About Shotcut
Overview
Shotcut is a free, open-source, cross-platform video editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It edits projects natively without requiring an import step, supports hundreds of audio and video formats through FFmpeg, and handles resolutions up to 8K. It also offers Blackmagic Design SDI and HDMI support for input and preview monitoring, plus screen, webcam, and audio capture.
The project was originally conceived in November 2004 by Charlie Yates, an MLT co-founder, and the current version is a complete rewrite by Dan Dennedy, another MLT co-founder and its current lead developer. Meltytech, LLC owns the Shotcut trademark and copyright.
Key Benefits
- Free and open source with no subscription, activation, or usage analytics
- Native editing with no import step required
- Hundreds of audio and video formats and codecs via FFmpeg
- Multi-format timelines that mix resolutions and frame rates within one project
- 4K and 8K resolution support with frame-accurate seeking
- Blackmagic Design SDI and HDMI input and preview monitoring
How It Works
Open files by drag-and-drop in addition to the usual menu and toolbar methods. Tap J, K, and L to control playback speed and direction, press I and O to set in and out points, and use the cursor keys to step frame-by-frame. New versions release about every two months, and you can keep multiple versions installed and update whenever you like.
Use Cases
- Video editors trim and cut clips natively without re-encoding
- Content creators mix multiple resolutions and frame rates in a single timeline
- Filmmakers use Blackmagic Design devices for capture and preview monitoring
- Podcasters and voiceover artists record audio directly to the timeline
- Editors add and embed subtitles in SRT, VTT, ASS, and SSA formats
- Colorists apply HDR and 3-way color correction for grading
Why Choose This Product
Shotcut is fully free and open source and does not require network access to activate, check a subscription, or send analytics. Its FFmpeg-based engine and MLT framework give it broad format and device support across Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it a practical choice for editors who want capable software without licensing costs.
Key Features
Wide format support
Supports hundreds of audio and video formats and codecs through FFmpeg.
Native editing
Edits timelines natively without requiring an import step.
Multi-format timeline
Mixes multiple resolutions and frame rates within a single project.
4K and 8K resolution
Supports resolutions up to 8K with frame-accurate seeking.
Blackmagic Design support
Provides SDI and HDMI input and preview monitoring from Blackmagic Design devices.
Screen and webcam capture
Captures from screen, webcam, JACK and Pulse audio, IP streams, and DirectShow devices.
Subtitles
Creates, imports, edits, exports, renders, and embeds subtitles in SRT, VTT, ASS, and SSA formats.
HDR processing
Supports HDR10 (PQ) and HLG with HDR to SDR tone mapping.
Shotcut Pricing
Pricing extracted from the product website and may change. Check the source for current details.