Published on May 1, 2025 3 min read

8 Best Desktop Tools for Fast & Slow Motion Video Editing

Editing videos has evolved beyond basic trimming and color correction. Today, it's all about adding flair — slowing down moments for dramatic effect or speeding them up for energy bursts. Whether you're crafting content for YouTube, school projects, or personal experiments, motion effects can make a significant impact. So, which tools can help you achieve this without complicated steps or steep learning curves? Let’s dive in.

8 Best Fast & Slow Motion Video Editing Tools for Desktop

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is often the first choice for motion control, and for good reason. It offers control over frame rates, interpolation methods, and keyframes. Whether you want to slow down a clip to 50% speed or use Time Interpolation > Optical Flow for smooth slow-motion, it’s all possible. Speed ramps are easy with the right-click > Time Remapping feature, allowing intuitive adjustments for professional results.

Final Cut Pro

If you’re on a Mac, Final Cut Pro is a must-have. Its standout feature is the "Blade Speed" tool, which lets you slice a clip and adjust the speed of specific sections. For instance, slow down a skateboard trick’s flip and then return to real-time, all without messy exports or re-edits.

DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve surprises many with its free version offering high-end features without watermarks. It excels in fast and slow motion with frame blending and Optical Flow, providing impressive quality. The "Retiming" controls help maintain clarity, especially useful for 30fps footage, while higher frame rates are handled even better.

iMovie

iMovie is often underestimated but is excellent for quick speed adjustments. Built into every Mac, it allows slowing a clip to 25% or speeding it up 2x with just a couple of clicks. Its simplicity makes it perfect for quick edits or beginner-friendly projects.

Shotcut

Shotcut is an open-source, free tool supporting speed changes through percentage-based input, great for precise control. Whether creating a time-lapse or slowing down moments, Shotcut performs well across Windows, Mac, and Linux. Its interface might seem old-school, but its capabilities are solid.

Movavi Video Editor Plus

Movavi is user-friendly with a drag-and-drop layout, perfect for applying slow motion to specific clip parts. Its clear tools and fast previewing make it accessible without advanced skills. With efficient exporting, Movavi is a great choice when you need results quickly.

VSDC Free Video Editor

VSDC is a Windows-only option that surprises with its variable speed control. It handles clips with sections in slow motion or fast forward cleanly. The “Video Effects” > “Speed” setting allows direct application to individual sections, offering numerous export formats.

HitFilm

HitFilm combines editing and VFX tools, with a user-friendly interface. Its "Rate Stretch" tool allows easy speed adjustments by dragging clip edges. The real advantage is its keyframe tools, enabling smooth, well-timed speed changes for cinematic storytelling.

Conclusion

Speed effects aren't just technical add-ons; they shape a video's feel. Whether freezing a moment or racing through it, the right tool makes a difference. From beginner-friendly editors like iMovie and Movavi to detailed options like DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro, there's something for every creator. Each tool offers unique features for fine-tuning pace and timing without complex settings, allowing you to choose based on style and editing time preferences.