With so many video editing software options available, it may be overwhelming to decide which program to use. Apple Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere are two of the top video editors on the market. But are they interchangeable? We’ll help you understand the differences between these two popular video editing programs so you can decide which one is the best choice for you.
Apple Final Cut Pro
Many filmmakers are enthusiastic MacOS users. Apple’s Final Cut Pro (previously known as Final Cut Pro X) is a fantastic option for professional video creators and hobbyists alike. If you already own a Mac computer, Final Cut Pro is an easy video editing program to invest in. It also provides more tools and features compared to free options like iMovie.
User experience and workflow
Learning to use new video editing software with a unique user interface can feel intimidating at first. With so many features and tools to choose from and a new workspace to navigate, it may feel like you’ve got a steep learning curve ahead of you.
Final Cut Pro simplifies the user experience by presenting only the most basic features by default. If you want to access more advanced features and editing tools, you can choose to make them visible later.
Magnetic timeline
While all video editing software features a timeline to track the progression of your video, Final Cut Pro has a trackless magnetic timeline. This means your timeline is streamlined visually. You don’t have to worry about how multiple tracks relate to each other or which is on top of another.
You can add any element you need to the magnetic timeline, then categorize them as audio editing layers, video layers, text, or something else.
The workspace isn’t all that customizable. Although, what you lose in flexibility, you gain in always knowing the location of a particular tool or menu. It’s impossible to misplace a window or accidentally dock it in the wrong place.
Unique features
Final Cut Pro is known for its ultra-fast render time, real-time playback, and useful multicam features. When it comes to video post-production, it’s a robust, well-designed software with all the features you need in a streamlined package.
Newer editions of Final Cut Pro feature upgraded color grading and color correction tools, so you have more control over the look and feel of your final video.
Adobe Premiere Pro
If you’re already fluent in Adobe products like After Effects, Illustrator, and Photoshop, Premiere Pro may be the simplest video editing option for you. Because it’s part of the Adobe creative suite, you can add Premiere Pro to your subscription and get started quickly without a large financial outlay.
Your choice of operating system isn’t a concern, either. Unlike with Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro will work on a Mac or Microsoft Windows system. Plus, multiple team members working on the same video project can collaborate regardless of their gear.
User experience and workflow
Premiere Pro features a variety of step-by-step tutorials and workflow guides. Because Adobe is such a ubiquitous company, there are plenty of forums, user videos, and other educational resources available to help you learn.
If you’ve used other video editing software like Sony Vegas before, Premiere Pro’s user interface will feel familiar. It relies on the common multi-track timeline approach. One of the many benefits of Premiere Pro is that you can customize your workspace to improve your workflow and quickly access the features you need most.
Unique features
One of the most powerful features of Premiere Pro is that it integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products. You can import and export elements from one program to another without worrying about compatibility. With Premiere Pro, you have the power of a full creative suite supporting you.
Premiere Pro’s color grading offerings are robust and expandable, too. You can download plugins like LUTS (look-up tables) to apply presets to your footage. This will help you achieve a certain visual style more easily. With curves, white balance, color wheels, and more, you can specifically dial in the coloring of your footage for even better control.
Takeaways and making a choice
If you’re a PC user or need the flexibility to move between operating systems, Premiere Pro is your best bet. It’s also a good choice if you’re a fan of other Adobe programs, and you like the idea of an easy integration within the creative suite. And if you’re a power Mac user and want some of the fastest rendering time on the market, Final Cut Pro is the best video editing app for you.
