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mltframework

mltframework/shotcut

A free, open-source, cross-platform video editor built with Qt and the MLT multimedia framework.

Open-source alternative to:Adobe Premiere ProFinal Cut ProDaVinci Resolve

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What is it?

Shotcut is a desktop video editor that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is built with the Qt 6 UI framework and uses MLT as its multimedia engine, with FFmpeg for format and codec support, Frei0r for video plugins, and SDL for audio playback.

The project is distributed under GPLv3. Prebuilt binaries are published on the project website, and the source can be built with CMake, either from Qt Creator or from the command line. Building from source is recommended mainly for contributors and beta testers.

Because the codebase is cross-platform and relies on widely used libraries, it suits people who want a free editor they can inspect, modify or package themselves.

Key features

  • 01Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
  • 02Built on the MLT multimedia framework with FFmpeg codec support
  • 03Supports Frei0r video plugins
  • 04Released under the GPLv3 open-source license
  • 05Can be built from source with CMake, including Qt Creator setup

Use cases

  • Editing home videos or tutorials on a free desktop editor
  • Studying or modifying a cross-platform Qt video application
  • Building a custom video editor on top of the MLT framework

Quick start

  1. 1

    Download prebuilt binaries from the official download page

  2. 2

    Create a separate build directory and configure with CMake

    cmake -DCMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX=/usr/local/ /path/to/shotcut
  3. 3

    Build the project

    cmake --build .
  4. 4

    Install the build so Shotcut can find its QML files

    cmake --install .

Things to know

  • Building from source requires many dependencies such as Qt 6.4+, MLT, FFmpeg and FFTW, and is recommended only for beta testers or contributors.
  • Licensed under GPL-3.0, a copyleft license that requires derivative works to remain open source.

Topics

#video-editor#video#qt#cpp#multimedia#cross-platform#ffmpeg#gplv3#mlt#shotcut

FAQ

What is shotcut?
A free, open-source, cross-platform video editor built with Qt and the MLT multimedia framework. Shotcut is a desktop video editor that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is built with the Qt 6 UI framework and uses MLT as its multimedia engine, with FFmpeg for format and codec support, Frei0r for video plugins, and SDL for audio playback.
Is shotcut free to use? What license does it have?
shotcut is open source under the GPL-3.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is shotcut still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to shotcut was on Oct 21, 2026.
What can I use shotcut for?
Editing home videos or tutorials on a free desktop editor Studying or modifying a cross-platform Qt video application Building a custom video editor on top of the MLT framework
How do I install shotcut?
Download prebuilt binaries from the official download page Create a separate build directory and configure with CMake: cmake -DCMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX=/usr/local/ /path/to/shotcut Build the project: cmake --build . Install the build so Shotcut can find its QML files: cmake --install .
Where can I get shotcut?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/mltframework/shotcut

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