Tools for working with images, video and sound

While at university, you may need to create videos, podcasts, or edit images. Which tool you choose will depend on a range of factors:

basic or advanced features — simple projects may not require professional-grade software, which may be more difficult to learn and operate.
cost — video/photo/sound editing software can be expensive. Will you have access to this software once you graduate from UQ?
training — the availability of in-person training and online help varies between tools.

Looking for help with your assignment?

Types of assignments — strategies and tools for creating videos, audio, presentations and infographics
Finding and using media — information on how to find images, audio and video and copyright and licensing obligations
Recording video assignments with Zoom
Kaltura media
Video and Audio upload guide

Images

Tool	Useful features or limitations	In-person training	Online tutorial	Cost
Adobe Photoshop	Adobe Photoshop is one of the most well-known image editing software. Students who are currently enrolled in a degree-granting course can freely use the software on UQ campus computers. To use or trial Photoshop on your personal devices, go to the Adobe website.	Yes	Photoshop CC 2019 Essential Training: The Basics (LinkedIn Learning, 4h54m) Photoshop CC 2019 Essential Training: Photography (LinkedIn Learning, 3h12m)	Free to use on UQ computers
GIMP	GIMP is a free image editing software that can be downloaded onto your Mac/Windows/Linux desktop. It offers many of the same features as Photoshop and with GIMPShop, the interface is quite similar.	No	GIMP Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 5h10m) GIMP Tutorials
Paint.NET	Paint.NET is a free image editing software available on Windows computers.	No	Beginner Tutorials
Photo Pos Pro	Photo Pos Pro is a free image editing software. It offers users a choice of interfaces including one for beginners and experts.	No	Photo Pos Pro Help

Video

Tool	Useful features or limitations	In-person training	Online tutorial	Cost
Kaltura	Kaltura is the Learn.UQ media server that allows students to upload course-related media content. Access Kaltura via the Learn.UQ platform.	No	Upload or record video & audio
Zoom	While Zoom is primarily a video conferencing tool, you can use Zoom to easily record videos of yourself or your computer screen.	No	Zoom video tutorials
Adobe Spark	Adobe Spark is a free web-based video creation tool. You can create simple videos incorporating images, text and voiceover. Spark does not include many of the features of a fully-fledged video editing tool. You need an Adobe account to use Spark.	No	Learn Adobe Spark (LinkedIn Learning, 1h28m)
iMovie	iMovie is a free video creation tool for Mac computers and mobiles. You can use to insert videos, photographs and sound recordings and create compelling videos. iMovie is a good alternative to more complicated video creation tools, like Premier Pro.	No	iMovie 10.1.8 Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 3h11m)	for Mac users
Movie Maker	Movie Maker is a video and slideshow maker app available for Windows computers. Movie Creator contains multiple movie themes, filters, and transition effects.	No	Movie Maker Tutorial
Photos	Microsoft Photos is primarily a photography tool, however, it does allow users to create simple videos out of your existing photographs, videos, and sound recordings. This tool is available for your Windows desktop or mobile device. Microsoft Window is suitable for simple videos.	No	Create Movies with Microsoft Photos (YouTube, 1:08) Create videos in the Photos app guide
Adobe Premiere Pro	Adobe Premiere Pro is video creation and editing software. Students who are currently enrolled in a degree-granting course can use the software on UQ owned computers that are located at UQ premises. They may not use the software on their personal computers or laptops. Students can trial or purchase Premiere Pro at the Adobe website.	Yes	Premiere Pro CC 2018 Essential Training: The Basics (LinkedIn Learning 7h20m) Creating a Short Film: 08 Editing (LinkedIn Learning, 4h48m) Premiere Pro user guide	Free to use on UQ computers
Kdenlive	Kdenlive is a non-linear video editing program with a large range of features, very simliar to Adobe Premiere Pro. This tool is available for download from Kdenlive for Linux and Windows, there is a MacOSX version.	No	Kdenlive Toolbox

Sound

Tool	Useful features or limitations	In-person training	Online tutorial	Cost
Adobe Audition	Adobe Audition is professional-level audio editing software. Students who are currently enrolled in a degree-granting course can use the software on UQ owned computers that are located at UQ premises. They may not use the software on their personal computers or laptops. Students can trial or purchase Audition at the Adobe website.	No	Audition CC 2018 Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 6h4m)	Free to use on UQ computers
Audacity	Audacity is a free, cross-platform desktop audio editing tool. The tool includes a wide range of features.	Yes	Learning Audacity (LinkedIn Learning, 1h53m)
GarageBand	Garage Band is Apple's free audio editing tool. Primarily, Garageband is used for recording music but it can also be used for creating podcasts. This tool can be used on desktop computers or as a mobile app.	No	Garageband Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 4h4m) Garageband: Podcasting (LinkedIn Learning, 2h17m)
Logic Pro X	Logic Pro X is a professional-level audio editing tool by Apple. It offers a range of plug-ins and sounds effects you can use.	No	Logic Pro X Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 7h51m)

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Free tools are completely free to use with all features.

Freeware tools include basic functionality for free. Additional features may need to be paid for.

Open source tools are developed in a collaborative manner and can be used, modified or shared openly. This software can be used for free and often includes a lot of support documentation.

Paid tools can only be used after purchasing, and agreeing to, a product licence.