Edit video on your computer at no cost with Lightworks

Video-editing programs can get very expensive, not so with Lightworks as this capable editor is free to download and use.

Registration is required to download Lightworks. Click here to open the registration page. Once the form is completed you will receive an email with a confirmation link.

Installation is straightforward but there is one slightly unusual step. You are asked to enter a number for the computer that is used to identify it when sharing edits or clips between different people.

On the first run you can choose between using keyboard shortcuts from Avid, Final Cut Pro or Lightworks.

The interface is a little different to other software. Editing takes place in 'rooms' in which the various editing windows can be arranged. The main control icons are arranged down the left hand side. We found it easiest to have the manual to hand to read what the icons do (there are tooltips if you can be patient enought to hover the cursor above the icons).

You can read our step by step guide to getting started with Lightworks here.

Once the windows are arranged, editing is straightforward with the timeline and a preview window. We liked the way that it analyses video on import to make sure that it can play them. The explaination is much more useful than a black screen when trying to play to preview.

Importing a clip also gives the choice between copying it into the project folder or just creating a link. The latter can save hard disk space but increases the chances of bits of the project going missing.

Creating a new project is easy; the only two settings required are a name and a frame rate. Projects can be created in a variety of different resolutions: PAL 4:3 and 16:9, 720p at 25fps or 50fps, 1080i at 25fps and 1080p at 25fps.

Some hints are provided on the fly, strangely by a shark of all mascots.