Which Photo or Video Editing Software is Underrated and You Love to Use?

While the likes of Adobe Photoshop may dominate the photography and video editing industry, there are some incredible tools lurking in the shadows that are often overlooked. In this article, we'll explore some of these underrated software options that deserve your attention, with a focus on GIMP, VSDC, and Lightworks. These tools offer a robust set of features, are either free or nearly free, and are perfect for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

GIMP - A Powerful but Often Overlooked Tool

GIMP GNU Image Manipulation Program is a free and open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Despite its name, GIMP is a highly capable tool for creating YouTube thumbnails, channel art, and other visual content. However, its learning curve can be steep, especially when it comes to understanding how to manage and navigate layers.

For a long time, I too thought that GIMP couldn’t fully replace Photoshop, but once I mastered the scissors tool, a whole new world of possibilities opened up. This tool allows for precise cutting and editing, making it perfect for creating detailed thumbnails and channel art. The next step on my wish-list is acquiring a cheap Huion drawing tablet, costing less than $50, to test if it is feasible to create hand-drawn outlines and handwritten text.

VSDC and Kdenlive - Budget-Friendly Video Editing Options

When it comes to video editing, tools like VSDC and Kdenlive often fly under the radar. These free (or nearly free) alternatives are capable of meeting the needs of basic video editing and offer some valuable extras, such as precise audio and video synchronization.

VSDC and Kdenlive are not at the same level as industry giants like Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve, but they offer a higher degree of sophistication than simpler tools. One of the standout features of these editors is their ability to sync audio waveforms accurately with video recordings. This is particularly useful when dealing with mismatched audio and video, especially when recording audio separately from the main video. Additionally, these editors allow you to cut clips to specific frame numbers, ensuring precise timing for audio, video, and b-roll match-ups.

Lightworks - An Advanced Tool for Video Enthusiasts

Lightworks is another underrated tool that deserves a closer look. This software is particularly optimized for enthusiasts and professionals who are comfortable using a keyboard and console. Despite its capabilities, Lightworks has suffered from mis-marketing, with it often being associated with a free, beginner-friendly version. However, this version has a significant limitation – it only exports to 720p resolution.

Feature-wise, Lightworks stands up well against professional tools like Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. It excels in editing and offers a lightweight alternative with fewer resource-heavy features, making it a great choice for those on a tighter budget. The free version, while limited in terms of export resolution, provides advanced editing tools that can take your projects to the next level.

Lightworks has a specific niche in the market, particularly for users looking for a more advanced, professional-grade editor at a more affordable price point. If you're not primarily focused on advanced visual effects and audio engineering, Lightworks could be a fantastic tool to consider.