What video formats does Lightworks support?
Lightworks supports MOV, MP4, AVI, ProRes, MXF, Avid DNxHD, XDCAM, and many others. Pro tier unlocks additional formats and project interchange with Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
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Lightworks – Professional video editing software
Professional Video Editing Software
Industry-standard video editor offering free and premium tiers with advanced color correction, effects, and multi-platform collaboration capabilities.
About Lightworks
Lightworks has established itself as a trusted video editing solution used in broadcast television, film production, and content creation worldwide. The 2025.1 version introduces new workspace layouts including Edit, Effects, Audio, and Export with unified viewer functionality. Enhanced keyboard shortcuts, collections and tags system, and improved stability complete the feature set. The software accommodates all skill levels through its free tier, scalable subscription options, and perpetual license model. Cloud-based collaboration enables remote teams to work simultaneously on projects.
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit or macOS 11 or Linux Ubuntu 20.04
- Processor: Intel i7 or equivalent AMD processor
- RAM: 4 GB
- Disk Space: 200 MB installation plus project storage
- Additional Requirements: 1 GB VRAM GPU, DirectX 9 support, internet connection for registration
Features Of Lightworks
- Professional Timeline Editing: Multi-track editing with unlimited tracks and precision control
- Color Grading Suite: Advanced color correction with scopes and LUT support
- Audio Mixing: Dedicated audio workspace with mixing console and effects
- Effects Library: Extensive built-in transitions, titles, and effects plugins
- Multi-Camera Editing: Support for synchronized multi-camera footage editing
- GPU Acceleration: Real-time playback and transcoding with hardware acceleration
- 4K and 8K Support: High-resolution editing in Pro tier with 10-bit color depth
- Cloud Collaboration: Remote project access and team editing capabilities
- Format Support: Import and export various video, audio, and image formats
- Keyboard Customization: Extensive shortcut customization and presets
- NewBlue Integration: Professional plugins included with subscription tiers
- Project Interchange: Exchange projects with Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free tier allows evaluation without any payment or time limits
- Perpetual license option provides long-term cost savings versus subscriptions
- Professional color grading tools rival industry-standard software
- Cloud collaboration enables seamless remote team workflows
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface accelerates learning curve
- GPU acceleration ensures smooth real-time playback on modern systems
- Extensive keyboard customization matches diverse editing preferences
- Multi-platform support across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems
Cons
- Free tier limited to 720p export resolution without upgrade
- Premium licenses significantly more expensive than DaVinci Resolve alternatives
- Limited advanced effects compared to competitors in free version
- Perpetual license requires payment for major version upgrades
- Mac performance sometimes slower compared to Windows systems
- Learning resources fewer than competing editing platforms
- UI design not intuitive for users without video editing background
- Stock media library requires additional subscription beyond software licensing
Changelog
Version 2025.1 (January 2025):
- Four new workspace layouts for streamlined workflows
- Unified Viewer with intelligent source-sequence switching
- New GPU-accelerated playback engine with expanded codec support
- AV1 10-bit support on macOS and J2K RGB support
- Collections system replacing filters with reordering capability
- Tags management directly in List View
Version 2024.3 (October 2024):
- Improved NVIDIA GPU acceleration
- Enhanced timeline waveform display
- Fixes for multi-monitor layout persistence
- Audio level metering improvements
- Effects panel UI refinements
Version 2024.2 (July 2024):
- Advanced keyboard shortcut system overhaul
- Custom shortcut export capability
- Improved project creation workflow
- Window management enhancements
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Lightworks without internet?
After initial registration, Lightworks can be used offline. However, cloud collaboration features and stock media access require internet connection. Free tier periodic online verification recommended.
What is the difference between Create and Pro licenses?
Create adds advanced color correction tools and higher resolution export. Pro includes 8K support, 10-bit color depth, DAW audio mixing, custom output formats, and professional plugins.
Does perpetual license include future updates?
Perpetual license includes updates within its version. Major version upgrades may require additional purchase, though maintenance updates are included for extended periods.
Can I edit 4K footage with Lightworks Free?
Yes, you can edit 4K footage, but export is limited to 720p. Create and Pro tiers unlock 4K and 8K export respectively with full quality preservation.
Is Lightworks suitable for professional broadcast work?
Absolutely. Lightworks is used by major broadcast networks and production companies. Pro tier with full format support and 10-bit color depth meets professional broadcast standards.
Can I collaborate with team members on projects?
Yes, Lightworks cloud features enable multiple team members to access and edit projects simultaneously. Requires subscription tier with cloud collaboration enabled.
