user14213: I'm interested in creating lightsaber effects with a Macintosh on home videos with my children.
What is the best low cost software for recreating this effect today? I don't have Adobe CC, and have no desire to subscribe to it, nor do I have Final Cut Pro X.
Does iMovie support this effect? Are there any good free or cheap rotoscoping or canned effect programs to accomplish this?
Edited to add: "Would the free (non-commercial) edition of Nuke for Macintosh" be a good solution? (I discovered it after asking.)
Thank you.

user14735: You could try the HitFilm Express 4, they have the sci-fi pack (25usd) which contains the VFX you want and specific tutorials for lightsaber (https://hitfilm.com/express/the-force) and it works on mac :)
Link: https://hitfilm.com/store/hitfilm-4-express

14213: <p>I'm interested in creating lightsaber effects with a Macintosh on home videos with my children.</p>

<p>What is the best low cost software for recreating this effect today? I don't have Adobe CC, and have no desire to subscribe to it, nor do I have Final Cut Pro X.</p>

<p>Does iMovie support this effect? Are there any good free or cheap rotoscoping or canned effect programs to accomplish this?</p>

<p>Edited to add: "Would the free (non-commercial) edition of Nuke for Macintosh" be a good solution? (I discovered it after asking.)</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>
 14735: <p>You could try the HitFilm Express 4, they have the sci-fi pack (25usd) which contains the VFX you want and specific tutorials for lightsaber (<a href="https://hitfilm.com/express/the-force" rel="nofollow">https://hitfilm.com/express/the-force</a>) and it works on mac :)
Link: <a href="https://hitfilm.com/store/hitfilm-4-express" rel="nofollow">https://hitfilm.com/store/hitfilm-4-express</a></p>
