Shotcut

Description

Shotcut is a free, open source, multi-platform video editor. You can perform various actions such as video editing (including 4K video quality), adding effects, creating new movies, importing most image file formats, exporting to almost any file format and much more.

This tool runs on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux operating systems.

Shotcut is developed by Meltytech, LLC and released under the GPL-3.0 licence. Its source code is on GitHub.

Shotcut Review

If you are looking for a video editor that has a smooth interface and a variety of tools, Shotcut is an excellent option. This free video editor for Linux operated devices is much more complicated than most expect. The average user thinks that it is a simple free download that won't take too much time to master. If there is a fault of Shotcut, it is that the learning curve is quite steep. Let's take a closer look at the software.

Shotcut Basics

Shotcut really does have something for everyone. The software gets updates that bring users new tools and special features. Shotcut imports almost anything supported by FFmpeg including 4K videos and image files.

Overall, the interface functions just as you would anticipate. You load up your video, and it appears above in its window. Tools can be accessed by right-clicking. Apply them to the video and work on the fly as you edit to your heart's content. You'll love the filters' ease of use and the ability to move windows within the app. You can customize the experience in your own way.

Negatives

The worst part about this free video editing software is that it takes a while to get the hang of it. The average user might grow tired of the sophisticated controls and move on to something simpler. It will take you a while to find out how to perform what seems like an incredibly simple function.

Positives

You will be hard pressed to find a free, open-source video editing program with the extent of Shotcut's features and support. Shotcut should be commended for its vast selection of formats for video. You can work with .webm or .flv without a hassle. This software also has a fantastic set of filters and a helpful timeline that allows you to add an unlimited number of tracks. Go ahead and drag in audio or video and proceed to trim, cut and overlay.

Shotcut makes it feel fairly natural as long as you are willing to make a commitment to learning the controls.

The Verdict

If you are a patient person and willing to learn the nuances of the Shotcut software, you will uncover its broad powers. Add in the fact that the software is open-source and it is easy to see why so many are intrigued.

However, if you aren't willing to stick with Shotcut's steep learning curve, don't be afraid to move on to something more simple and intuitive. When you feel comfortable with an easier to use alternative, don't forget to check for a new, better, improved Shotcut version.