Does Lightworks Video Editor Come With Free Music Samples

The question of whether Lightworks video editing software includes free music samples has been a point of confusion for some users. Based on available information, there appears to be some marketing language suggesting that the Create license includes free music, but users have reported difficulty accessing these claimed samples. This article examines what the official sources reveal about music samples included with Lightworks.

Lightworks Product Overview

Lightworks is a cross-platform video editing software available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The software operates on a freemium model with three main tiers:

1. Free edition
2. Create license (paid)
3. Pro license (paid)

The free edition provides users with access to a professional-grade video editor without upfront costs, though with certain limitations. According to the official documentation, the free version includes "a multi-track timeline, trimming tools, transitions, basic video FX, title creation, and an export pipeline that covers MP4 for web delivery." However, the free version limits export resolution to 720p.

Claims About Free Music with Lightworks Create

A forum post from a Lightworks user who purchased the Create license raises questions about the availability of free music samples. The user states: "The website says that you get free music with Create but the two sources that are included in the Libraries section seem to both need payment." This suggests that while marketing materials may promise free music with the Create license, the actual implementation may not be clear to users.

The Create license tier sits between the free version and the Pro version. According to the official pricing page, the Create tier includes "everything in Free" plus additional features such as "Advanced Transitions," "Video Mask Effect," "Advanced Titles," and export capabilities up to 4K resolution. However, the official feature list does not explicitly mention free music samples as part of the Create license package.

The Free Version and Music Functionality

The Lightworks free edition does include audio editing capabilities. According to the user guide, the software allows users to:

• Add background music to their projects
• Adjust audio gain and create fades
• Implement crossfades for smooth audio transitions
• Balance music levels relative to dialogue (typically -18 dB to -12 dB)

However, the guide does not indicate that the free version comes with any pre-loaded music samples or a built-in library of royalty-free tracks. Users must provide their own music files or source them from external libraries.

Export Limitations and Music Considerations

When exporting videos from the free version, creators should be aware of the 720p resolution limitation. While this doesn't directly relate to music samples, it's worth noting that the free version has other constraints that might affect the overall production value.

The official documentation specifies that the free version "cannot be downloaded on mobile or tablet" and should be used on desktop computers. Additionally, while the software supports cross-platform use, some functionality may be restricted on Linux due to third-party limitations.

Music Licensing Considerations for Lightworks Users

Lightworks has published a guide on music licensing for video creators, which emphasizes the importance of understanding music rights and copyright laws. The guide notes that "music is not just a background element in video production; it is the soul that breathes life into every frame, setting the tone, influencing emotions, and enhancing the storytelling."

While this guide doesn't specifically address whether Lightworks provides its own music samples, it does highlight the legal complexities of music licensing. The guide explains the differences between copyrighted, royalty-free, and public-domain music, which may be relevant for users seeking music for their projects regardless of whether Lightworks provides samples.

Conclusion

Based on the available information, there appears to be a discrepancy between marketing claims about free music with the Lightworks Create license and the actual user experience. While one user reported being promised free music with their Create purchase, they couldn't locate these samples in the Libraries section.

The official documentation for both the free and Create editions does not explicitly list free music samples as a feature. The free version includes robust audio editing capabilities but does not appear to come with pre-loaded music samples. The Create edition, while offering additional features over the free version, also does not clearly list free music samples as part of its offering in the official feature comparison.

For users seeking free music samples, it would be advisable to: 1. Consult the most current Lightworks documentation or contact their support 2. Explore external sources of royalty-free music 3. Consider whether the Create license's other features justify the cost if free music is a primary requirement

Sources

1. Lightworks Forum Discussion on Free Music
2. Lightworks Free Editor Workflow Guide
3. Lightworks Pricing and Features
4. Lightworks Music Licensing Guide