Best Linux Video Editors: Our Top 5 List
From quick social media clips to professional-grade productions, Linux delivers impressive video editing tools for all skill levels.
Whether you're polishing a fun YouTube video or working on broadcast-quality content, you'll find capable software to match your project's demands.
The platform offers everything from simple trim-and-export applications to sophisticated nonlinear editors with Hollywood-grade features.
This versatility makes Linux a solid choice for casual creators and professional editors alike. You get robust performance without compromising on creative control.
What stands out is how these tools handle both ends of the spectrum - they're powerful enough for complex projects yet remain accessible for everyday editing tasks.
The open-source nature means you can customize your workflow while avoiding expensive licensing fees common in other operating systems.
VidCutter
VidCutter is perfect when you just need something straightforward. It focuses solely on trimming and combining video clips—no extra fluff like transitions, effects, or complex timelines. You’re working with a single track, nothing more.
The SmartClip feature is a nice touch, helping you quickly pick the exact part of the video you want to cut. If you’re after multi-track editing or flashy animations, this isn’t the tool for you. But for basic clipping and merging, it does the trick.
One thing to note: VidCutter handles most common file formats, but it’s a bit fussy about frame rates. For example, footage shot at 30 fps on a GoPro might not import smoothly.
To install it on Ubuntu or other Debian-based systems, you’ll need to add its repository first. Run these commands:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ozmartian/apps
sudo apt update
sudo apt install vidcutter
Kdenlive
Kdenlive started as part of the KDE ecosystem and stands out as a solid open-source option for those wanting something similar to iMovie. If you're switching from macOS, this editor will feel right at home.
Much like OpenShot, it handles multiple tracks and supports various video, audio, and image formats. What sets it apart is the customizable interface—you can tweak the layout to match your workflow.
You’ll find plenty of useful features, including text and image titles, built-in effects and transitions, audio/video scopes for balancing footage, proxy editing, autosave, and keyframe effects.
Installing it is just as simple—search for Kdenlive in your distro’s app store and click install. No extra steps needed.
OpenShot
OpenShot makes video editing feel effortless, especially if you're new to it. The layout is clean and intuitive, packed with enough features to handle most projects without overwhelming you.
Right from the start, you get support for tons of formats—videos, audio, images, even 4K footage. It also includes handy tools like keyframe animations, drag-and-drop functionality, unlimited layers, smooth transitions, and real-time previews. You can add overlays, watermarks, titles, and effects without much hassle.
While it’s great for everyday editing, OpenShot might not be enough for heavy-duty projects. Still, its simplicity makes it perfect for beginners. Just keep in mind that complex animations can take some time to render.
Installing it is a breeze—just search for OpenShot in your distro’s app store and hit install. No extra commands or repositories needed.
Shotcut
Shotcut sits in the same category as OpenShot and Kdenlive but packs more advanced features under the hood. If you're working on high-res projects, its 4K support gives it an edge over simpler editors.
You get a robust set of tools—support for multiple video, audio, and image formats, timeline editing, mixed resolutions and frame rates in one project, audio/video filters, transitions, multi-track capabilities, and unlimited undo/redo. It's flexible enough for more demanding edits.
Unlike some alternatives, Shotcut isn't in standard repos. Instead, it runs as an AppImage, so installation is still straightforward.
The trade-off? It's not as beginner-friendly as OpenShot or Kdenlive. But don't worry—the developers provide detailed video tutorials to help you master its features.
Flowblade
Flowblade shares a familiar layout with OpenShot and offers comparable features, making it another user-friendly option for video editing. What really stands out is its collection of built-in filters for video, audio, and images—giving you extra creative control without added complexity.
You’ll appreciate the drag-and-drop functionality, proxy editing for smoother performance, and support for various video, audio, and image formats. Batch rendering, watermarks, and transitions are also included, covering the essentials for most projects.
Since it’s built in Python, Flowblade tends to feel snappier than OpenShot or Kdenlive in some cases. Installing it is just as easy—search for Flowblade in your distro’s app store and hit install. No extra steps needed.
