Best Free Video Editors for Linux, Windows & Mac
Find the Perfect Free Video Editor for Your Workflow
Whether you’re editing YouTube content, producing a short film, or learning the craft of video editing, you don’t need to spend hundreds on subscription software. The open-source ecosystem offers professional-grade video editors that rival — and often surpass — paid alternatives.
Here are the best free video editors available today, all actively maintained and completely free to use.
Top Free Video Editors
Kdenlive
Best for: Advanced editing with professional features
Kdenlive is a powerful non-linear video editor built on the MLT multimedia framework. It offers a full professional-grade editing experience with unlimited video and audio tracks, proxy editing for smooth performance on any hardware, and advanced color grading tools. The keyframe-based animation system lets you create complex motion graphics and transitions.
- Multi-Track Timeline: Unlimited video and audio tracks with drag-and-drop interface
- Proxy Editing: Work with high-resolution footage on modest hardware
- Color Grading: Advanced color tools including curves, scopes, and LUTs
- Effects: Built-in compositing, transitions, and motion tracking
- Cross-Platform: Works on Linux, Windows, and macOS
Shotcut
Best for: Wide format support and fast workflow
Shotcut is a free open-source video editor with native FFmpeg support, meaning it handles virtually any video format without conversion. It features an intuitive interface with dockable panels, automatic proxy generation, and over 200 audio/video filters for color correction, chroma key, stabilization, and more.
- Extensive Format Support: FFmpeg-native codec support for any video format
- Proxy Editing: Automatic proxy generation for smooth 4K editing
- 200+ Filters: Color grading, chroma key, VR filters, stabilization
- Dockable Interface: Customizable panel layout to match your workflow
- Cross-Platform: Available for Linux, Windows, and macOS
OpenShot
Best for: Beginners and quick editing
OpenShot is one of the most user-friendly open-source video editors available. Its drag-and-drop timeline makes it easy to assemble clips, audio, and effects without a steep learning curve. Despite its simplicity, it includes keyframe animation, unlimited tracks, and a range of video effects for professional-looking results.
- Drag-and-Drop Timeline: Fast assembly of clips, audio, and effects
- Keyframe Animation: Control position, scale, rotation, and opacity over time
- Video Effects: Chroma key (green screen), time warp, and lens flare
- Title Editor: Built-in title templates with 3D animations
- Cross-Platform: Available for Linux, Windows, and macOS
OBS Studio
Best for: Live streaming and screen recording
While OBS Studio is primarily known for live streaming, it’s also an excellent screen and video recorder. Its scene composition system lets you mix multiple sources — webcam, screen capture, media files, and browser windows — into polished productions. Ideal for tutorials, gaming content, and live broadcasts.
- Real-Time Capture: Screen, window, game, and webcam capture
- Scene Composition: Unlimited scenes with custom transitions
- Audio Mixer: Per-source audio with filters and noise suppression
- Studio Mode: Preview before switching scenes
- Cross-Platform: Available for Linux, Windows, and macOS
Which Video Editor Should You Choose?
- For professional editing: Choose Kdenlive for its advanced timeline and color grading
- For format versatility: Choose Shotcut for its unmatched codec support
- For beginners: Choose OpenShot for its simple drag-and-drop interface
- For streaming and recording: Choose OBS Studio for real-time capture
All four tools are completely free and open source — no subscriptions, no watermarks, no limits. Install them today and start creating without breaking the bank.
Browse our full collection of Creative & Multimedia tools or explore more open-source software alternatives.