Shotcut is a non-linear video editor built on the MLT Multimedia Framework. It combines a multitrack timeline with broad format support courtesy of FFmpeg and can edit media without first transcoding it into an intermediate format.
Projects can freely mix clips with different resolutions and frame rates. Editing tools include three-point editing, ripple operations, clip grouping, keyframes, transitions, compositing and audio mixing, while proxy media and reduced-resolution previews help with demanding footage.
Recent releases have expanded Shotcut considerably with HDR and 10-bit video processing, subtitle editing, motion tracking, adjustment clips, automatic audio ducking and increasingly comprehensive hardware acceleration.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Multitrack timeline with thumbnails, audio waveforms, clip grouping, snapping and flexible track ordering.
- Native timeline editing supports a wide range of audio and video formats through FFmpeg without requiring an import or conversion stage.
- Mix resolutions and frame rates within the same project, with support for 4K and 8K workflows.
- Three-point editing together with append, insert, overwrite, lift, ripple delete, roll and trimming operations.
- Proxy editing and configurable preview scaling improve responsiveness when working with high-resolution or computationally demanding material.
- HDR10 and HLG workflows with 10-bit processing, HDR export, tone mapping and linear colour processing.
- Extensive video filters including colour grading, chroma keying, stabilization, masking, motion tracking, 3D LUTs, denoising and 360-degree video tools.
- Keyframe animation with easing for filter parameters, transforms and other properties.
- Adjustment clips apply filters to the composite output of video tracks beneath them.
- Create, import, edit, export, render and embed subtitles, with support for SRT, VTT, ASS and SSA files.
- Audio tools include filters, loudness and spectrum scopes, automatic ducking, track-level mixing and recording directly to the timeline.
- Video and audio transitions can be created by overlapping clips, with numerous wipe patterns and compositing modes available.
- Hardware-accelerated decoding, scaling and encoding with support for compatible AMD, Intel and NVIDIA hardware.
- Screen, webcam and audio capture together with Blackmagic Design SDI and HDMI capture and monitoring.
- Video scopes include histogram, RGB parade, waveform and vectorscope displays for colour analysis.
- Playlist bins, smart bins, markers, ranges and a built-in file browser help organise larger projects.
- Supports VST2 and LV2 audio plugins and experimental OpenFX image-effect plugins.
- Bundled assets include sounds, graphics, animated text, transitions and emoji stickers.
Website: www.shotcut.org
Support:
Developer: Dan Dennedy, Brian Matherly
License: GNU General Public License v3.0

Shotcut is written in C++ and QML. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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