We’ve spent so much time discussing how to shoot amazing content, but now it’s time to tackle the next crucial step—editing that content into spectacular videos.
Whether you’re creating content for commercials, YouTube videos, social media platforms, or TikTok, the editing process plays a key role in bringing your vision to life.
And no matter the type of content you’re shooting, the strategies and fundamentals remain the same, whether you’re using professional gear or your smartphone.
But when it comes to the editing process, the big question arises: should you edit on your smartphone or on a desktop?
In this post, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of editing with desktop video editing software. The decision ultimately depends on your goals, your budget, and the type of content you create.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of when and why desktop editing might be the right choice for you.
What Makes Desktop Editing Stand Out?
Desktop video editing software offers a robust, powerful set of tools for creators of all levels. But, just like any editing method, it comes with both advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes desktop editing unique, especially for creators looking to produce high-quality content.
Pro: Advanced Features and Functionality
One of the biggest advantages of desktop editing is the vast array of features and functions that desktop editing programs offer.
Whether you’re using software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve, you have access to advanced tools that can truly take your content to the next level.
These tools give you more control over things like color grading, motion graphics, custom animations, and effects—features that are essential for creating professional-level videos.
When you edit on a desktop, you can do more with your footage, allowing you to bring your creative vision to life without hitting limitations.
For complex video projects, these features provide the flexibility you need to push the boundaries of your content.
Pro: More Precision and Control
Editing on a desktop gives you much more control and precision than smartphone apps. With a larger screen, a mouse, and a keyboard, you can make finer adjustments to your clips, effects, and audio tracks.
The ability to precisely place and manipulate elements within your timeline helps improve the overall quality of your videos, especially when you’re working with more intricate edits, such as complex transitions, text animations, or multi-layered video compositions.
On a small smartphone screen, this level of detail is challenging to achieve, as you’re often relying on touchscreen gestures rather than physical tools that give you more control.
Pro: Processing Power and Support for Larger Projects
Desktop software is designed to handle larger, more complex video files, including high-resolution footage, 4K video, and professional-grade codecs.
These programs take full advantage of the power in your desktop computer, which can support heavier editing tasks without experiencing slowdowns or crashes.
If you’re working with footage from professional cameras, drones, or GoPro, desktop programs are far more capable of handling these file types.
Smartphone editing apps, on the other hand, may struggle to handle large files, particularly when it comes to editing professional-level footage.
If you’re working with heavy footage or a large volume of clips, desktop editing software will offer the power you need for smooth editing and faster rendering times.
Pro: More Storage Space and File Management
Another benefit of desktop editing is the larger storage capacity. Desktop computers typically have more storage space than smartphones, which means you can store more footage, high-resolution files, and project data without running into space issues.
With desktop editing software, you can also organize your files more efficiently, making it easier to keep track of assets, raw footage, and project files.
With a smartphone, the storage can quickly fill up, especially if you’re editing multiple long videos, which can lead to slowdowns and make it harder to work with large files.
The Downsides of Desktop Editing
While desktop editing software offers many advantages, it comes with a few drawbacks that might not make it the right choice for everyone.
Let’s take a look at some of the challenges you might face when opting for desktop editing.
Con: The Cost of Software
One of the biggest downsides to desktop editing is the cost. Many professional desktop video editing programs come with subscription fees or one-time payments that can add up over time.
Adobe Premiere Pro, for example, costs about $20 per month, which can be expensive if you’re on a tight budget.
While there are free alternatives like DaVinci Resolve, many professional-grade programs require a financial investment.
If you’re just starting out and you don’t plan on editing professionally, this can be a significant hurdle. Smartphone editing apps, on the other hand, are often free or very inexpensive, which is why they appeal to beginner and casual creators.
Con: Steeper Learning Curve
Desktop editing programs offer powerful features, but they also come with a steeper learning curve. These programs are designed for professionals, and they can be overwhelming for new users.
It takes time to get comfortable with all the tools and features available, and it can feel like a lot to learn when you’re first starting.
While smartphone editing apps are generally intuitive and easy to use, desktop software requires more investment in terms of learning the basics and mastering the advanced features.
If you’re looking for quick, simple edits, a desktop might not be the best choice unless you’re willing to put in the time to learn.
Con: Less Portability
Unlike smartphones, which are ultra-portable, desktops require you to sit at a desk or carry a laptop around with you.
When you’re on the go or working in different locations, lugging around a laptop and external drives can be cumbersome.
If you’re traveling frequently or need to work remotely, a smartphone offers the ultimate portability, allowing you to shoot, edit, and share content all from one device.
On the other hand, editing on a desktop requires carrying additional gear, which can limit your flexibility.
When Desktop Editing Is the Right Choice
Pro: Ideal for Professional-Level Content Creation
If you’re serious about content creation and are aiming to build a business with your videos, desktop editing is the way to go.
Whether you want to monetize a YouTube channel, start a video production business, or create high-quality commercials, desktop software gives you the advanced tools and features needed to create professional content.
Desktop editing programs give you more creative freedom and the ability to push your content to new heights.
For creators who want to stand out and deliver high-end, polished videos, the investment in desktop software is well worth it.
Pro: Perfect for Larger Projects
For creators working on larger video projects, desktop editing programs are essential. If you’re editing full-length documentaries, short films, or multiple videos at once, a desktop will be able to handle the demands of these types of projects.
The larger screen and more robust features are perfect for handling detailed edits, organizing multiple assets, and dealing with complex timelines.
When Desktop Editing May Not Be the Best Option
Con: Casual or Quick Content Creation
For casual content creators who simply need to make short, quick videos for social media or personal use, desktop editing might be overkill.
If your goal is to create content for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube without a huge time investment, smartphone editing apps may be a more efficient and cost-effective choice.
Smartphone editing is faster, more intuitive, and better suited to fast-paced social media content creation.
If you’re focused on shooting and editing short-form content, a smartphone editing app will give you everything you need without the complexity of a desktop program.
Con: Budget Considerations
If you’re on a tight budget or just starting out, desktop editing programs might not be the most practical choice. The costs of software subscriptions and the need for more powerful hardware (like a better computer) can add up quickly.
If you’re just getting started with editing and you’re not sure if you want to invest heavily in your video creation business, smartphone editing might be a better way to test the waters.
Conclusion
Choosing whether to edit with a desktop video editing program or a smartphone app ultimately comes down to your goals, your experience level, and the type of content you create.
If you’re looking to create professional-level content, need advanced features, or are working on large video projects, desktop editing software is the best option.
The power, precision, and flexibility offered by desktop programs make them the ideal choice for serious creators.
On the other hand, if you’re focused on quick, casual content for social media or personal use, smartphone editing apps provide a fast and accessible solution.
They’re easy to use, affordable, and perfect for creators who want to shoot and edit videos on the go.
No matter which method you choose, the most important thing is to keep creating, experimenting, and improving your editing skills.
Whether you’re editing on a desktop or a smartphone, the content you create is what matters most. Happy editing!