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I want to do some basic video editing on Mac:

  • Import a few video files of the same height/width
  • Cut portions of each file and gather them to make a new video
  • Export it as a new video file

Requirements:

  • Can import both MPG and MKV directly, without having to use any other software to convert first to a third format
  • Can import files up to 2 GB
  • Gratis
  • Graphical interface to select video sequences, with either miniatures or frame preview
  • Runs on Mac Catalina (and above)

Note: iMovie is not a solution, because it can not import MPG and MKV.

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Davinci Resolve is free, fantastic and works on mac. I have found it comparable to sony vegas, premier pro and final cut pro. Go for Resolve 16 and not the studio edition.

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  • Unfortunately Davinci Resolve can not import .mkv files. Which is a central requirement of the question. Or is there a plugin to support MKV?
    – Nicolas Raoul ♦
    Commented Mar 28, 2020 at 12:04
  • I had forgotten, yes you are correct. I personally am happy to remux my MKV files using "Avidemux" into MP4 before importing them into Davinci. You don't loose any quality and I don't personally find it very time consuming.
    – Lewulf
    Commented Mar 28, 2020 at 13:02
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Avidemux can do all of this.

  • Can read MPG and MKV and many others
  • Can import big files
  • Gratis, even open source
  • Super easy interface, really perfect for cutting/gathering. No thumbnails unfortunately, but frame preview
  • Runs on Mac/Linux/Windows

Additionally:

  • Select "copy" and it will:
    • Not lose any quality
    • Be very size efficient, basically the same bitrate as the original
    • Create the file very quickly
    • You need to cut only at key frame though
  • Very small installer size compared to competitors
  • Installable via brew cask install avidemux or normal download

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