What Are the Different Types of Video Computer Software?

Most types of video computer software can be differentiated based on the purpose of the software and what it allows a user to do with a video file or files. Much of the software developed for editing videos can be used to make alterations, such as cutting off segments of the video, piecing separate video clips together to make a longer video, and adding or changing audio layers accompanying a video. Some video computer software, however, provides more limited functionality and can be used to convert video files between different file types, burn videos to a media format, or rip video from a disc.

Video computer software typically refers to a computer program that can be used to manipulate or affect a video file in some way. One of the most common types is an editing program. These programs are often used in a number of different settings, including both home and professional use, and allow the user to manipulate or edit video files in numerous ways. Video computer software can vary quite widely in price and functionality, and may include numerous features in extremely expensive programs or more limited options for inexpensive or free programs.

A video computer software program used for editing typically provides tools that allow a user to modify video files. This is usually done through a user interface that displays a video file or files along a time track, showing the start and end of the video and a bar indicating its length. The user can then scroll along this bar to access different points along the video, making it easier to cut off segments of video or connect separate videos together to create a longer clip.

Such video computer software can be used to add additional effects and features to video files as well. Multiple video clips can be pieced together and overlapped to add dissolves and fades between each video. Audio tracks can also typically be added to these videos, and multiple files can be accessed at once to provide even more editing options.

Video computer software can also be developed for more specific purposes. File converters, for example, typically allow a user to change a video file from one file type to another. This allows such files to be played in different media players or devices, or prepares them for burning the video to a disc or other media type. Some video computer software is designed specifically for burning and ripping videos to and from disc media, usually providing features for importing or creating metadata like chapter breaks and multiple audio channels.