Тop 10 Free AVI Editors in 2025

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Edited by
Sam P Dunn
26013

Key takeaways

  • I went through a mix of AVI video editors for Mac and Windows. My special pick includes Movavi Video Editor. But there are many other good AVI software like Shotcut, iMovie, Kdenlive, and OpenShot.
  • Free software can do a lot, but it sometimes struggles with longer projects or more complex edits. Paid tools tend to give more options for multi-track editing and effects.
  • Which editor works best depends on what you do. Quick clips? iMovie or Movie Maker usually get it done. Bigger, layered projects? Movavi or Lightworks make life easier.
  • Most editors open AVI files straight away, and you can export to MP4 or other formats without extra steps. Multi-track video and audio usually work fine.
  • My tip: play with timelines and transitions first, test effects on small clips, and make sure your AVI files render properly before final export.

Want to know how to edit AVI files? Me too. AVI files are a bit fussy, keeping audio and video streams separate, which makes editing interesting. I tested a bunch of editors on Mac and Windows to see which ones actually manage AVI files well. Some are simple, some pack dozens of features, and a few surprised me. Here’s a short roundup and comparison of the best AVI editors I found.

My top picks

  • Best overall: Movavi Video Editor
    A very capable software. Movavi treats AVI files on Mac and Windows with full editing tools and a smoothly going workflow. Editing, cropping, and exporting stay simple and reliable.
  • Best free cross-platform option: Shotcut
    Opens AVI files immediately and runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Multi-track editing and frequent updates keep it consistent.
  • Best for quick edits: Movie Maker
    Trims, merges, and exports clips quickly. Perfect for short projects that need fast results.
  • Best for professionals: Lightworks
    That one manages complex timelines, high-resolution AVI files, and VFX effortlessly. Proxy workflows keep large projects under control.
  • Best beginner-friendly option: iMovie
    A tiny tool that keeps editing clean and simple on Mac. Cinematic mode and overlays enhance footage without extra steps.

Comparison table: Best free AVI video editors

Software

Platform

Key strengths

Download

macOS, Windows

Smooth workflow, full AVI editing, easy exporting

macOS, Windows, Linux

Opens .avi instantly, multi-track, frequent updates

Windows

Fast trimming, merging, and exporting

macOS, Windows, Linux

Handles complex timelines, high-res AVI, VFX

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  • When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.

  • All products mentioned in this article have been tested by Movavi Content Team.

  • When testing, we compare key parameters, including video and audio trimming, visual effects, stabilization, video quality adjustments, saving and sharing videos, and other significant features.

  • We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.

  • We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.

  • Why I picked it:

    with Movavi Video Editor, I get a feature-rich arsenal to edit my files, never bothering with a learning curve.

Before going any further, let’s take a look at my special pick: Movavi Video Editor. This AVI editing software deserves first place in my roundup of the best AVI editors currently available. I love it for its self-explanatory interface, its wide suite of features, and its professional video render. Want to edit AVI files on Windows? Movavi is optimized for both Windows and Mac. It supports all popular video codecs and couldn’t be easier to navigate and master.

You don’t need to choose between an app with basic editing or trimming functionalities or an advanced AVI editor packed with video enhancement features. This AVI video editor delivers both.

You can expect professional‑quality results with a simple, intuitive design that fits all experience levels. Easily crop, trim, edit, and rotate your video, then integrate audio and visual effects, and finally play around with headings, titles, and subtitles. It has a free download version for a trial period to give you a real taste of what it has to offer.

Want more? Go further and enhance your video with a wide array of built‑in media options such as transitions, filters, stickers, animations, music, etc., from the large feature‑filled library. Then share your masterpiece right to YouTube.

In my own testing, the experience was fun and exciting. Importing AVI files on Windows 10 and Mac, dropping them into the timeline, applying effects, and then exporting to .mp4 felt smooth and responsive. I really enjoyed how quickly the program allowed me to test various filters and transitions and get results. The latest major release happened at the end of October 2025, taking the capabilities of this editor to a brand-new level.

Ratings

4.8/5

4.7/5

Pros:
  • Easy-to-use, intuitive interface

  • Advanced creative tools

  • Professional quality results

  • Enables direct sharing on YouTube

Cons:
  • The free trial is limited

How to edit AVI files: 4 simple steps

Let’s break down just how easy it is to use Movavi Video Editor with this quick step-by-step guide. You could make the most of the free trial offered by Movavi for their powerful AVI editing software and try it for yourself.

Step 1. Install the program

Install Movavi Video Editor on your PC or Mac.

Step 2. Upload AVI files

Click Add Files to upload your video files, then drag the selected videos into the Timeline.

Step 3. Edit videos

Edit your videos by enhancing video quality, applying filters, adding titles and transitions, recording a voiceover, etc. Use the Effects tab to add a filter, drag and drop it to the Timeline. Use the Transitions tab to add a transition by dragging and dropping it between the clips on the Timeline.

Step 4. Export the video

To save your video, click the Export button, select how you want to save it and then click Start.

Best free AVI editors for Windows and Mac

  • Why I picked it:

    Shotcut felt right for editing AVI files. It’s open-source, works on every major system, and reads AVI files directly. No importing, no wasting time on conversions.

Next in line is Shotcut. This tiny free AVI video editor is perfectly calibrated for Windows, macOS, and Linux machines. Universal software, right?

The interface looks plain at first. But after a few minutes, it becomes easy to use. I admired the fact that I could mix different file types in one project and keep everything frame-accurate.

Version 25.10.31 adds a host of handy additions. Utilities like screen recording, text-to-speech for subtitles, and an option to generate a video from HTML code are now available. FFmpeg 8 now powers it, which means broader codec support and better speed.

To put Shotcut through its paces, I tried cutting and exporting several AVI clips. Nothing crashed. Playback was clean, and export to MP4 finished fast. The new screen recording tool also worked fine on Windows 11. I liked how it saves files right where I need them.

Ratings

Pros:
  • Freeware with constant updates and strong format support

  • Handles AVI files without conversion

Cons:
  • Text-to-speech setup requires Docker on desktop systems

  • Why I picked it:

    sometimes you just need something quick that actually works.

Here’s a tool that keeps things simple. You open it, drop in your clips, and within minutes, you’ve got your project ready for YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. No manuals, no tutorials. Millions already use it, and it’s clear why.

You can put together clean, full HD videos and slideshows with no watermark getting in the way. Whether you’re fixing up a school video, a short vlog, or a product clip, this editor gets straight to the point and finishes the job fast.

The layout is clean, like a clutter-free canvas. The buttons are where you expect them to be, and it loads .avi files instantly. You can cut, trim, or merge clips, add music or text, and finish your project in minutes.

The newest version (v3.x) introduced better trimming tools, rotation for overlays, and smoother performance. But you may be disappointed to discover that Movie Maker is a Windows-only AVI video editing software.

Testing software is my daily routine, so I tried Movie Maker on Windows 11 with a few short AVI clips. Everything opened fine. Exporting to MP4 worked faster than I thought. Adding titles and transitions took no time at all. The only issue I found was that complex edits sometimes made it slow.

Ratings

Pros:
  • User-friendly interface

  • Simple to use with no training

  • Easy to trim and merge

Cons:
  • Occasional in-app ads in the free version

  • Why I picked it:

    it brings serious editing tools when you need more than basic trimming.

Continuing our software tour, next up is Nero Video. This video editing freeware supports both Express and Advanced editing modes, so you can adjust your workflow to your skill level. It works with .avi files and many other formats, with support for HD, 4K, and even 8K editing.

I used it on Windows 10 and Windows 11 and found the interface dense, yet loaded with effects, transitions, and templates. The latest version is the 2026 edition. It does add some bells and whistles like AI-supported media management and a light/dark mode option. Release notes here show that Dark Mode made its entry in October 2025.
Willing to see what Nero Video has to offer, I loaded several AVI files, switched between Express and Advanced modes. I applied motion tracking, layered titles, then exported to MP4. Some features required a bit of learning, but the tool stayed stable. Export of larger files took longer than simpler editors.

Ratings

4.5/5

Pros:
  • Includes a comprehensive library of effects, transitions, and enhancements

  • Supports a variety of file formats

  • Includes a good library of templates

  • Easy online sharing

Cons:
  • Not very user-friendly or intuitive

  • Takes time to master

  • Poor quality file compression

  • Lack of technical support

  • A paid license is costlier than similar products

  • Why I picked it:

    beginner-conscious, feature-rich, just a perfect combo for a good AVI video editing software.

Moving onwards, let’s examine Icecream Video Editor, another solid contender for how to edit AVI files on a PC. Icecream Video Editor feels light but capable. It lets you cut, merge, and trim clips quickly, while transitions, text, and effects are easy to drop in.

Exporting is flexible, so your video works on phones, PCs, or online. I found the interface simple but not too bare, and the features cover both small tweaks and longer edits. Speed adjustments and overlays work without lag, and the software processed multiple clips without crashing.

It runs nicely on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Short videos don’t get watermarks, which is a rare quality among free AVI video editing software. Updates are showing up with frequency – a really good sign of a well-maintained and modern platform.

During my exploration of Icecream Video Editor, I split a 20-minute clip into three parts. I added a voiceover and looped a music track. I also tested speed changes and transitions between scenes. All edits rendered smoothly. I tried resizing and cropping sections, which worked as expected. Exporting in MP4 kept the quality intact.

Ratings

Pros:
  • Free and easy to use for AVI and MP4 files

  • Supports trimming, cutting, merging, transitions, and effects

  • Flexible export options for multiple devices

  • Works well on Windows 10 and 11

  • No watermarks on short videos

Cons:
  • Limited advanced effects compared to professional editors

  • Can feel slow on very long or high-resolution projects

  • Some features are locked behind the Pro version

  • No Mac version so far

Quick summary: Best AVI editors

  1. Best for beginners: Movavi Video Editor

    Movavi works on Mac and Windows and operates AVI files in an utterly beginner-friendly way. Its interface keeps things clear, and templates help you finish edits fast.

  2. Best for pro users: Lightworks

    This AVI editor manages complex timelines and high-resolution clips. Professionals get stable performance and precise controls.

  3. Best for Windows users: Movie Maker

    Movie Maker opens AVI files instantly and trims or merges clips quickly. Ideal for quick edits without extra downloads.

  • Why I picked it:

    it combines modern tools, impressive format support, and free availability - a perfect set for free AVI video editing software on Windows.

Continuing our endeavors to find the best AVI video editor for Windows, let’s turn to VSDC Video Editor. It does handle AVI files confidently. Moreover, the editor deals with almost every common video, audio, and image format. Stuff like MP4, MOV, MKV, MP3, WAV, JPG, PNG, and more. The interface keeps things accessible. And you get plenty of control for effects, color correction, and transformations.

Motion tracking, masking, and text effects make precise edits possible; multicam support lets you switch between angles without fuss. The software can even export in 4K or HEVC formats and burn DVDs directly, so there’s no need for extra tools.

VSDC Video Editor may not look as sophisticated as some rivals at first glance. But it obviously receives a lot of tender loving care from its developers. Its recent update (version 10.1) is a big event. The software got new effects and templates for video editing, along with a dozen other cool perks.

In a real test scenario, I loaded three 2‑GB AVI clips, masked a face in one, tracked movement in another, and merged them. Then I exported the project back to AVI. The quality stayed virtually the same, and the process didn’t choke my setup.

Ratings

4.2/5

Pros:
  • Free and watermark-free, even for long or high-resolution clips

  • Supports almost all video, audio, and image formats

  • A non-linear timeline allows complex arrangements

Cons:
  • Interface can feel a bit unattractive at first

  • Some advanced effects require practice to master

  • Why I picked it:

    why not? A pro-grade video editor used in Hollywood hits like The Wolf of Wall Street and Pulp Fiction.

Lightworks has earned its reputation on countless major films. Its timeline accepts clips of any resolution, frame rate, or length and lets you move, trim, and layer footage freely. The VFX toolbox includes color grading, 3D transitions, and motion effects. Audio syncing and multi-track editing are precise and stable.

The program also offers smooth proxy workflows and direct online sharing to platforms like YouTube, so you can easily publish your works without extra steps. Stock libraries, titles, and music are built in for quick additions. Exporting in AVI, MP4, or other formats keeps the original frame rate and clarity.

It’s a well-maintained platform, I must say. New releases and updates are popping up quite often. It offers versions for all major operating systems (Mac, Windows, Linux) – a cross-platform video editor in its purest form.

To test it, I combined three AVI clips from a short tutorial. One clip got a color tweak, another was trimmed, and audio was aligned across all files. Motion effects and subtitles were added. The final export to AVI preserved clarity and timing. Sharing to YouTube was frictionless and fast.

Ratings

Pros:
  • Professional quality results

  • Feature-rich with advanced real-time effects

  • Easy to use

  • Fast, flexible

  • Easy online sharing

  • Trusted by Hollywood editors

Cons:
  • Takes time to master it

  • Some options are paid

  • It’s more targeted at media professionals, not casual users

  • Why I picked it:

    I wanted a straightforward AVI editor on Mac that handles multiple clips without clutter or crashes.

When you purchase a Mac, iMovie is already installed on the machine, ready to help you with your AVI editing projects. With iMovie, you can turn your clips into polished films - it’s the purpose of this little software. You can start editing instantly on a Mac or iOS device, choosing to craft each scene yourself or let Magic Movie suggest cuts, titles, and music.

Storyboards guide you through every shot, offering templates for genres from cooking videos to science experiments. Cinematic mode adds depth and focus control, giving your footage a professional edge.

I tried it on a short family gathering clip: trimmed sections, added a soft soundtrack, and dropped in a few overlays – it all felt smooth. Picture-in-picture, split-screen, and color filters are easy to apply, letting me tweak visuals without fuss. iMovie keeps the process simple, yet the results feel cinematic and complete.

Ratings

Pros:
  • Free to Mac users

  • Easy-to-use, intuitive software

  • Good selection of customizable templates

Cons:
  • Lacks good animation features

  • Sometimes takes a long time to load

  • Uses a lot of storage

  • Some AVI files may first require conversion before they can be imported into iMovie

  • Why I picked it:

    it delivers a seamless video editing experience, where you can remove unwanted parts from a movie with just a few clicks.

With SolveigMM Video Splitter, you’re bound to unleash smart, lossless video editing that does not need any extra decoding or encoding. It's the ultimate toolkit for everyone, from home users and video engineers to enterprises and OEM partners.

SolveigMM Video Splitter keeps its focus on clean cuts and exact joins, and the way it preserves the original stream gives the whole workflow a tidy, almost quiet quality. The interface stays out of the way, so clips, tracks, and markers fall into place without effort.

Longer recordings move through it without fuss, which makes it useful for sportscasts, digitized home tapes, and any AVI segment you want to trim with care. Subtitle editing for MP4, MKV, WebM, AVI, and TS also comes built-in, so nothing feels missing when you adjust timing or remove parts. As a whole, the program feels like a tool created for people who value precision first.

Updates come in on an all too regular basis, which speaks volumes of the team’s commitment to their project.

Ratings

Pros:
  • Professional quality results

  • Supports a wide range of media formats

  • If you buy the license, you get three tools in one: Video Cutter, Video Splitter, and Video Joiner

Cons:
  • Not very user-friendly or intuitive

  • Not very versatile

  • Doesn’t work in fullscreen

  • No room for creativity

  • Why I picked it:

    it’s among the rare free cross-platform editors available for Linux, Mac, and Windows - very intriguing.

OpenShot is very easy to pick up and surprisingly capable for a free AVI editor. It has dedicated versions for Linux, Mac, and Windows. Project files are also cross-platform. That means you can save a video project in one operating system and open it on another. All video editing software features are available on all platforms.

Trimming and slicing videos happen quickly, and finding the right moment feels natural. You can move, fade, or bounce elements using the animation and keyframe tools, while adding multiple tracks for audio, watermarks, or background footage.

The video effects engine lets you tweak brightness, invert colors, or remove backgrounds without extra steps. Titles and 3D animations slide in easily, and audio waveforms show exactly what’s happening in your sound. Time controls let you slow down, speed up, or reverse clips, giving full control over every frame.

The major update happened nearly a year ago, but it doesn't seem to fall behind the main rivals in terms of features and design.

Ratings

Pros:
  • Free

  • Easy-to-use, intuitive interface

  • Good for beginners

Cons:
  • Lacks complex video editing functions

  • Occasional lags when using effects

  • No customer support

  • Updates could be more frequent

  • Why I picked it:

    it’s rare to find a truly free, full-featured Mac video editor that doesn’t compromise on flexibility.

Kdenlive may have started as a Linux powerhouse, but it’s also a capable AVI video editor for Mac. It supports all standard video and audio formats, allows multi-track editing, and gives you control over hiding, locking, or adjusting clips as you go.

Updates spring up nearly every month. The current 25.08.03 version fixes problems with pasting clips from projects with different fps, subtitle styles, image rendering, and image sequences. It also adds SVG file replacement and improves disk space checks during archiving, along with other small fixes.

During my testing on a MacBook, Kdenlive managed multiple audio tracks and layered footage without hiccups. I edited sequences, moved clips around, and the software stayed steady even with longer projects. Rendering times were reasonable, and customizing the interface made my editing sessions feel more productive. Not flashy, but it delivers everything needed for a free AVI editor on Mac.

Ratings

Pros:
  • User-friendly

  • Fast rendering

  • Automatic back up

  • Multi-track editing

  • Supports all major video and audio formats

Cons:
  • Unstable on Windows

  • Regular crashes/bugs

  • Limited output options

  • UI elements can feel a bit dated

How to choose an AVI video editor

Not every AVI video editor fits every project. For smooth, reliable editing on Mac or Windows, Movavi Video Editor handles multi-track timelines and effects without fuss. Lightworks works best for professionals dealing with high-resolution clips or complex VFX.

Windows users who want quick results will appreciate Movie Maker for basic trimming and merging. Nero Video performs well when large, layered projects require stability and advanced templates.

Free options like Shotcut and OpenShot cover all major formats, while Kdenlive gives Mac users multi-track editing without spending a cent. Match your project type and experience level to the software, and the editing process becomes simpler and faster.

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*The free version of Movavi Video Editor may have the following restrictions depending on the build: watermark on exported clips, 60-second video or 1/2 audio length limit, and/or some advanced features unavailable when exporting videos.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best AVI editor for Windows 10?

Your choice of AVI editor depends on your experience, your needs, and whether you want free or paid software. Movavi Video Editor is an excellent choice for Windows and Mac. It is user-friendly, offers a wide variety of editing tools and features, and delivers professional results.

What is the best AVI trimmer?

There are a bunch of handy video trimmers available for AVI videos. For example, SolveigMM – it’s fast, lossless, and user-friendly, it supports many video formats and delivers high-quality results.

Can I edit an AVI file?

Yes, you just need to find AVI editing software compatible with your operating system (PC, Mac, or Linux) and your level of experience.

Is AVI good for editing?

It depends. AVI keeps quality high, but large files can slow down basic software. Professional editors cope with it quite smoothly, but for beginners or casual edits, smaller formats like MP4 may feel easier to work with.

How do you edit an .avi file on Windows?

Open it in any Windows-compatible editor like Movie Maker or VSDC. Trim, merge, or add effects, then export in your preferred format.

Can you edit text in an AVI file?

You cannot change embedded text directly in the AVI container. You add or overlay titles, subtitles, and captions using a video editor instead.

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