Before we start with the various 360-video editor solutions, I want to explain the difference between 360-video reframing and VR video. Both options require a 360°-video as raw material, which is recorded with a 360-camera.

360-video/ VR video editing, refers to editing the entire 360° video footage. The viewer is free to move around in the immersive 360 room. He can choose the perspective himself and focus on certain areas. Here is an example of a 360 VR video!

Both options require different tools and programs. Some programs also offer the possibility to cover both.

If you want to reframe 360 videos, I recommend you to use the free “GoPro Reframe” Plugin. With this Plugin, you are able to easily reframe your 360° video and create unique perspective and effects. The “GoPro Reframe” Plugin makes it possible to let your creativity run wild. You are able to control all reframing-parameters. The GoPro Reframe Plugin is not limited to GoPro 360 footage, only. It is possible to reframe any 360 video material.

Another thing I really like about Premiere Pro, is the 360° video proxy footage management. Most of the 360° video files are very large, which requires a high performance PC. Proxy files are small preview files with low resolutions, which are perfect substitutes for video editing. In Premiere Pro these proxies can be created with just a few clicks.

Quality also costs money, this is the reason why the Software is not free. Everyone has to know for themselves, how much a proper editing-tool is worth to them. Because I work with it quite a lot and I’m also convinced of Adobe, I can only positively recommend Premiere Pro to you. The subscription model offers you the possibility to purchase the software for a relatively small amount. It is also possible to test the software before you decide to subscribe.

You can download the “GoPro FX Reframe” Plugin free here.

If you want to unleash the full 360 video potential, I recommend you to use Adobe After Effects in combination with Adobe Premiere Pro. After Effects is a very powerful special-effects Video Software also for 360 videos. I personally use Adobe After effects for 360 video/ Photo Animations. 360 video animations are the best way to bring your 360 content to the next level. I recommend After Effects + Premiere Pro for the professional 360 video sector.

If you looking for a free alternative, DaVinci Resolve is a good choice. With Reactor and KartaVR you are able to easily reframe your 360 video in DaVinci Resolve. Here is a very useful tutorial, which explains step by step how to install and reframe 360 videos in DaVinci Resolve.

Unfortunately there is one big disadvantage. The free DaVinci Resolve version, only allows you to import & export a max. resolution of 4k. 4k sounds like enough in the first moment, but you have to consider, that “only” a 4k resolution if available for the entire recorded 360 video.

Most of the consumer 360 cameras are recording in 5,7K, 8K or even higher and this will increase in the future. When you reframe or playback the 360 video, only a small certain part is shown. As an example, imagine that 6K resolution is available for the entire 360 degree spherical space. But if only the front part of the room, say 1/6 of the area, is visible to the viewer, he will see only 1/6 of the full resolution. (1/6 of 6k = 1k) With a classic 16:9 ratio, these were only 960 x 540 pixels. So the higher the 360 video resolution, the better the quality of the 360 video. 4k for the entire 360 video, is therefore not much.

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If your 360-camera is from Insta360, the best free 360-video reframing editor is Insta360 Studio.