Want to cut your clips, add music and titles without paying a monthly subscription or getting a watermark stamped over your video? Shotcut is the answer.
A complete video editor, fully free and open source, that competes with paid apps on most of what a creator needs: cutting, merging, layers, effects, high-quality export. All with zero restrictions.
What is Shotcut?
Shotcut is a free video editor, open source, running on Windows, Mac and Linux. It supports nearly every video and audio format without converting files first, and exports up to 4K. You get a multi-track timeline, filters, transitions, audio control and titles.
How to get started
- Download it from shotcut.org and install (Windows, Mac or Linux).
- Drag your clips into the app.
- Arrange them on the timeline, cut and trim freely.
- Add titles, music or filters from the menus.
- Export the video in the highest quality.
Why it beats paid editors
- No watermark ever, there is no locked “free tier” because everything is free.
- 4K support and every format without conversion.
- Relatively light and runs on mid-range machines.
- Constant updates from an open-source community.
Who is it for?
If you make YouTube or TikTok content, or just want to trim and join family clips, Shotcut covers you. No prior experience needed, and YouTube is full of tutorials. And if all you need is a quick trim without opening a full free video editor, lighter tools like LosslessCut exist.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a paid version?
No, the whole app is free and open source with no locked features.
Does it run on weak machines?
It runs on most machines, and like any editor, higher resolutions need more power.
Does it support Arabic text?
Yes, you can add Arabic titles, though you may need to adjust text direction depending on the font.
Alternatives
If you prefer quick editing from the browser with no install, check our guide to FreeCut which runs entirely online.
Note: Download only from the official site shotcut.org, some sites copy its name and bundle unwanted software.
The bottom line
There is no reason left to pay a monthly fee to edit your clips. Shotcut gives you real, complete editing for free, with no watermark ruining your work.
Link: Shotcut
