10 Industry-Standard Tools Every Editor Should Know

Behind every great edit is the right tool — chosen for precision, reliability, and professional workflows.

Here are the industry-standard tools editors rely on to deliver cinematic results.

1. Avid Media Composer

The backbone of high-end film and television.

Known for:

• rock-solid media management

• collaborative workflows

• long-form storytelling

Still the gold standard in many studios.

2. Adobe Premiere Pro

A flexible powerhouse used across film, trailers, and digital content.

Strengths include:

• fast turnaround

• seamless Adobe ecosystem integration

• strong third-party plugin support

Ideal for editors who move fast without sacrificing quality.

3. DaVinci Resolve

More than color — a full post-production suite.

Editors use Resolve for:

• professional color grading

• integrated sound (Fairlight)

• precise finishing

A favorite for cinematic projects.

4. Pro Tools

The industry standard for sound editing and mixing.

Essential for:

• dialogue cleanup

• sound design

• foley editing

• final mixes

Serious sound requires serious tools.

5. Logic Pro / Ableton Live

Often used for:

• music editing

• trailer music customization

• sound design layers

Especially valuable in trailer and promo workflows.

6. After Effects

Used sparingly — but powerfully.

Ideal for:

• motion graphics

• title animation

• subtle visual enhancements

Not for editing — but essential for finishing touches.

7. Frame.io

Collaboration made simple.

Allows:

• real-time client feedback

• time-coded notes

• version control

Critical for professional pipelines.

8. RX (iZotope)

The industry’s go-to audio repair tool.

Used for:

• noise reduction

• dialogue restoration

• audio cleanup

A lifesaver in post-production.

9. Shotgrid

Production management for serious projects.

Helps teams track:

• versions

• assets

• approvals

Used heavily in studio environments.

10. Reliable Storage & Backup Systems

Often overlooked — but vital.

Professional editors rely on:

• RAID storage

• redundant backups

• cloud syncing

Because lost data kills projects.

Tools Don’t Make the Editor — But They Enable Mastery

Tools amplify skill.
They don’t replace it.

Knowing why and when to use them separates professionals from hobbyists.

Let’s build your project the right way — request a free quote today.