Kdenlive

Name: Kdenlive
Brand: Kdenlive

Free, open‑source video editor for fast, professional editing

softwareVideo Editors video-editing open-sourcecross-platform

Visit Website

Our Verdict

Best for

indie filmmakers

Skip if

motion graphics beginners

What is Kdenlive?

Kdenlive (KDE Non‑Linear Video Editor) is a powerful, free, open‑source video editing suite that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers a multi‑track timeline, a wide range of effects, and support for many audio‑video formats via FFmpeg. Designed for both hobbyists and professionals, Kdenlive provides customizable layouts, proxy editing for high‑resolution footage, and seamless integration with other KDE tools, making complex projects manageable without a subscription fee.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App

open source✅ Yes

api available❌ No

support optionsCommunity forums, mailing list, documentation

key integrationsFFmpeg, MLT, Audacity, Blender

Key Features of Kdenlive

Supports unlimited video and audio tracks for complex multi‑layer projects.

Provides proxy editing to enable smooth playback of 4K and higher resolution footage on modest hardware.

Includes over 100 built‑in effects and transitions with keyframe control for precise animation.

Leverages FFmpeg to import and export virtually any media format without additional codecs.

Offers GPU‑accelerated rendering on supported hardware to reduce export times.

Allows custom layouts and keyboard shortcuts, letting users tailor the workspace to their workflow.

Integrates with external tools like Audacity and Blender for advanced audio and 3D workflows.

Provides batch rendering and job queue management for efficient processing of multiple projects.

Use Cases for Kdenlive

YouTube content creation

Edit vlogs, tutorials, and short videos with quick cuts and effects.

Indie film post‑production

Assemble multi‑camera footage, add color grading, and export cinema‑quality masters.

Educational video production

Create lecture recordings with screen captures, annotations, and voice‑overs.

Social media marketing

Produce short promotional clips optimized for Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Pros & Cons of Kdenlive

Pros

Completely free and open source
Cross‑platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Robust format compatibility via FFmpeg
Highly customizable interface

Cons

Steeper learning curve for beginners
Occasional stability issues with very large projects
Limited native support for motion graphics compared to some paid tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kdenlive suitable for 4K video editing?

Yes, Kdenlive supports 4K and higher resolutions, and proxy editing helps maintain smooth performance.

Can I use Kdenlive on macOS?

Yes, Kdenlive provides native builds for macOS alongside Windows and Linux.

Does Kdenlive require an internet connection?

No, it is a fully offline desktop application; internet is only needed for updates or downloading additional plugins.

Is there a plugin system for additional effects?

Kdenlive supports LADSPA, LV2, and MLT plugins, allowing users to extend its effect library.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →

Free

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

Reviews & Ratings0.0

Write a Review See all reviews →

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one!

Top Alternatives & Similar Software

View all alternatives & similar software→

ocenaudio

AI-suggested

ocenaudio is a free audio editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux designed around a simple, fast waveform-editing workflow. It targets people who want to trim, clean up, and process audio without the complexity of a full digital audio workstation, and it is distributed at no cost directly from the developer's site.

Compare with Kdenlive

OpenShot

AI-suggested

OpenShot is a free, open-source video editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It supports keyframe animation, unlimited tracks, and more. The software is highly customizable and has a user-friendly interface. It also supports a wide range of file formats, including 4K video editing.

Compare with Kdenlive

VSDC Video Editor

AI-suggested

VSDC is a non-linear video editing suite for Windows that lets users cut and merge clips, apply visual and audio effects, and build slideshows with soundtracks. It supports multi-layer composition, 4K and HDR footage, and raw camera formats such as BRAW and ProRes RAW, plus GPS telemetry overlays aimed at action-camera and drone footage. The free version carries no watermark and covers most core editing needs, while VSDC Pro adds motion tracking, audio waveform editing, advanced masking, and real-time voiceover recording. The software ships with hundreds of ready-made templates and transitions and includes a companion screen recorder and converter module.

Compare with Kdenlive

Shotcut

AI-suggested

Shotcut is a free and open-source video editing software that supports a wide range of video, audio, and image formats. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and offers a user-friendly interface with advanced features such as color correction, keyframe animation, and audio editing.

Compare with Kdenlive