Quick summary
Quik is a free photo and video editor from GoPro that packs many desktop-style tools into a clean, fast mobile app. It works well with both photos and video clips, integrates smoothly with other apps, and is useful whether you’re tidying up phone footage or polishing GoPro recordings.
Core editing capabilities
- Edit and export in HD resolutions, including 720p and 1080p.
- Trim unwanted segments and join multiple clips to build a single sequence.
- Apply graphical text overlays, choose from a range of fonts and filters, and even insert emoji for a playful touch.
- Use built-in “video styles” (24 presets) to add coordinated transitions, color treatments, and pacing to a compilation.
These tools are accessible and visually polished, so beginners can produce attractive results quickly while more experienced users still get powerful controls.
Workflow and format handling
Quik detects and processes video links and can automatically cut and add transitions to speed up assembly. It also supports common aspect changes (for example, switching a clip from cinema to square for social posts), making it straightforward to prepare content for platforms like Instagram.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths:
- Intuitive interface with a modern, dark-themed look.
- A broad set of editing features in a compact mobile package.
- Strong compatibility for mixing phone, DSLR, and GoPro footage.
Limitations:
- Slideshows are supported, but you can include up to 50 photos and up to 50 videos per project, which may feel restrictive for bigger compilations.
- Not intended as a full replacement for heavyweight desktop NLEs when you need advanced, frame-accurate editing or large-project management.
Pricing and cloud options
- New users can try Quik free for the first six months.
- After the trial, the app is available for about $9.99 per year.
- For unlimited cloud backups of your imported media and access to GoPro’s original music, premium filters, slow-motion and freeze-frame tools, GoPro offers a subscription tier (commonly advertised around $49.99/year, with lower introductory pricing for first-time subscribers).
Is Quik a good buy?
If your goal is to quickly turn handheld or action-camera footage into shareable clips—adding music, trimming clips, splicing scenes and applying transitions—Quik delivers excellent value and convenience. For heavy-duty cinematic editing or very large slide compilations, a desktop editor would be a better fit.
Other editing options to consider
- GoPro Studio — goes hand-in-hand with GoPro hardware and is tuned for action/adventure footage.
- Alight Motion — geared toward motion graphics and animated social content.
- Adobe Premiere Pro — a professional-grade editor suited for film-quality projects and complex workflows.
Each alternative targets different needs: quick mobile edits, animation-heavy social pieces, or full-featured professional production.
Final thoughts
Quik shines when you need a fast, user-friendly app to make attractive videos from existing clips. It isn’t perfect for massive photo slideshows or deep, frame-level editing, but for most people who want to capture moments and share them with minimal fuss, it’s an excellent, cost-effective tool.
Technical
- Android
- iPhone
- Free