Top Open Source Free Video Editors for Linux / Ubuntu

Video editing on Linux has come a long way, with numerous open-source and free video editors available for users. Whether you are a professional filmmaker or a hobbyist, these tools offer powerful features to meet your video editing needs without costing a dime. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best open-source free video editors available for Linux, particularly Ubuntu, and highlight their key features and advantages.Conclusion

1. Kdenlive

1.1. Overview

Kdenlive (KDE Non-Linear Video Editor) is one of the most popular open-source video editors available for Linux. It is known for its robust feature set and user-friendly interface, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

1.2. Key Features

• Multi-track video editing
• Wide range of video and audio effects
• Support for a variety of formats
• Proxy editing for smoother performance
• Keyframeable effects
• Customizable layout and interface

1.3. Installation

To install Kdenlive on Ubuntu, you can use the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kdenlive/kdenlive-stable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install kdenlive

2. Shotcut

2.1. Overview

Shotcut is another powerful open-source video editor that supports a wide range of formats and offers a variety of features. It is known for its clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to learn and use.

2.2. Key Features

• Native timeline editing
• Support for a wide range of formats and codecs
• Audio and video filters
• Frame-accurate seeking
• Multi-format timeline
• Blackmagic Design SDI and HDMI for input and preview monitoring

2.3. Installation

To install Shotcut on Ubuntu, you can download the AppImage from the official website or use the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:haraldhv/shotcut
sudo apt update
sudo apt install shotcut

3. OpenShot

3.1. Overview

OpenShot is a simple yet powerful open-source video editor that aims to be easy to use while providing a full range of features. It is ideal for beginners who want to create professional-quality videos.

3.2. Key Features

• Cross-platform support (Linux, Mac, Windows)
• Unlimited tracks/layers
• Clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, and rotation
• Video transitions with real-time previews
• Compositing, image overlays, and watermarks
• Title templates, title creation, and subtitles

3.3. Installation

To install OpenShot on Ubuntu, you can use the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:openshot.developers/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openshot-qt

4. Pitivi

4.1. Overview

Pitivi is an open-source video editor that focuses on providing a simple and intuitive interface while offering powerful video editing capabilities. It is designed to integrate well with the GNOME desktop environment.

4.2. Key Features

• Simple and intuitive user interface
• Non-linear editing
• Frame-accurate cutting
• Support for a wide range of codecs and formats
• Audio and video effects
• Real-time previews

4.3. Installation

To install Pitivi on Ubuntu, you can use the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:pitivi/stable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install pitivi

5. Blender

5.1. Overview

Blender is primarily known as a 3D modeling and animation software, but it also includes a powerful video editor. While it may have a steeper learning curve, Blender offers a comprehensive set of video editing tools.

5.2. Key Features

• Live preview, luma waveform, chroma vectorscope, and histogram displays
• Audio mixing, syncing, scrubbing, and waveform visualization
• Up to 32 slots for adding video, images, audio, scenes, masks, and effects
• Speed control, adjustment layers, transitions, keyframes, and filters
• Python scripting for custom tools and add-ons

5.3. Installation

To install Blender on Ubuntu, you can use the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install blender

Linux users have access to a wide range of open-source and free video editors, each offering unique features and capabilities. Whether you choose Kdenlive, Shotcut, OpenShot, Pitivi, or Blender, you can create professional-quality videos without spending a penny. By leveraging these tools, you can take full advantage of the flexibility and power that Linux offers for video editing.