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Free, open source, cross-platform video editor
Shotcut is a free, open-source, cross-platform video editor offering powerful timeline editing, broad format support, and GPU-accelerated features without subscription fees.
Shotcut is a non-linear video editor that emphasizes flexibility, portability, and open standards. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and works directly with source media, avoiding lengthy imports or transcoding steps. Editors can mix codecs, resolutions, and frame rates on the same timeline without conversion.
The project is actively maintained and regularly updated with new filters, performance improvements, and platform optimizations. Version 25.10.31 adds HTML-based image and video generation, text-to-speech, and integrated screen capture. Shotcut's open-source license invites experimentation, community contributions, and integration into custom pipelines for creators and developers.
Version 25.10.31 (2025-10-31):
- Added Image/Video from HTML using Chromium-based rendering
- Introduced text-to-speech in Notes and Subtitles
- Implemented cross-platform screen snapshot and recording integrations
Version 25.08.16 (2025-08-16):
- Stability improvements over 25.07
- Refinements to filters and timeline behavior
Version 25.05.11 (2025-05-11):
- Added Alpha Strobe filter and Freeze Frame on the timeline
- Various bug fixes and performance improvements
Yes, Shotcut is released under an open-source license and can be used free of charge for personal, educational, and commercial projects. There are no subscription tiers or paid unlocks, but users are encouraged to support development or contribute code, translations, documentation, or testing.
Shotcut provides 64-bit builds for Windows 10 and 11, macOS 12 and later, and various modern Linux distributions. Official downloads include installers, portable archives, and AppImage packages, making it possible to run the same editor across different machines and environments with minimal configuration effort.
Yes, Shotcut supports resolutions up to 4K and beyond, but smooth editing depends on your hardware. For weaker CPUs or limited RAM, enable proxy files and lower preview resolution. Using fast SSD storage and a modern GPU with proper drivers noticeably improves responsiveness on complex, multi-track 4K timelines.
In version 25.10.31, Shotcut can trigger platform tools for screen snapshots and recording, integrating captures directly into the project. It also adds a text-to-speech workflow via Notes and Subtitles. Quality depends on timing, segmentation, and available system tools but is sufficient for many tutorial-style videos.
Shotcut receives multiple releases each year, typically bundling new features, bug fixes, and library upgrades. Recent updates introduced playlist bins, Whisper-based transcription, HTML-driven visuals, and improved capture tools. Users can follow the official blog or release notes page to track progress and decide when to upgrade.
Shotcut is approachable but not overly simplified. Beginners comfortable exploring menus and experimenting with filters can learn it gradually. While it lacks heavy templates or wizards, clear export presets, proxy options, and a straightforward timeline model help new editors grow into more advanced techniques without outgrowing the software quickly.
