Shotcut

Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor supporting hundreds of formats.

Best for: Casual video creators, educators, and indie filmmakers wanting a reliable, free editing suite

Free plan

4.5/5Editorial score 87/100shotcut.org

Starts at

Free Forever (GPLv3)

Get started free

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Editorial score87/100

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The editorial note

What to know about Shotcut

Shotcut is a free, open-source, cross-platform non-linear video editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Created by Dan Dennedy, Shotcut requires no media importing (native timeline editing), supports 4K resolutions, and features robust audio and video filters, keyframing, and hardware decoding through FFmpeg.

Is it right for you?

Who Shotcut suits

Choose it if

Casual video creators, educators, and indie filmmakers wanting a reliable, free editing suite

Look elsewhere if

Advanced motion graphic artists seeking dynamic node-based visual effects

What you get

Key features

Supports latest audio and video formats via FFmpeg
4K video editing and multi-format timeline support
Hardware-accelerated encoding and decoding
Comprehensive audio filters and spectrum analyzer
3-point editing and ripple trimming
Extensive video transitions and blending modes

Works with

Integrations4

FFmpegOpenGLJack AudioOBS Studio

What it costs

Pricing

Shotcut pricing plans
Plan	Price	What it includes
Open Source	Free Forever (GPLv3)Billed one-time	100% free download with zero limitations, full 4K export capabilities, no watermarks

Prices are recorded from the vendor's public pricing page and can change. Check before you buy.

The trade-off

Pros and cons

Pros

Native timeline editing: no media import required, drag files directly to timeline
Zero paywalls, zero watermarks, and no mandatory cloud accounts
Excellent audio filter collection with peak meters, compressors, and parametric EQ

Cons

User interface layout can feel utilitarian and slightly cluttered for beginners
Lack of pre-packaged animated transition packs compared to commercial editors

Quick read

At a glance

Category: Video & Audio
Pricing model: Free
Entry plan: Free Forever (GPLv3)
Free plan: Available
Free trial: Not listed
Website: shotcut.org

The verdict

Our take on Shotcut

Shotcut is a reliable, battle-tested open-source video editor that handles any file format with zero cost or subscription stress.

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