List of Linux video editors
Summary
List of free, open-source, and proprietary video editing software available for Linux, including tools for trimming, encoding, and video processing.
Introduction #
Linux users have access to a wide variety of video editing tools, from professional-grade suites to lightweight cutters. Whether you are looking to trim clips, edit multi-track projects, or convert formats, there is a tool that fits your needs.
This guide organizes Linux video editors into free and open-source, proprietary, and utility tools that can assist in your workflow.
Free & open-source video editors #
These editors are available at no cost and their source code can be modified or redistributed. They are supported by communities or independent developers and offer a wide range of capabilities.
Kdenlive #
Kdenlive is a non-linear video editor that supports multi-track timelines, a wide range of codecs, and proxy editing. It is built using the Qt toolkit and is maintained by the KDE community.
Shotcut #
Shotcut is a cross-platform video editor with support for resolutions up to 4K. It provides native timeline editing, a modular interface, and broad format compatibility via FFmpeg.
OpenShot #
OpenShot offers a simple interface with drag-and-drop support and basic transition effects. It supports keyframe animation, titles, and audio mixing.
Flowblade #
Flowblade is a GTK-based video editor focused on fast, frame-accurate editing. It includes over 150 video and audio filters and supports advanced compositing.
Cinelerra-GG #
Cinelerra-GG is a fork of the original Cinelerra, supporting high-resolution formats and hardware acceleration. It includes advanced features such as motion tracking and keyframe automation.
Pitivi #
Pitivi is a GStreamer-based video editor designed for intuitive use. It supports keyframe-based transitions, a real-time preview, and basic trimming and cutting.
VidCutter #
VidCutter is a Qt-based video cutter designed for quick operations like trimming and joining. It uses FFmpeg and MPV for backend processing and playback.
Avidemux #
Avidemux is a straightforward video editor for simple tasks such as cutting, filtering, and encoding. It supports automation via scripting and a wide range of formats.
LosslessCut #
LosslessCut allows you to trim and merge videos without re-encoding. It supports MP4, MOV, MKV, and other containers using FFmpeg at the backend.
OBS Studio #
OBS Studio is primarily used for live streaming and screen recording. It includes a basic editor for cutting recorded video and adding simple transitions.
Olive #
Olive is an open-source, timeline-based editor currently in active development. Although not feature-complete, it supports real-time previewing and non-linear editing workflows.
Blender (Video Sequence Editor) #
Blender includes a Video Sequence Editor (VSE) that provides basic editing features such as cutting, transitions, and effects. Though not a dedicated video editor, it is powerful when used in conjunction with Blender’s 3D capabilities.
Proprietary video editors #
These editors offer advanced functionality and professional features, often used in media production. Some offer free tiers with limitations or trial periods (paid/freemium).
DaVinci Resolve #
DaVinci Resolve provides professional editing, color grading, and audio post-production tools. The free version is available for Linux but has some limitations in codec and plugin support.
Lightworks #
Lightworks is a professional-grade editor available on Linux with a freemium licensing model. The free version limits export resolution and codec support.
HitFilm Express #
HitFilm Express offers editing and visual effects tools. While the software is free to use, certain advanced features and assets require additional purchases.
Other tools #
These applications are not designed for full video editing, but they support specific video-related tasks such as encoding, muxing, or processing streams.
HandBrake #
HandBrake is an open-source video transcoder. It allows conversion between formats and includes options for subtitles, filters, and chapter markers.
MKVToolNix #
MKVToolNix is a set of tools for creating, editing, and inspecting Matroska (MKV) files. It supports splitting, merging, and extracting tracks without quality loss.
FFmpeg #
FFmpeg is a command-line suite for processing audio and video. It enables conversion, streaming, and editing and serves as the backend for many graphical tools.
FAQ's #
Most common questions and brief, easy-to-understand answers on the topic:
What is the best free video editor for Linux?
There is no single best option, but Kdenlive, Shotcut, and Pitivi are among the most feature-complete free video editors for Linux.
Can I use DaVinci Resolve on Linux?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve offers a Linux version, but it has hardware requirements and may need extra setup, such as specific GPU drivers.
What is a good tool for quick video trimming on Linux?
LosslessCut and VidCutter are both designed for fast video trimming without re-encoding.
Do professional video editors work on Linux?
Yes, professional tools like DaVinci Resolve and Lightworks support Linux, but they may require proprietary drivers or specific distributions.
Further readings #
Sources and recommended, further resources on the topic:
- Kdenlive official site
- Shotcut official site
- Olive official site
- OpenShot official site
- Flowblade official site
- Blender official site
- Cinelerra-GG official site
- Pitivi official site
- VidCutter GitHub
- Avidemux official site
- LosslessCut GitHub
- OBS Studio official site
- DaVinci Resolve official site
- Lightworks official site
- HitFilm Express official site
- HandBrake official site
- MKVToolNix official site
- FFmpeg official site
Author
Jonas Jared Jacek (J15k)
Jonas works as project manager, web designer, and web developer since 2001. On top of that, he is a Linux system administrator with a broad interest in things related to programming, architecture, and design. See: https://www.j15k.com/License
List of Linux video editors by Jonas Jared Jacek is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This license requires that reusers give credit to the creator. It allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, for noncommercial purposes only. To give credit, provide a link back to the original source, the author, and the license e.g. like this:
<p xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/"><a property="dct:title" rel="cc:attributionURL" href="https://www.ditig.com/linux-video-editing-tools">List of Linux video editors</a> by <a rel="cc:attributionURL dct:creator" property="cc:attributionName" href="https://www.j15k.com/">Jonas Jared Jacek</a> is licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="license noopener noreferrer">CC BY-SA 4.0</a>.</p>For more information see the Ditig legal page.
