Shotcut
A cross-platform desktop video editor built on MLT and FFmpeg, with no import step and broad format support.
Edit hundreds of formats natively on a multi-format timeline, with capture from webcam, screen and SDI.
Shotcut is a desktop video editor for Windows, macOS and Linux. It suits people who want a capable non-subscription editor and are comfortable with a panel-based interface that rewards learning keyboard shortcuts.
What it is
Shotcut uses FFmpeg for hundreds of audio and video formats and edits them natively with no import step, so a single timeline can mix formats, resolutions and frame rates. It supports capture from webcam, screen, JACK and Pulse audio, IP streams and Blackmagic SDI and HDMI devices, with resolutions up to 4K.
Who it's for
It fits small studios, teachers and marketers who need a real timeline editor with filters and capture. It is less suited to people who want templates or one-click edits, since the interface is built around dockable panels and shortcuts.
Key features
No-import native editing
Open files directly and edit them without a conversion or import step.
Mixed-format timelines
Combine different formats, resolutions and frame rates in one project.
Capture and device input
Record from webcam, screen, JACK, Pulse audio, IP streams and Blackmagic SDI or HDMI.
Dockable panel interface
Arrange media properties, playlist, filters, history, encoding and jobs panels as you like.
Keyboard-driven playback
J, K and L control playback speed and direction; I and O set in and out points.
Date-based versions
Keep multiple versions installed side by side and update when you choose.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- The no-import approach lets you drop in footage of different formats and frame rates and start cutting immediately.
- Capture support covers Blackmagic SDI and HDMI cards, webcams, screens and IP streams, which many free editors lack.
- Releases are date-versioned and you can keep several installed, so a project can stay on the version it started with.
- Frame-by-frame stepping and J, K, L shuttle controls give precise cutting from the keyboard.
Where it falls short
- The panel-heavy interface has a learning curve compared with template-driven editors.
- The README says building from source is only for beta testers and contributors who know what they are doing, so use the prebuilt installers.
- The project is a volunteer-style open-source editor with no vendor support plan shown on its site.
- Its feature list on shotcut.org centres on classic editing, capture and filters, not template-driven or automated editing.
Pricing & license
Shotcut is free under the GPLv3 and the only cost is your own computer. No paid plan is shown on shotcut.org.
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Alternatives
These reviewed AI tools do the same job instantly — from our scored directory.
Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
Does Shotcut cost anything?
No. It is distributed under the GPLv3 and the site offers it as a free download.
Which operating systems does it support?
Windows, macOS and Linux, according to shotcut.org.
Can it edit 4K footage?
The site says it supports resolutions up to 4K for capture and device input; editing speed depends on your computer.
