shotcut

Free cross-platform video editor

TLDR

Open Shotcut

$ shotcut

Open project

$ shotcut [project.mlt]

Open video file

$ shotcut [video.mp4]

GPU processing

$ shotcut --gpu

Full screen

$ shotcut --fullscreen

SYNOPSIS

shotcut [--gpu] [--fullscreen] [options] [file]

Shotcut is a free, open-source, cross-platform video editor that provides non-linear editing with a timeline-based workflow. It supports a wide range of audio and video formats natively through its FFmpeg backend, allowing files to be placed directly on the timeline without import or transcoding.The editor includes a comprehensive set of video and audio filters for effects, color correction, transitions, and compositing. GPU acceleration via OpenGL is available for faster preview and rendering on supported hardware. Projects are saved in MLT XML format and can export to numerous output formats and codecs.

PARAMETERS

--gpu

Use GPU processing.

--fullscreen

Fill the screen with the Shotcut window.

--noupgrade

Hide upgrade prompt and menu item.

--glaxnimate

Run Glaxnimate instead of Shotcut.

--clear-recent

Clear recent files on exit.

--appdata DIR

Specify directory for app configuration and data.

-h, --help

Display help.

-v, --version

Display version information.

CAVEATS

GPU processing varies by hardware and may not be available on all systems. Resource intensive for high-resolution or multi-track projects. Does not support command-line rendering; use melt for batch/scripted exports.

HISTORY

Shotcut was created by Dan Dennedy, building on MLT framework to provide a free, open-source video editor.