openshot

openshot [options] [project_file]

--version
    Display the OpenShot version number.

--help
    Show help message and exit.

--verbose
    Enable verbose logging.

--settings
    Open the settings dialog.

--project <project_file>
    Specify an OpenShot project file to open.

--export <export_file>
    Specify an export file name.

--profile <profile_name>
    Specify an export profile name (e.g., 'HD 720p 30 fps').

--start <frame_number>
    Specify the starting frame to export. (For frame sequences)

--end <frame_number>
    Specify the ending frame to export. (For frame sequences)

--single
    Open single instance mode. It prevents the creation of new process.

OpenShot is a free, open-source video editor. The `openshot` command-line interface (CLI) provides a way to interact with OpenShot from the terminal, allowing for automated video editing tasks, scripting, and integration with other tools.

While the GUI is the primary interface, the CLI offers powerful capabilities for advanced users and developers. It enables batch processing, programmatic video creation, and customization beyond what's directly available in the graphical interface.

This command can be used to manage project files, render videos, and perform other OpenShot related functions. It's important to note that direct manipulation of video frames is typically handled by OpenShot's underlying libraries, but the CLI controls the overall project management and rendering processes.

The exact set of options and their behavior might vary depending on the OpenShot version.
Some advanced functionalities might require specific libraries or codecs to be installed on the system.

OpenShot project files are typically XML-based, containing all the information needed to recreate the video project, including clip locations, effects, transitions, and timing.
While manually editing these files is possible, it's generally recommended to use the CLI or the GUI for project management.

The --export option is crucial for rendering a video project.
Use it in conjunction with --profile to specify the desired output format and quality.
OpenShot uses FFmpeg under the hood for rendering, so the available profiles are determined by the FFmpeg installation on your system.
You can find the available export profiles with the GUI, then use them in the CLI.

OpenShot was created by Jonathan Thomas, with the first version released in 2008. The CLI has evolved alongside the GUI, providing increasing automation capabilities. As OpenShot has gained popularity as a user-friendly and accessible video editor, the command-line interface has become a vital feature for power users and those integrating OpenShot into automated workflows.

The development focused on providing a stable, reliable, and user-friendly way to manage and render video projects, supporting a wide range of video formats and codecs.

ffmpeg(1), melt(1)