Video editing on Ubuntu has come a long way, offering powerful tools for both beginners and professionals. Whether you’re using Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or another Linux distro, having access to reliable video editing software can make all the difference in your creative workflow.
Fortunately, in 2024, there are plenty of excellent free and paid video editors designed specifically for Linux users.
If you’re searching for the best video editing software for your system, this list will help you find the perfect match for your needs. Don’t forget to let us know what you think about this list in the comments.
Best Free Video Editors on Ubuntu in 2024
Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite that supports the entire 3D pipeline, including modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, video editing, and game creation. It’s ideal for individuals and small studios, offering a unified workflow and a responsive development process. Advanced users can leverage Blender’s API for Python scripting to customize the application and create specialized tools, many of which are incorporated into future releases. [ Learn more ]
Key Features:
- Cycles Rendering Engine: A powerful, unbiased rendering engine that delivers stunning, ultra-realistic results.
- GPU & CPU Rendering: Utilizes both GPU and CPU for efficient rendering.
- Real-time Viewport Preview: Provides real-time feedback, allowing you to see changes as you work.
- HDR Lighting Support: Enhances realism with high dynamic range lighting options.
- Permissive License: Allows for integration with external software, providing flexibility for custom workflows.
[ Download Blender ]
Natron
Natron is a free, open-source compositing software that offers a node-based workflow for creating visual effects and motion graphics. Inspired by industry-standard tools, it supports various file formats, advanced color management, and a wide range of plugins, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals. Natron’s active community and regular updates ensure it remains a versatile and powerful tool in the VFX industry.
Key Features:
- High-Precision Color Processing: 32-bit floating point color pipeline with OpenColorIO for accurate color management.
- Wide File Format Support: Handles EXR, DPX, TIFF, JPG, PNG, and more via OpenImageIO and FFmpeg.
- Extensive Plugin Options: Includes TuttleOFX, OpenFX-Misc, and OpenFX-Yadif for additional tools like deinterlacing, chroma keying, and transformations.
- Smooth Navigation: Enables precise zooming and panning, even for images as large as 27k x 30k pixels.
- Real-Time Playback: RAM/Disk cache technology ensures instant frame reproduction after rendering.
- Low System Requirements: Runs on x86 processors with 3 GB RAM and OpenGL 2.0 or higher.
- Animation Tools: Intuitive keyframe editor with support for expressions to create smooth, realistic motion.
[ Download Natron ]
Kdenlive
Kdenlive is an intuitive and powerful multi-track video editor that supports a wide range of modern video technologies, making it suitable for both amateur and professional video production. Its user-friendly interface and advanced features provide flexibility and efficiency for video editing projects. [ Learn more ]
Key Features:
- Extensive Format and Device Support: Compatible with a wide range of cameras and camcorders, including low resolution (Raw, AVI DV), MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264 AVCHD, and professional formats like XDCAM-HD, IMX, DVCAM, and DNxHD streams, utilizing FFmpeg’s free software codecs for broad compatibility.
- Multitrack Editing and Customizable Interface: Offers a flexible timeline with unlimited video and audio tracks organized in layers, along with tools for managing video, audio, text, and image clips. The interface is highly customizable with configurable keyboard shortcuts and layout options.
- Effects, Transitions, and Non-blocking Rendering: Provides a wide range of built-in effects and transitions with the ability to add custom ones. Features non-blocking rendering using a separate application, allowing you to continue editing without interruptions.
- Versatile Export Options: Supports exporting to various standard formats, including DV, MPEG2, AVCHD, and high-quality H.264, while maintaining the quality of original footage with non-destructive formats.
Shotcut
Shotcut is a free, open-source video editor that’s ideal for both beginners and intermediate users. It supports a wide variety of video formats and offers a straightforward, customizable interface, making it an excellent choice for Linux-based systems like Ubuntu. [ Learn more ]
Key Features of Shotcut:
- Wide Format Support: Supports a broad range of video and audio formats via FFmpeg.
- Timeline Editing: Offers a multi-track timeline with native mixing of resolutions and frame rates.
- Audio Editing Tools: Includes features like audio filters, spectrum analyzers, and waveform generators.
- Video Effects: Provides customizable filters for color correction, grading, and special effects.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
- Hardware Acceleration: Supports GPU-based effects and encoding for faster rendering.
- Simple Interface: A clean, uncluttered UI with dockable panels for a tailored workflow.
[ Download Shotcut ]
OpenShot
OpenShot is a free, open-source video editor for Linux that makes video editing accessible to everyone. Designed with simplicity and power in mind, OpenShot allows you to edit videos, photos, and audio to create stunning projects. With its user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, it’s perfect for everything from simple edits to professional-quality productions. [ Learn More ]
Key Features:
- Wide Format Support: Edit video, audio, and image files in most formats via FFmpeg.
- Unlimited Tracks: Add multiple video, audio, and effects layers.
- Essential Editing Tools: Resize, trim, cut, and snap clips easily.
- Transitions & Effects: Apply video transitions with real-time previews and add overlays or watermarks.
- Title Tools: Create 2D and 3D titles with customizable templates.
- Advanced Timeline: Drag and drop clips with panning, zooming, and snapping.
- Export Options: Save projects in formats for YouTube, Vimeo, DVDs, and more.
FAQ: Best Free Video Editors for Linux/Ubuntu
1. Are these video editors truly free?
Yes, all the video editors listed, such as Kdenlive, OpenShot, and Shotcut, are open-source and free to use. Some may offer optional paid features or plugins.
2. Do I need a powerful computer to run these video editors?
While most editors, like OpenShot and Shotcut, can run on modest hardware, high-resolution video editing (e.g., 4K) may require a system with more RAM, a multi-core processor, and a dedicated GPU for smoother performance.
3. Can I edit videos professionally on Linux?
Absolutely! Tools like Kdenlive and Blender offer professional-grade features, including multi-track editing, advanced effects, and precise keyframe controls, suitable for professional projects.
4. Do these editors support popular video formats?
Yes, all listed editors support a wide range of video, audio, and image formats through FFmpeg, ensuring compatibility with most file types.
5. Which editor is best for beginners?
OpenShot is an excellent choice for beginners due to its intuitive interface and easy-to-use tools. Kdenlive also offers a user-friendly experience while providing advanced features for those looking to expand their skills.
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