kdenlive

Start the video editor

$ kdenlive

$ kdenlive [path/to/file.kdenlive]

$ kdenlive --mlt-path [path/to/directory]

$ kdenlive --mlt-log [verbose|debug]

$ kdenlive --help

$ kdenlive --version

kdenlive [options] [project_file]

project_file
    Opens the specified Kdenlive project file (e.g., .kdenlive). If no file is provided, Kdenlive launches with a new, empty project.

--help
    Displays a help message with common command-line options and exits.

--version
    Displays the Kdenlive version information and exits.

Kdenlive is a free and open-source non-linear video editing software for Linux, FreeBSD, macOS, and Windows. It is built on the Qt framework and KDE Frameworks, utilizing the powerful FFmpeg libraries for media processing. Kdenlive provides a rich set of features for video creators, including multi-track editing, a wide array of effects and transitions, a flexible titler, and support for various audio and video formats. It is designed to be accessible for beginners while offering advanced capabilities for professional workflows, making it a versatile tool for anything from simple cuts to complex multi-layered compositions.

Kdenlive is primarily a graphical user interface (GUI) application. While it can be launched and configured with some command-line options, it is not designed for headless operation or extensive scripting of editing tasks purely via the command line. Video editing can be resource-intensive; ensure sufficient RAM and CPU for optimal performance.

Multi-track editing: Edit multiple audio and video tracks simultaneously.
Wide format support: Utilizes FFmpeg, allowing it to import and export nearly any audio/video format.
Customizable Interface: Dockable panels allow users to arrange the interface to suit their workflow.
Proxy Editing: Create lower-resolution copies of clips for smoother editing, especially with high-resolution footage.
Advanced Effects: Includes a wide range of video and audio effects, color correction tools, and transitions.
Titler Tool: Create 2D titles directly within the application.

Kdenlive uses XML-based project files with the .kdenlive extension. These files store all editing decisions, clip references, and effect parameters, but not the media itself. It's crucial to keep your media files organized and accessible for projects to load correctly.

Kdenlive was first released by Jason Wood in 2002. Initially built on MLT and KDE 3, it joined the KDE project in 2007. A significant rewrite began in 2014, leading to the release of version 15.04 in 2015, which fully adopted the Qt 5 and KDE Frameworks 5 technologies, enhancing its stability, performance, and cross-platform compatibility.

ffmpeg(1), melt(1), shotcut(1), openshot(1)