5. Image, video and audio tools
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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.
While at university, you may need to create videos, podcasts, or images. Which tool you choose will depend on a range of factors:
- basic or advanced functions — simple projects may not require professional-grade software, which may be more difficult to learn and operate.
- cost — video, photo and audio editing software can be expensive. Will you have access to this software once you graduate from UQ?
- training — the availability of training and online help varies between tools.
Find tools for:
Looking for help with your assignment?
- Types of assignments — strategies and tools for creating videos, audio, presentations and infographics
- Find and use media — information on how to find images, audio and video and copyright and licensing obligations
- Understanding upload speeds 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 Adobe. |
No | Short course: Learning Photoshop (LinkedIn Learning, 3h18m) Full course: Photoshop 2023 Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 11h) |
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. | 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 | |
| Adobe Express | Adobe Express has a free basic plan for basic editing of images. Express does not include many of the features of a fully-fledged image editing tool. You need an Adobe account to use Express. | No | Learn Adobe Express (LinkedIn Learning, 1h16m) | |
Video
| Tool | Useful features or limitations | In-person training | Online tutorial | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UQ Echo account | UQ students can use Echo to create video and audio. Use to submit video assignments. | No | Record video or audio through EchoVideo | |
| Zoom | While Zoom is primarily a video conferencing tool, you can use Zoom to easily record videos of yourself or your computer screen for your assignments or study. | No | Zoom video tutorials | |
| Adobe Express | Adobe Express has a free basic plan for creating simple videos incorporating images, text and voiceover. Express does not include many of the features of a fully-fledged video editing tool. You need an Adobe account to use Express. | No | Learn Adobe Express (LinkedIn Learning, 1h16m) | |
| 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 Premiere Pro. | No | iMovie 10.1.16 Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning, 2h31m) | for Mac users |
| 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. | No | Video: Basic video editing with Microsoft Photos app (YouTube, 8m4s)) Guide: Create films with a video editor |
for Windows users |
| 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. They may not use the software on their personal computers or laptops. Students can trial or purchase Premiere Pro at the Adobe website. | No | Course: Premiere Pro 2022 Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning 6h23m) Guide: 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 similar to Adobe Premiere Pro. This tool is available for download from Kdenlive. | No | Kdenlive Manual | |
Audio
| Tool | Useful features of limitations | In-person training | Online training | 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 Essential Training (Linkedin Learning, 4h 15m) |  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. | No | Learning Audacity (LinkedIn Learning, 1h 42m) |  |
| GarageBand | GarageBand 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, 4h 4m) |  |
| Logic Pro | 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, 9h 1m) | |
