A lot of people may not think about Linux when video editing comes to mind, but make no mistake, there are a myriad of fine choices available when it comes to video editing software on a Linux system. There are varying levels of software, depending on whether you want to do in depth video editing or just quick edits on the fly. In some cases, you may find it useful to have one of each.
In this tutorial, we have compiled a list of our favorite video editing software for Linux. Check out our picks below to find one that suits you best for your video editing needs.
In this tutorial you will learn:
- Best video editing software for Linux
| Category | Requirements, Conventions or Software Version Used |
|---|---|
| System | Any Linux distro |
| Software | Kdenlive, Blender, Shotcut, Cinelerra, Flowblade, Avidemux, VidCutter |
| Other | Privileged access to your Linux system as root or via the sudo command. |
| Conventions |
# – requires given linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of sudo command$ – requires given linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user |
Best Video Editing Software for Linux
Here are some of our top picks for video editing software on Linux. Which video editor is right for you? Almost all of the below video editors are available in most distribution repositories. Give them a try. You might be surprised.
Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a free and open source video editor from KDE, the same developers who publish one of the most popular Linux desktop environments, KDE Plasma. It works across multiple operating systems and is meant to be a free replacement for Apple’s iMovie.
This software comes packed with a lot of features, and all are pretty intuitive if you are somewhat familiar with video editing. For simple video edits or users that are less inclined to learn the ins and outs, Kdenlive might be overkill, as there are lightweight alternatives that would be better suited for the job.
What we like about it:
- Non linear video editor
- Can also create DVD menus
- Good alternative to Apple iMovie
Blender
Blender is primarily used for 3D animation and effects. Some users may be surprised to find it on a list of video editors, but it certainly is capable of video edits and can work with a plethora of formats.
Blender is used by professionals, even being used in some Hollywood blockbusters, and there are seemingly endless things you can learn to do with it. For simple video cutting, it is definitely overkill, but aspiring editors will definitely find it worth learning.
What we like about it:
- Good for users that also wish to do 3D animation
- Features audio mixing and video effects
- Supports simple edits or complex features such as video masking or color grading
Shotcut
Shotcut is another free and open source video editor. It is cross platform, so will work with Linux, Windows, or MacOS. It is a good middle of the road software, as it supports some advanced features in addition to being a simple editor, but is nowhere near as complex as Blender or other professional grade editors.
The intuitive interface makes it easy to learn, so newcomers will find it quite welcoming. It supports many different file types and formats. It also has a series of video tutorials on its official website, which makes it super easy to get started with video editing in Shotcut.
What we like about it:
- Easy to use for those new to video editing
- Open source and cross platform
- Good documentation along with video tutorials
Cinelerra
Cinelerra is another free video editor for Linux. It comes with a lot of effects and titling styles built into it. You will find a load of audio effects, video effects, audio transitions, and video transitions all built into the menus. It is also very easy to import custom effects in Cinelerra.
The application has been around since 1998, and has always been free. It is pretty easy to use whether you are looking for simple video editing and splicing with effects, or need something more robust for an online video production.
What we like about it:
- Editing, effects, and titling built in
- General purpose video editor
- Non linear editor and layering
Flowblade
Flowblade is another non linear and free video editor for Linux. It has probably the widest support for formats and encoding types available for editors on a Linux system. It features an advanced workflow and stylish interface that is easy to use for both beginners and film makers alike.
It is a fast and stable program. Flowblade comes with timeline features, compositors, a variety of filters, range log, proxy editing, audio mixing, titling, rendering, and much more.
What we like about it:
- Sleek and simple user interface
- Huge support of formats and encodes
- Advanced documentation on website
Avidemux
Avidemux is a lightweight tool meant for simple video editing. If you are not looking to do anything too advanced or special with your videos, or just want to avoid learning some of the complexities that come with video editing, then Avidemux is a good choice for you.
It also works well as a batch editing program, able to apply automated tasks to multiple files in a queue. Avidemux works well as an efficient and simple video editing tool for lightweight editing like splicing and cropping.
What we like about it:
- Very simple to use
- Lightweight program
- Great for novices or minor editing
VidCutter
VidCutter, as the name implies, is a lightweight video editor focused around simple tasks like cutting video into a finished product. It is dead simple to use, with only a few options and menus to choose from.
When opening some video editors, you are presented with an overwhelming number of choices, but with VidCutter that is not the case. This could either be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on what level of video editing you are looking to do.
What we like about it:
- Extremely simple interface
- Fast and lightweight application
- Great for quick edits
Closing Thoughts
In this tutorial, we learned about some top picks for video editing software on a Linux system. This ranged from professional grade editors, to simple video editing software for the most basic functions. The important thing is that all editors in this list are free and work well on numerous Linux distros. Of course, many other video editors exist, but this list should steer you in the right direction for picking a video editor that suits you best.
