Shotcut
Free, open-source video editor for Windows, macOS and Linux
- #4 of 10 in best video editing software
- Free and open source
- Free to use
- Open source
- WindowsmacOSLinux
Ranked 4 of 10 in best video editing software
A free, open-source editor for Windows, macOS and Linux that edits media without importing it first. Its timeline takes time to learn, and it is less focused on color grading than DaVinci Resolve.
Best for Free open-source editing on any desktop
About Shotcut
Shotcut is a timeline video editor built on the MLT multimedia framework. The site says it handles a wide range of formats and does not require importing footage before editing, so clips can stay where they are on disk. It can capture from webcams, capture cards and screens, and it supports editing and export at up to 4K.
The timeline takes time to learn, and the interface is less guided than those of consumer apps. Shotcut is aimed at users who want a dependable free editor on Windows, macOS or Linux, and its GPLv3 license means the source code is open for anyone to read or change.
Key features
- No import required
- Captures from webcams and SDI
- Editing up to 4K
- Dockable panels
- GPLv3 license
Strengths
- Free and open source under GPLv3
- No import needed before editing
Limits
- Timeline takes time to learn
- Less guided than consumer editors
Where Shotcut ranks
How Shotcut compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
#2 Final Cut Pro | 90.5 | One-time purchase | macOSiPadOS |
#3 Adobe Premiere Pro | 87.5 | Subscription | WindowsmacOS |
| #4Shotcut | 86.5 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinux |
| #5Avid Media Composer | 86.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WindowsmacOS |
#6 Kdenlive | 85.0 | Free and open source | LinuxWindowsmacOS |
The full comparison table for best video editing software has all 10 products.
Alternatives to Shotcut
All 9 alternatives
DaVinci ResolveProfessional editing, color grading and audio in one app- Final Cut ProIs a one-time purchase.
- Adobe Premiere ProProfessional timeline video editing from Adobe
- Avid Media ComposerProfessional film and TV editing software for Mac and PC
- KdenliveFree, open-source non-linear video editor from the KDE project
LightworksProfessional non-linear video editor with a free tier
Questions about Shotcut
- Is Shotcut free?
- Shotcut can be used without paying: Free and open source under GPLv3. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Shotcut open source?
- Yes. Shotcut publishes its source code under the GPL-3.0 license.
- Which platforms does Shotcut support?
- Shotcut is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux.
- What is Shotcut best for?
- Free open-source editing on any desktop. In our ranking of video editing software it is number 4 of 10 with a score of 86.5.
- What are the best alternatives to Shotcut?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer.
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Articles that mention Shotcut
All articles- Roundups · 6 min readFree alternatives to Adobe Creative Cloud, app by appFree and open-source replacements for Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and Acrobat, with the gaps and free-plan limits to expect.
- Comparisons · 5 min readDaVinci Resolve vs Adobe Premiere Pro: Which Video Editor Fits You?DaVinci Resolve offers a free editor with color grading and audio, while Premiere Pro is a subscription timeline editor tied to Adobe apps. Compare the two.
- Guides · 5 min readHow to choose video editing software for your projectsChoose video editing software by timeline depth, hardware needs, export formats and price. Compare DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Shotcut, Kdenlive and CapCut.
