZS4 Video Editor. With more than 150 built-in video effects, including superb color and chroma key, it's a sophisticated tool for video editing and compositing. Additionally, you have the ability to alter the output video's width and height, add an infinite number of tracks and sub-composites, slave effects, compose controls for audio waveforms, and more.
Features
- It is a sophisticated video editing program.
- Its user interface is intuitive.
10. Wax
A straightforward video editor for both personal and business use is DebugMode Wax. It offers special effects, including as 3D effects and chroma key composting, that let users create dynamic pie video pieceshese effects. Another fantastic feature is that Wax can be used as a plugin to help your favorite video editor software apply effects or as a stand-alone green screen program.
Features
- Tools for making green screen effects in two and three dimensions
- Backs up the most common video file types.
- The acceleration of graphics is robust
Editor’s Choice
Wondershare Filmora is highly recommended for green screen composing because it:
- Supports a wide range of video formats.
- Easily applies Chroma Key to remove backgrounds.
- Smoothly blends clips with new backgrounds.
- Offers multiple options to share your videos effortlessly.
Conclusion
Green screen technology has democratized video editing, enabling anyone to create professional visuals. The free green screen editing software listed above offers excellent options for both beginners and experts. While all tools bring unique advantages, Wondershare Filmora stands out for its intuitive interface and powerful features, making it the best green screen video editor for creators of all levels.
FAQ
Do I need a high-end computer to use green screen software?
Not always. Lightweight tools like iMovie or OBS Studio can work on basic setups.How do I set up a green screen for filming?
Use a solid green background, even lighting, and place the subject away from the screen to minimize shadows.How do I avoid the "green spill" effect when editing green screen videos?
Adjust chroma key settings and use color spill controls available in tools like Filmora or VSDC.Is it possible to remove the background without a green screen?
Yes, AI-based tools like Filmora can remove backgrounds without needing a green screen.