Product Overview of Lightworks
Lightworks is a comprehensive and professional video editing software that has been a cornerstone in the film industry for over 25 years. Known for its use in editing some of the most acclaimed films, including “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Hugo,” and “The King’s Speech,” Lightworks continues to evolve as a powerful tool for both professionals and beginners.
Key Features
Editing Capabilities
Lightworks is a non-linear editor (NLE) that allows users to cut, trim, and splice video clips out of order without compromising the integrity of the source material. It features a best-in-class editing timeline that can handle footage of any size, frame rate, and quality, including support for 4K, 5K, 6K, and 8K resolutions.
Real-Time Processing
One of the standout features of Lightworks is its ability to perform background rendering and exporting, allowing users to continue editing without interruptions. This real-time GPU pipeline architecture enables seamless compositing and effects, such as primary and secondary color correction, blurs, mattes, and masks, along with over 100 inbuilt effect presets.
Advanced Tools and Effects
Lightworks offers a wide array of advanced tools and effects, including:
- Inbuilt Effects: Ready-to-use effects, text overlays, and scene changes.
- Advanced Titles: Intricate and customizable text overlays.
- Colour VFX: Simple visual effects for adjusting color and look.
- TotalFX: An optional package featuring 1,500 presets in 177 video plugins for titling, stabilization, transitions, filters, and more.
Audio Editing
The software includes powerful audio editing capabilities, such as:
- Native Audio FX: Compressor, Limiter, Noise Gate, Noise Reducer, Reverb, and other effects.
- DAW Workstation: Integration with audio editing software for enhanced sound control.
- Third-Party Audio Plugins: Support for AU, VST, and LADSPA plugins.
Export and Sharing
Lightworks provides flexible export options, including:
- Resolution Support: Up to 8K export support for various formats like Apple ProRes, Cineform, AVID DNxHR, AV1, and H.265.
- Social Media Presets: Easy export to platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Snapchat.
- Custom Formats: User-defined file types and settings for exporting videos.
User Interface and Customization
The software offers a highly customizable interface:
- Custom UI Layout Templates: Users can save and restore the layout and position of their tools.
- Fullscreen Window: Option to set the application to run in a fullscreen window or not.
- Console Support: Global, on-screen console controls for video playback and basic editing functions, though keyboard commands are recommended for efficiency.
Project Management
Lightworks includes features for efficient project management:
- Project Organization: Media and project files are organized in folders within the Lightworks directory.
- Rooms: Users can set up different rooms for various tasks like editing, color correcting, or mixing audio, each saving the position of open windows and tools.
Pricing and Licensing
Lightworks is available in several licensing tiers:
- Free: Suitable for beginners, with unlimited use but limited to Web-compatible output formats (MPEG4/H.264 up to 1280x720p).
- Create: Offers advanced features and flexibility at a lower price point.
- Pro: The full-featured version, available for monthly, annual, or outright purchase, which includes additional features like stereoscopic (3D) output, advanced project sharing, and support for AJA, Blackmagic, Matrox, and Mackie Mixer.
In summary, Lightworks is a robust video editing software that combines powerful editing tools, real-time processing, advanced effects, and flexible export options, making it an ideal choice for both professional filmmakers and aspiring video editors.