HitFilm

HitFilm is a video editing, compositing and visual effects program from FXhome that was distributed in paid and free versions. The free edition (HitFilm Express) included a wide variety of tools and worked with many popular multimedia formats. This tool helps to join video from several clips and add filters, effects and music to it. HitFilm Express supported blending layers with masks, advanced blur and depth of field effects, export of high-resolution video with the H.264 codec, a good choice of transitions between clips, chroma keying for removing a green background, as well as tools for working with lighting and shadows. It was unusual to see such rich functionality in a free editor.

Even more features were given to the paid version, HitFilm Pro. In addition to all the features of Express, it included 3D model import and rendering, a 3D particle simulator, planar tracking with Mocha HitFilm, fractal noise effects and footage tools. The structure of HitFilm is a bit like that of Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects, as it combines an editing timeline with a compositing workspace, and its price was much lower than that of the Adobe applications. In 2021 FXhome was acquired by Artlist, which moved HitFilm to subscription plans and discontinued all FXhome apps on January 15, 2025; installed copies keep working, but they receive no updates or support. Like any other program designed for heavy video and 3D effects, HitFilm has high system requirements, so check them before downloading it.

HitFilm combines video editing, compositing and advanced visual effects in one program, with a free edition and paid versions cheaper than comparable tools.