Editing video on older MacBooks can be a frustrating experience—slow rendering, laggy previews, and compatibility challenges are just a few of the common complaints from content creators. Thankfully, Reddit’s filmmaking and editing communities are full of generous professionals and enthusiasts who constantly recommend efficient and lightweight video editing software tailored specifically for aging Apple hardware. These tools won’t weigh down your system and will still give you the basic to intermediate-level tools you need to produce quality content.
TLDR: Best Lightweight Video Editors for Older MacBooks
If you’re using an older MacBook for video editing, Reddit filmmakers recommend tools like iMovie, DaVinci Resolve (with caveats), and Shotcut for balancing performance and functionality. For something even lighter, editors also suggest Kdenlive and Lightworks. While not all of them offer the sleek UI of high-end suites like Final Cut Pro, they get the job done without tanking your system. These editors are ideal for content creators looking for portability and speed over heavy feature sets.
1. iMovie – The Pre-Installed Workhorse
One of the most commonly recommended editors for older Macs is Apple’s very own iMovie. Redditors cite it as the go-to tool for anyone working on casual-to-intermediate projects, especially on machines more than five years old. Why? Because Apple optimizes iMovie exclusively for macOS, making it far more resource-efficient than many third-party apps.
iMovie handles 1080p editing quite well on machines with as little as 4GB of RAM, and it doesn’t require a discrete GPU. While it lacks more advanced features like color grading or advanced audio mixing, it supports:
- Drag-and-drop editing
- 30+ built-in templates and transitions
- Direct exports to YouTube and Vimeo
Best for: Beginners and casual editors who need something fast and simple with a clean interface.
2. DaVinci Resolve – Feature-Packed but Be Cautious
DaVinci Resolve often gets major acclaim from Reddit filmmakers for its high-end color grading and pro-level editing capabilities. While it’s not exactly “lightweight” by default, Reddit threads frequently mention that older versions like DaVinci Resolve 15 or 16 tend to be more forgiving on older machines.
Recommendations often come with caveats—it’s best suited for MacBooks that still have at least:
- 8GB RAM
- An SSD (not an HDD)
- A dedicated GPU (or robust integrated graphics)
To make it work better, Reddit users suggest sticking with lower-res proxy editing and turning off timeline caching where possible. The free version is more than sufficient for most YouTubers or indie filmmakers.
Best for: Editors needing strong audio tools and color correction features willing to tweak settings for performance.
3. Shotcut – Open Source and Straightforward
Shotcut earns strong praise from Reddit’s r/filmmakers and r/videoediting communities for being both lightweight and open source. That means continuous updates and no costs. Users love its modular UI, cross-platform compatibility, and ability to natively support a range of formats without the need for extra codecs.
Its GPU acceleration feature can even be turned off for compatibility with older processors, making it one of the few fully-featured editors that run relatively smoothly on MacBooks from 2013–2016.
Key features include:
- 4K support (with proxies to reduce load)
- Robust filter options for video and audio
- Timeline-based editing with drag-and-drop
Best for: Intermediate users who want open-source flexibility without sacrificing too many features.
4. Kdenlive – Lightweight with Pro Features
Another editor frequently mentioned on Reddit for aging MacBooks is Kdenlive (KDE Non-Linear Video Editor). It’s a low-overhead NLE (non-linear editor) designed to run cleanly on modest systems. Originally designed for Linux, its macOS build has significantly improved in recent years.
Redditors appreciate Kdenlive’s ability to work smoothly with proxy editing, auto-backups, and the fact that it rarely crashes even during longer sessions. One user mentions successfully editing 1080p documentary footage on a 2013 MacBook Air.
Features Redditors enjoy:
- Customizable interface and shortcuts
- Proxy editing mode
- Range of effects and transitions included
One downside? The user interface isn’t as sleek as commercial software, but its performance makes up for it.
Best for: Editors who don’t mind a slight learning curve in exchange for customizable, lightweight performance.
5. Lightworks – A Studio Fav, Streamlined for Pros
Lightworks has an industry pedigree, having been used on Hollywood features like “The King’s Speech.” But don’t let that intimidate you—Redditors are quick to point out that its free version is surprisingly efficient on older Macs. Designed for speed, Lightworks offers both beginner and advanced workflows, toggle-friendly via its user interface.
Particularly lightweight in its “draft” mode, Lightworks is a great fit for those wanting to upskill without maxing out their Mac’s thermal limits.
What sets Lightworks apart?
- Multi-camera editing
- Background rendering
- Real-time effects
The free version limits output resolution to 720p, something Redditors frequently mention. If that’s a trade-off you can live with, it runs efficiently even on models like the MacBook Pro 2012–2014.
Best for: Aspiring pros learning industry-standard tools on constrained hardware.
General Tips from Reddit for Optimizing Performance
- Stick to 1080p: Avoid editing in 4K unless absolutely necessary. Use proxies where available.
- Use SSDs: If possible, upgrade your old MacBook to an SSD—it’s the single biggest performance booster.
- Close Background Apps: Maximize available RAM for your editor.
- Stick to older versions: Download older or lite versions of the software (e.g., Resolve 15 vs 18).
FAQs About Lightweight Video Editors for MacBooks
Q: Which MacBook models are considered “older” for video editing purposes?
A: Generally, MacBooks from 2012 to 2017 are considered old for advanced video editing. Machines with less than 8GB RAM or spinning hard drives especially struggle with modern editing demands.
Q: Can these editors handle 4K video?
A: Most can handle 4K footage using proxy files or scaled-down timelines, although real-time playback may be laggy depending on your system.
Q: Are there any paid lightweight editors worth considering?
A: While this list focuses on free tools, Adobe Premiere Elements is often considered a slightly more lightweight alternative to full Premiere Pro and may work on some older MacBooks.
Q: What if I want to learn editing professionally—should I still use a lightweight editor?
A: Yes, starting with a lightweight tool is a great idea. Many of these tools offer core features found in pro software, making them ideal for learning fundamentals before stepping up.
Q: How do I know which editor is best for my MacBook specs?
A: Try out two or three from this list and monitor performance using Activity Monitor. Keep an eye on RAM usage, CPU spikes, and fan noise to gauge strain on your system.
In the end, the best video editor for an older MacBook balances usability, features, and performance. Thanks to generous advice from Reddit filmmakers and editors, there are plenty of capable tools for every creator—even those still holding onto their trusty 2013 MacBook Pro.