Avid Announces Free Version of Media Composer

NewsSoftware

by Kevin AlexanderApril 13^th, 2015

Avid recently announced a free version of it’s popular video editing software. Media Composer | First is coming sometime in 2015, but has released some information on what to expect.

Media Composer | First will be a trimmed down option of the full version of Media Composer. The concept is to make video editing more accessible to those just learning or who do not have the funds for purchasing a full NLE.

Just how limited will it be? Well, one thing to note is that there will be a limited number of projects available, projects will be stored in the cloud, and there will be limited cloud storage space. Additional project and storage space will be available as an extra purchase. Avid does have a FAQ up on their website, and had this to say about limitations of the software:

“At this time we aren’t releasing detailed information on the feature set, as Media Composer | First is still in development, and won’t be available until later in 2015. However you can expect a limited feature set that makes Media Composer | First less intimidating to new users, but also less appealing to power users. You can expect fewer settings, menus, timeline tracks, monitor features, bin features, titling features, effects and other features than the full Media Composer. You can also expect that Media Composer | First won’t work with Avid Interplay Production, Interplay MAM, or MediaCentral UX, and that shared projects won’t be supported on ISIS storage systems. In addition, all projects will be stored in the cloud, and you’ll get a limited number of projects and a limited amount of cloud storage space. There will be options to expand Media Composer | First, from additional project and storage capacity to plug-ins, options, and additional applications to stock footage and music to upgrades to the full Media Composer.”

Avid Media Composer has long been a Hollywood favorite NLE of choice. It’s interesting to see them release a free version for those just learning, even if the functionality is limited. There’s no word yet on exactly when Media Composer | First will be released, but we will keep you updated.