DaVinci Resolve vs Shotcut Video Editor

Shotcut offers cross-platform editing but does not provide the full post-production pipeline or AI features of Resolve.

DaVinci ResolveVideo editing, color, VFX and audio in one app

Shotcut Video EditorFree cross-platform video editor

Which to pick

Pick DaVinci Resolve if you want…

Unified post-production workflow
Integrations with Windows, Linux or audio plugins (on DaVinci Resolve's list, not Shotcut Video Editor's)

Pick Shotcut Video Editor if you want…

Free, native timeline editing with wide format support
Lightweight cross-platform editing
A free, open-source tool
Integrations with FFmpeg, VST2 or LV2 (on Shotcut Video Editor's list, not DaVinci Resolve's)

Side by side

What it is: DaVinci Resolve:DaVinci Resolve is an all-in-one post-production suite for editing, color, VFX, audio and photo work.; Shotcut Video Editor:Shotcut is a free, open-source, cross-platform video editor for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Best for: DaVinci Resolve:Unified post-production workflow; Shotcut Video Editor:Free, native timeline editing with wide format support
Who it’s for: DaVinci Resolve:Video editors, colorists, VFX artists and audio engineers on Mac, Windows or Linux.; Shotcut Video Editor:Video creators and editors needing a free, multi-format editor on any desktop OS.
Pricing: DaVinci Resolve:Freemium; Shotcut Video Editor:Free
Plans: DaVinci Resolve:DaVinci Resolve (Free) $0; Shotcut Video Editor:—
Open source: DaVinci Resolve:—; Shotcut Video Editor:Yes, 15,365 GitHub stars
Works with: DaVinci Resolve:Windows, Linux, audio plugins; Shotcut Video Editor:FFmpeg, VST2, LV2

DaVinci Resolve features

Multi-page workspace. Separate pages for Cut, Edit, Fusion, Color, Fairlight, Photo and Deliver let you switch tasks instantly.
AI Neural Engine. AI tools for facial recognition, smart reframing, object detection, auto-color and more.
Collaboration via Blackmagic Cloud. Real-time local and remote multi-user editing, color, VFX and audio collaboration.
Resolve FX library. Over 100 GPU-accelerated video and film effects usable across all pages.
Fairlight audio suite. Supports up to 2,000 tracks, immersive 3D audio, AI-driven voice isolation and music remixing.
Fusion node-based VFX. 2D/3D compositing, tracking, rotoscoping and motion-graphics tools within the same app.
Photo page. Hollywood-grade color tools for RAW stills with tethered capture and AI enhancements.
Extensive format support. Import, manage and deliver any major video, audio or image format with customizable encoding.

Shotcut Video Editor features

Wide format support. Edit hundreds of audio/video codecs natively via FFmpeg, no import required.
4K/8K and HDR. Handles resolutions up to 8K and HDR10/HLG with tone-mapping to SDR.
Blackmagic SDI/HDMI I/O. Input and preview monitoring from Blackmagic Design SDI and HDMI devices.
Audio tools & plugins. Audio scopes, filters, VST2/LV2 support and automatic ducking.
Extensive video effects. Color grading, keying, motion tracking, 360° filters and OpenFX plugins.
Multi-track timeline. Dockable panels, thumbnails, waveforms, keyframes, and batch export.

DaVinci Resolve vs Shotcut Video Editor FAQ

Is DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut Video Editor free?+

DaVinci Resolve has a free plan (DaVinci Resolve (Free)) and paid plans. Shotcut Video Editor is free.

Is DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut Video Editor open source?+

Shotcut Video Editor is open source (mltframework/shotcut on GitHub, GPL-3.0 license). DevHunt has no public source repository on record for DaVinci Resolve.

Do DaVinci Resolve and Shotcut Video Editor integrate with the same tools?+

Their integration lists don't overlap: DaVinci Resolve lists Windows, Linux and audio plugins; Shotcut Video Editor lists FFmpeg, VST2 and LV2.

On DevHunt

DaVinci Resolve

Listed by DevHunt

DaVinci Resolve on DevHunt →DaVinci Resolve alternatives

Shotcut Video Editor