Shotcut

Audio & Video

A desktop video editor using a timeline and filters.

Use with conditions

Official website Repository

Last updatedRelease 2026-09-28

Open source licenseGPL-3.0

PlatformsWindows · macOS · Linux

DeploymentDesktop

About this project

Shotcut is a timeline based video editor that works directly with multiple audio and video formats, without requiring all material to be converted before editing. A playlist and multiple tracks organize clips. Thumbnails and waveforms help identify their contents, while inserting, appending, splitting, trimming and ripple editing provide different ways to build and adjust a sequence.

Filters cover picture, color and audio processing, with keyframes controlling changes over time. Subtitles can be created, imported, exported or burned into a video; listed formats include SRT, VTT and ASS/SSA. Proxy files and preview scaling assist editing heavier source material, and the export panel and jobs list manage the production of output files.

Saving a project and exporting a video are separate operations. MLT XML project files preserve work for further editing, while video export produces a standalone result for sharing or playback. Windows, macOS and Linux versions are available. The FAQ gives different hardware requirements for different resolutions, linking the intended media workload to the resources required to process it.

Shotcut: Features Shotcut: Frequently Asked Questions

Decision guide

Why it is worth a look

Native multiformat timeline editing
Audio and video filters

Before you use it

Current requirements are Windows 10 build 1809+ and macOS 12+
The current release is 26.9.27; macOS downloads also have a corrected 26.9.28 build
Keep project copies before upgrading; assess older systems through the official older-release path

Manual setupLow

With an AI agentLow

DeploymentDesktop

Additional requirementsNot verified

Use an officially listed operating system and architecture; Have application installation permissions and sufficient local storage; Some requirements have not been verified. Check the official setup instructions.

What it can do

Native multiformat timeline editing
Audio and video filters
Media capture and a configurable workspace

Who it fits

Good for

Short video editing and basic audio/video processing

Not a fit

Judgment: Users unwilling to learn timelines or export settings

Getting started

Choose the platform's stable package or portable version on the official page
After installation, create a test timeline with a short clip
Cut and export once, checking picture and sound

Alternatives to consider

What it takes

Getting startedLow

Ongoing maintenanceLow

Failure impactModerate

Knowledge neededModerate

Not selected for comparison.

Get help from an AI agent

DeploymentDesktop

Additional requirementsNot verified

With an AI agentLow

{
  "project": "Shotcut",
  "decision": "Use with conditions",
  "purpose": "A desktop video editor using a timeline and filters.",
  "repository": "https://github.com/mltframework/shotcut",
  "official_site": "https://shotcut.org/",
  "deploy_shape": "Desktop",
  "additional_dependencies": "Use an officially listed operating system and architecture; Have application installation permissions and sufficient local storage; Some requirements have not been verified. Check the official setup instructions.",
  "direct_setup": "Easy installation; editing and export require learning",
  "ai_assisted_setup": "Easy: AI can explain installation options and errors; actual installation and results were not tested",
  "operational_burden": "Low: update periodically and back up personal files",
  "operational_risk": "Moderate: retain original files before importing, overwriting or batch operations",
  "knowledge_requirement": "Moderate: timelines, filters and export parameters",
  "license": "GPL-3.0",
  "install_steps": [
    "Choose the platform's stable package or portable version on the official page",
    "After installation, create a test timeline with a short clip",
    "Cut and export once, checking picture and sound"
  ],
  "good_for": "Short video editing and basic audio/video processing",
  "avoid_if": "Judgment: Users unwilling to learn timelines or export settings"
}