LumaFusion 4 review: a terrific NLE for mobile filmmaking

LumaFusion was one of the original crop of mobile-based NLEs and is still adding new features for powerful editing on iOS and Android.

LumaFusion is one of the ‘original’ mobile NLEs, and one that has grown in popularity over the years. With version 4, it continues delivering a great multitrack editing experience for mobile filmmakers using iOS, ChromeOS, or Android. Plus it has a new video series focusing on creative storytelling that’s worth checking out.

LumaFusion 4 new features

Before I dive into my review, let’s take a look at some new features found in LumaFusion 4, including some cool new things in the 4.1 update.

The biggest feature is Multicam Studio, an in-app purchase in LumaFusion. Because it’s fully integrated with the mobile NLE, you have access to all the tools — editing, color, audio, effects, and frame and fit — making it an even more streamlined experience when editing Multicam projects.

With LumaFusion 4.1, which was just released (mid-August 2023), support for animated GIFs is added. If you’re creating those in apps like Procreate, you can edit them right in the timeline. There are many cool and handy uses for animated GIFs, especially for social media posts and campaigns.

You'll also find two new categories of transitions, Stretches (sequences stretch into another one) and Perspective Turns (transitions where video turns in a 3D plane).

So, how well does it cut?

LumaFusion was Apple’s iPad App of the Year in 2021, and having worked with it for a few years, I can see why.

Once you get the hang of using a smartphone or tablet and LumaFusion to edit and finish your projects, cutting becomes even more portable and convenient. It’s wild to edit using your fingers instead of a mouse and keyboard.

Multicam Studio is pretty cool, and if you're filming with more than one camera (and not just with a smartphone), the footage and audio will be synced automatically (or manually with up to six angles) and be ready to go. I like how the color coded angles and side-by-side layout make it easy to find the clip I want, and I can simply touch it.

Anything that allows me to cut and tell a story, and not think about what buttons to push, is always my preference. The Multicam Studio feature is a very streamlined and straightforward experience.

After working with Multicam Studio with some clips and sound, it was cool to literally touch which angle or shot I wanted at any given time. Sound synced up perfectly with the video.

I like being able to film on my iPhone with Filmic Pro and then opening up LumaFusion and adding the clips to edit. Everything is on one device and that’s it.

Think about it, I don’t need a camera and stand-alone computer — I’m truly making a narrative or video project on one device, from script to final edit, color grading, and audio finishing. I can even write music if I want to. Of course I’ll need a support for the iPhone to film, plus mic, lights, etc.

I’ll have plenty of budget for that though as LumaFusion is only $29.99 for both iOS and Android, and the ver. 4.1 update is free. That’s a great price for a multitrack editor! Multicam Studio is a one time in-app purchase for $19.99.

LumaFusion is a fully featured NLE, and the fact that it’s for mobile devices shouldn’t sway you from giving it a try. Once you get the hang of editing via touch, you’ll see just how powerful it is.

 Check out LumaTouch's website for more information about LumaFusion 4.

Bonus content: The Curious Editor YouTube Series

Terri Morgan, co-founder of LumaTouch, the team behind LumaFusion, has created a new YouTube series called The Curious Editor which focuses on creative storytelling through editing. 

“I love designing new features and workflows for LumaFusion, but I really missed storytelling myself!” she says.

The Curious Editor is a way for her to share the creative storytelling journey with the LumaFusion community.

“It’s an opportunity to learn how to leverage all the wonderful creative apps that work so well with LumaFusion, like Procreate for example,” she explains. “I share that discovery process with the world, while also talking about techniques like storyboarding, character development and even simple animations.”