Compare
Kdenlive vs Shotcut Video Editor
Also free and open-source but uses a different UI and workflow
Which to pick
Pick Kdenlive if you want…
- Open-source cross-platform video editing
- Integrations with Linux, Windows or macOS (on Kdenlive's list, not Shotcut Video Editor's)
Pick Shotcut Video Editor if you want…
- Free, native timeline editing with wide format support
- Integrations with FFmpeg, VST2 or LV2 (on Shotcut Video Editor's list, not Kdenlive's)
Side by side
- What it is
- Kdenlive:Kdenlive is a free, open-source non-linear video editor for Linux, Windows, macOS and BSD.
- Shotcut Video Editor:Shotcut is a free, open-source, cross-platform video editor for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Best for
- Kdenlive:Open-source cross-platform video editing
- Shotcut Video Editor:Free, native timeline editing with wide format support
- Who it’s for
- Kdenlive:Video creators and editors looking for a cross-platform, community-driven editor.
- Shotcut Video Editor:Video creators and editors needing a free, multi-format editor on any desktop OS.
- Pricing
- Kdenlive:Free
- Shotcut Video Editor:Free
- Open source
- Kdenlive:Yes, 5,808 GitHub stars
- Shotcut Video Editor:Yes, 15,365 GitHub stars
- Works with
- Kdenlive:Linux, Windows, macOS, BSD, Glaxnimate
- Shotcut Video Editor:FFmpeg, VST2, LV2
Kdenlive features
- Asset Management. Ingest any audio/video format, view metadata, use proxies and tag/filter assets in bins.
- Flexible Editing. Non-linear timeline with multicam, 3-point editing, nested sequences and automatic backups.
- Audio Tools. Mixers, built-in voiceover recording and visual audio spectrum for precise sound shaping.
- Effects & Transitions. Hundreds of effects, keyframe animation and smooth transitions at any workflow level.
- Color Grading. Apply LUTs, basic corrections or detailed grading with histogram, vectorscope and waveform analysis.
- Subtitles & Text. Automatic transcription, styling options and integration with Glaxnimate for motion graphics.
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.
Kdenlive vs Shotcut Video Editor FAQ
Is Kdenlive or Shotcut Video Editor free?+
Yes, both are free.
Is Kdenlive or Shotcut Video Editor open source?+
Yes, both are open source: Kdenlive (KDE/kdenlive on GitHub, GPL-3.0 license) and Shotcut Video Editor (mltframework/shotcut on GitHub, GPL-3.0 license).
Do Kdenlive and Shotcut Video Editor integrate with the same tools?+
Their integration lists don't overlap: Kdenlive lists Linux, Windows, macOS, BSD and 1 more; Shotcut Video Editor lists FFmpeg, VST2 and LV2.
On DevHunt
Shotcut Video Editor
Listed by DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.