<p>I think pretty much every editing program would allow you to zoom, pan and insert text. Inserting another video into the main video is a little more complex and the only program I know for sure that does it is After Effects. But I'm sure there are others that will. </p>

<p>I would suggest using Premiere because it's a very powerful program. Even though I've never had to insert video into another one like you've described, I'm sure there's a way to do it. You don't have to learn the program inside out to be able to edit in it. There are hundreds of tutorials online that take you step by step through the process. A quick Google search would reveal that. </p>

<p>However, if you still don't want to go with Premiere, here is a list of <a href="http://tv.isg.si/site/?q=node/873" rel="noreferrer">free video editing programs</a> that might be able to do the job. I haven't used any of them so I can't make a recommendation – but it's a good starting point. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-01T03:42:22.150Z
"The software can not be complex/difficult to learn (eg. After Effects/Premiere/Vegas)"
MmmHmm
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-01T03:44:56.573Z
Cannot connect to your link: http://tv.isg.si/site/?q=node/873
MmmHmm
CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-01-13T00:44:59.303Z
2012-01-13T00:44:59.303Z
Richard
<p>The most easy to use Video Editing Software I know is <a href="http://www.magix.com/us/movie-edit-pro/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Magix Video Delux</a>. It has HD capabilities, a lot of fixed crossover effects and is available for Windows 7.</p>

<p>My mother swears by it and she still has trouble sending mails and stuff.</p>

<p>For more advanced users there's the option of timeline editing, but most of the things you can do in a block overview - you just drag &amp; drop blocks of video to order them and apply some effects very easily between them.</p>

<p>I personally use <a href="https://www.grassvalley.com/products/subcat-editing_software" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Edius</a>, but that's about as professional as you can get!</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-01T03:47:43.377Z
"My mother swears by it"!!! Best litmus test for ease of use ever. Do you mean this software: http://www.magix.com/us/movie-edit-pro/
MmmHmm
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-01T15:35:42.147Z
yes indeed, we bought the pro package, so we have a lot of extra's too.
Schwarzie2478
CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-01-18T20:43:44.217Z
2017-02-02T07:39:47.307Z
2017-02-02T07:39:47.307Z
Schwarzie2478
<p>I can't really compare with other software, but I  really like <a href="https://hitfilm.com/express" rel="nofollow noreferrer">HitFilm Express 4</a>. I've done everything you said in it. This basic version is free, has some <a href="https://hitfilm.com/video-tutorials" rel="nofollow noreferrer">excellent tutorials</a>. It isn't a dumbed down NLE software. </p>

<p>I enjoyed the free online course <a href="https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/vfx-for-filmmakers" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Visual Effects for Guerrilla Filmmakers</a> that uses it as a tool. It is really fun to make some special effects in your family videos. The kids love it.  </p>

<p>I don't know your time frame, but some of the things you desire aren't completely trivial. </p>

<p>If you like it and decide to invest more time/money, you can buy some advanced packs or the full Pro version. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-11-19T02:40:25.290Z
2017-02-01T22:55:27.500Z
2017-02-01T22:55:27.500Z
neves
<p>I started to use <a href="http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudio" rel="nofollow">Sony Movie Studio</a> and have found it easy to get to grips with after watching an excellent set of tutorial videos titled "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5BR7rj3fwgL5FCoLuoOW9P1ejDMAPLKf" rel="nofollow">Video Editing Basics for Vloggers</a>" by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrLfoBeFpkwCXA1I4Cj8fbA" rel="nofollow">CalmBiker</a> on YouTube.  It is more capable than Movie Maker and definitely includes all the features you have asked for.  The tutorials include details of how to perform <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiY-pyYgvGI&amp;list=PL5BR7rj3fwgL5FCoLuoOW9P1ejDMAPLKf&amp;index=9" rel="nofollow">pan &amp; zoom</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixfJ6JNEntI&amp;list=PL5BR7rj3fwgL5FCoLuoOW9P1ejDMAPLKf&amp;index=16" rel="nofollow">Adding Text</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FPCZhJaaOs&amp;list=PL5BR7rj3fwgL5FCoLuoOW9P1ejDMAPLKf&amp;index=18" rel="nofollow">Picture in Picture</a>.  </p>

<p>I would recommend getting version 12 or older if you want the interface to closely match that of the video.  In version 13 they changed the interface to work better on tablets, so it looks more like the recent versions of Microsoft Office with the ribbon across the top.   </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-14T13:04:49.870Z
2015-05-14T13:04:49.870Z
TafT
<p>Free = <a href="https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve" rel="nofollow noreferrer">BlackMagic Davinci Resolve 12.5</a> (Win, Mac, Linux)</p>

<p>It is a fully fledged NLE and Colour correction and if you want to jump into the realms of SFX they offer Fusion for free as well (bear in mind that some options are limited but nothing for the basic and intermediate users)</p>

<p>Paid - Adobe Premier Pro (Win, Mac), Apple FCPX (only Mac), Sony Vegas (Win)(I have never used this tho)</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-01T03:19:03.053Z
Also free: [EditShare's Lightworks](https://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_lwks&view=download&Itemid=206), tho limited in output options.
MmmHmm
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-23T09:36:09.633Z
Alright. Thanks for the info man. much appreciated
Luciferangel
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-08-23T09:27:58.947Z
2017-02-01T14:06:54.077Z
2017-02-01T14:06:54.077Z
Adam Mann Pro
<p>Sony Vegas is my second option to Final Cut. You can do everything you need in a very intuitive interface. Like Chard says, there are hundreds of tutorials online that take you step by step through the process and many good free video editors around.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-01T03:42:14.243Z
"The software can not be complex/difficult to learn (eg. After Effects/Premiere/Vegas)"
MmmHmm
CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-01-13T20:17:22.000Z
2012-01-13T20:17:22.000Z
Claudio
<p>If Adobe Premiere has too steep a learning curve, you might like Adobe Premiere Elements. It is a pared down editing package and not as complex as Adobe Premiere. <a href="https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements/download-trial/try.html#!&amp;from_ims=true&amp;old_hash=&amp;api=authorize" rel="nofollow noreferrer">You can download a free trial here</a>. See here for the <a href="https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-elements/system-requirements.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">system requirements</a>. It is available for Windows 7</p>

<p>All non-linear editing programs are pretty much the same: they are I/O (input/output) programs that ingest media files (motion pictures, stills, audio, graphics, and such), allow you to arrange them in a timeline and output them to a media stream (file, signal, etc.)</p>

<p>The more complex and difficult to learn the NLE, usually the more controls and options you'll have. The more streamlined, usually less options and controls.</p>

<p>I would suggest <a href="http://connect.avid.com/media-composer-trial.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Avid Media Composer</a>. They also have a Free 30 day trial but the learning curve is as steep as FCP &amp; Premiere - which are not too bad - but less than DaVinci Resolve.</p>

<p>Note that whichever software you choose, a lot of non-linear editing software requires a minimum of 8GB or 16GB RAM, as well as specific Graphics processing minimums (e.g. Adobe Premiere, Adobe Elements, BlckMagic's DaVinci Resolve, Apple's Final Cut, Sony Vegas, EditShare's Lightworks, etc.)</p>

<p>Aside from these more robust software packages, you might want to check out <a href="https://filmora.wondershare.com/video-editor/free-video-editing-software-windows.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">this review</a> of these freeware options available for Windows:  </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-01T03:41:34.737Z
2017-02-01T05:33:31.660Z
2017-02-01T05:33:31.660Z
MmmHmm
<p>Specifically, I need to edit HD video on Windows 7.  </p>

<p>I need a software solution which can zoom, pan and insert text. Also, I will need to adjust the scale of video clips and composite multiple video layers into the main picture (eg. zoom to a black TV screen and insert video to that TV screen). </p>

<p>The software can not be complex/difficult to learn (eg. After Effects/Premiere/Vegas) as I do not have much time to complete the project. However, it should be capable, unlike Movie Maker, and run on Windows 7.  </p>

<p>So, what do you recommend?  </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-01-27T00:29:55.137Z
Nobody is going to do this for free. And despite what these answers are saying no editing program will do this. You need to do a screen replacement in after effects. The text and pan you can do in premiere or the like.
Alex
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-02-01T03:54:20.907Z
James, yes - there are tons of YouTube video tutorials. EditShare (the makers of LightWorks) produce very good ones. Check out [EditShare's YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/user/editshare).
MmmHmm
CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-01-13T20:34:39.810Z
With both Premiere and Vegas, it seems that such a project would take a long time for someone like me. Would Lightworks be capable of this project? Are there any good/active forums I could use if I get stuck on the tutorials? If I were to request a designer to finish the project, for free and by the weekend, how would I do so? Thanks. James.
James McCoy
<video-editor><software-recommendation><windows><full-hd>
What Beginner Video Editing Software Should I Use?
James McCoy
# What Beginner Video Editing Software Should I Use?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2012-01-12)

Specifically, I need to edit HD video on Windows 7.

I need a software solution which can zoom, pan and insert text. Also, I will need to adjust the scale of video clips and composite multiple video layers into the main picture (eg. zoom to a black TV screen and insert video to that TV screen).

The software can not be complex/difficult to learn (eg. After Effects/Premiere/Vegas) as I do not have much time to complete the project. However, it should be capable, unlike Movie Maker, and run on Windows 7.

So, what do you recommend?

**Tags:** video-editor, software-recommendation, windows, full-hd

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: With both Premiere and Vegas, it seems that such a project would take a long time for someone like me. Would Lightworks be capable of this project? Are there any good/active forums I could use if I get stuck on the tutorials? If I were to request a designer to finish the project, for free and by the weekend, how would I do so? Thanks. James.  
> **username_1**: Nobody is going to do this for free. And despite what these answers are saying no editing program will do this. You need to do a screen replacement in after effects. The text and pan you can do in premiere or the like.  
> **username_2**: James, yes - there are tons of YouTube video tutorials. EditShare (the makers of LightWorks) produce very good ones. Check out [EditShare's YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/user/editshare).  

---

## 7 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2012-01-13. Score: 5

I think pretty much every editing program would allow you to zoom, pan and insert text. Inserting another video into the main video is a little more complex and the only program I know for sure that does it is After Effects. But I'm sure there are others that will.

I would suggest using Premiere because it's a very powerful program. Even though I've never had to insert video into another one like you've described, I'm sure there's a way to do it. You don't have to learn the program inside out to be able to edit in it. There are hundreds of tutorials online that take you step by step through the process. A quick Google search would reveal that.

However, if you still don't want to go with Premiere, here is a list of [free video editing programs](http://tv.isg.si/site/?q=node/873) that might be able to do the job. I haven't used any of them so I can't make a recommendation – but it's a good starting point.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: "The software can not be complex/difficult to learn (eg. After Effects/Premiere/Vegas)"  
> **username_2**: Cannot connect to your link: http://tv.isg.si/site/?q=node/873  

---

### Answer by username_4 on 2012-01-18. Score: 4

The most easy to use Video Editing Software I know is [Magix Video Delux](http://www.magix.com/us/movie-edit-pro/). It has HD capabilities, a lot of fixed crossover effects and is available for Windows 7.

My mother swears by it and she still has trouble sending mails and stuff.

For more advanced users there's the option of timeline editing, but most of the things you can do in a block overview - you just drag & drop blocks of video to order them and apply some effects very easily between them.

I personally use [Edius](https://www.grassvalley.com/products/subcat-editing_software), but that's about as professional as you can get!

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: "My mother swears by it"!!! Best litmus test for ease of use ever. Do you mean this software: http://www.magix.com/us/movie-edit-pro/  
> **username_4**: yes indeed, we bought the pro package, so we have a lot of extra's too.  

---

### Answer by username_5 on 2016-11-19. Score: 1

I can't really compare with other software, but I really like [HitFilm Express 4](https://hitfilm.com/express). I've done everything you said in it. This basic version is free, has some [excellent tutorials](https://hitfilm.com/video-tutorials). It isn't a dumbed down NLE software.

I enjoyed the free online course [Visual Effects for Guerrilla Filmmakers](https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/vfx-for-filmmakers) that uses it as a tool. It is really fun to make some special effects in your family videos. The kids love it.

I don't know your time frame, but some of the things you desire aren't completely trivial.

If you like it and decide to invest more time/money, you can buy some advanced packs or the full Pro version.


---

### Answer by username_6 on 2015-05-14. Score: 1

I started to use [Sony Movie Studio](http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudio) and have found it easy to get to grips with after watching an excellent set of tutorial videos titled "[Video Editing Basics for Vloggers](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5BR7rj3fwgL5FCoLuoOW9P1ejDMAPLKf)" by [CalmBiker](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrLfoBeFpkwCXA1I4Cj8fbA) on YouTube. It is more capable than Movie Maker and definitely includes all the features you have asked for. The tutorials include details of how to perform [pan & zoom](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiY-pyYgvGI&list=PL5BR7rj3fwgL5FCoLuoOW9P1ejDMAPLKf&index=9), [Adding Text](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixfJ6JNEntI&list=PL5BR7rj3fwgL5FCoLuoOW9P1ejDMAPLKf&index=16) and [Picture in Picture](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FPCZhJaaOs&list=PL5BR7rj3fwgL5FCoLuoOW9P1ejDMAPLKf&index=18).

I would recommend getting version 12 or older if you want the interface to closely match that of the video. In version 13 they changed the interface to work better on tablets, so it looks more like the recent versions of Microsoft Office with the ribbon across the top.


---

### Answer by username_7 on 2016-08-23. Score: 1

Free = [BlackMagic Davinci Resolve 12.5](https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve) (Win, Mac, Linux)

It is a fully fledged NLE and Colour correction and if you want to jump into the realms of SFX they offer Fusion for free as well (bear in mind that some options are limited but nothing for the basic and intermediate users)

Paid - Adobe Premier Pro (Win, Mac), Apple FCPX (only Mac), Sony Vegas (Win)(I have never used this tho)

> **Comments:**
> **username_8**: Alright. Thanks for the info man. much appreciated  
> **username_2**: Also free: [EditShare's Lightworks](https://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_lwks&view=download&Itemid=206), tho limited in output options.  

---

### Answer by username_9 on 2012-01-13. Score: 1

Sony Vegas is my second option to Final Cut. You can do everything you need in a very intuitive interface. Like Chard says, there are hundreds of tutorials online that take you step by step through the process and many good free video editors around.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: "The software can not be complex/difficult to learn (eg. After Effects/Premiere/Vegas)"  

---

### Answer by username_2 on 2017-02-01. Score: 1

If Adobe Premiere has too steep a learning curve, you might like Adobe Premiere Elements. It is a pared down editing package and not as complex as Adobe Premiere. [You can download a free trial here](https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements/download-trial/try.html#!&from_ims=true&old_hash=&api=authorize). See here for the [system requirements](https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-elements/system-requirements.html). It is available for Windows 7

All non-linear editing programs are pretty much the same: they are I/O (input/output) programs that ingest media files (motion pictures, stills, audio, graphics, and such), allow you to arrange them in a timeline and output them to a media stream (file, signal, etc.)

The more complex and difficult to learn the NLE, usually the more controls and options you'll have. The more streamlined, usually less options and controls.

I would suggest [Avid Media Composer](http://connect.avid.com/media-composer-trial.html). They also have a Free 30 day trial but the learning curve is as steep as FCP & Premiere - which are not too bad - but less than DaVinci Resolve.

Note that whichever software you choose, a lot of non-linear editing software requires a minimum of 8GB or 16GB RAM, as well as specific Graphics processing minimums (e.g. Adobe Premiere, Adobe Elements, BlckMagic's DaVinci Resolve, Apple's Final Cut, Sony Vegas, EditShare's Lightworks, etc.)

Aside from these more robust software packages, you might want to check out [this review](https://filmora.wondershare.com/video-editor/free-video-editing-software-windows.html) of these freeware options available for Windows:


---

