A free, open source, cross-platform video editor for Windows

Shotcut

Shotcut

  -  130 MB  -  Open Source
  • Latest Version

    Shotcut 25.07.26 LATEST

  • Review by

    Sophia Jones

  • Operating System

    Windows 7 64 / Windows 8 64 / Windows 10 64 / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    Meltytech, LLC. / External Link

  • Filename

    shotcut-win64-250726.exe

Shotcut is a free and open-source video editor program for Windows 11/10 known for its professional-level features and wide format support.

Developed by Meltytech, Shotcut is particularly popular among independent creators, YouTubers, and hobbyists seeking robust video editing tools without the cost or bloat of commercial software.

Shotcut Screenshot 1

Unlike many beginner-oriented editors, it offers a non-linear editing experience with a wide range of video effects, filters, and advanced editing capabilities that rival paid alternatives.

Features

Wide Format Support: Supports hundreds of audio and video formats via FFmpeg.

Native Timeline Editing: No need to import clips into the project before editing.

4K Resolution Support: Handles HD and 4K projects with ease.

Audio Filters and Mixing: Includes audio scopes, peak meters, and various filters like compressor, EQ, and reverb.

Video Effects and Filters: Over 40 video filters including color grading, chroma key (green screen), blur, and more.

Keyframe Support: Enables animation and parameter control over time.

Hardware Encoding/Decoding: Utilizes GPU acceleration for rendering (on supported systems).

User Interface

It features a customizable, modular interface where users can undock, rearrange, or hide panels to suit their workflow.

Shotcut Screenshot 2

It has a steep learning curve for absolute beginners but rewards persistence with powerful control over editing tasks.

The interface may feel minimalistic at first, but every essential tool is neatly packed and logically arranged.

Installation and Setup

It can be downloaded directly from the official website. It offers a portable version and a traditional installer. Installation is straightforward: just run the installer and follow the prompts.

No bloatware, no hidden bundles. On first launch, users can select the video mode (resolution and frame rate) or let it auto-detect based on the first clip imported.

How to Use

Launch Shotcut software and open a new project.

Import media using the “Open File” button.

Drag clips to the timeline and start editing—cut, trim, add transitions, or filters.

Shotcut Screenshot 3

Add audio tracks, overlay text, or insert effects.

Use the Export panel to select output settings and render the final video.

FAQs

Is Shotcut really free?
Yes, Shotcut tool is completely free/open-source. There are no paid tiers or feature restrictions.

Can I use Shotcut for commercial projects?
Absolutely. It’s licensed under the GPL, which allows for both personal and commercial use.

Does Shotcut support 4K editing?
Yes, it supports resolutions up to 4K and beyond.

Is there GPU acceleration?
Yes, it offers GPU processing for certain filters and hardware encoding/decoding.

Are there built-in templates or effects packs?
No pre-made templates are included, but users can create and save their own presets.

Alternatives

DaVinci Resolve: Professional-grade with advanced color grading and VFX tools.

Filmora: Add unique VFX and filters to your video.

OpenShot: Easier for beginners but with fewer features.

Lightworks: Professional editor with a free tier.

Adobe Premiere Pro: Industry-standard, subscription-based.

System Requirements
  • OS: Windows 7/8/10/11 (64-bit only)
  • CPU: x86-64 Intel or AMD processor
  • RAM: Minimum 4 GB (8+ GB recommended)
  • GPU: Optional, for hardware acceleration
  • Storage: ~500 MB for installation, additional for project files
PROS
  • Completely free and open-source
  • Extensive format and codec support
  • High-end features like keyframing and 4K support
  • Modular, customizable interface
  • No import requirement before editing
CONS
  • Lacks real-time collaboration features
  • No built-in media or templates
  • Occasional performance hiccups on low-end PCs
Conclusion

It stands out as a powerful, no-cost video editing tool that holds its own against high-end paid software. While not the most beginner-friendly at first glance, it offers unmatched flexibility and professional features without locking anything behind a paywall. Whether you're a content creator, educator, or video hobbyist, Shotcut is a worthy addition to your creative toolkit.

Also Available: Download Shotcut for Mac

Why is this app published on FileHorse? (More info)
  • Shotcut 25.07.26 Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Shotcut 25.07.26 Screenshot 1
  • Shotcut 25.07.26 Screenshot 2
  • Shotcut 25.07.26 Screenshot 3
  • Shotcut 25.07.26 Screenshot 4
  • Shotcut 25.07.26 Screenshot 5

What's new in this version:

- Added a Whisper.cpp (GGML) model downloader to the Speech to Text dialog
- A model is no longer included in the download and installation reducing their sizes
- Improved the System theme to follow the operating system palette on Windows (darker and more contrast), and improved its appearance on macOS dark mode
- Added Settings > Theme > System Fusion that combines the operating system palette with the monochrome, symbolic icons of the Fusion themes.Added an Outline video filter that uses the input alpha channel--useful with rich text or assets with a transparent background.
- This means that, like Drop Shadow, it will not work as expected when used after a text filter on a video or image clip. Rather, you must use a text clip (transparent color generator with text filter) on an upper track.

Other New Features:
- Added the ability to drag the waveform peak line to adjust audio gain
- Added Settings > Timeline > Adjust Clip Gain/Volume to turn off the above

Added rolling an edit/trim to Timeline:
- Hold Ctrl (command on macOS) while trimming to simultaneously trim the neighbor clip
- Added a Soft Focus filter set
- Added Audio/Video duration to the Slideshow Generator dialog, defaults to 4 hours
- This facilitates using Slideshow Generator to make transitions between everything when including both video and images. (It still respects the source duration and in & out points; duration here is a maximum.)

Surround Sound Mixing Improvements:
- Added fader and surround balance to the Balance audio filter if channels > 2
- Added support for 4 channels in the Copy Channel audio filter

Added Channels toggle buttons to many audio filters:
- Band Pass
- Compressor
- Delay
- Downmix
- Equalizer: 3-Band
- Equalizer: 15-Band
- Equalizer: Parametric
- Expander
- Gain/Volume
- High Pass
- Low Pass
- Limiter
- Mute
- Noise Gate
- Notch

For example, now you can:
- Copy stereo music to the rear channels and use the fader in the Balance filter to reduce its volume,
- Downmix spoken word into the center channel and apply a Band Pass filter to it, and
- Route music or sound effects to the low-frequency channels and apply a Low Pass filter to it

Other Improvements:
- Changed the default Export > Audio > Rate control to Average Bitrate for AAC, Opus, and MP3
- Added the ability to add/use multiple Mask: Apply filters
- Added support for Scrub While Dragging to trimming on the timeline
- Added hold Shift to ripple-trim when Ripple is turned off
- Added French (Canadian) and Lithuanian translations

Fixed:
- Fixed Mask: Apply with multiple Mask: Simple Shape (broke in v25.05)
- Fixed exporting projects containing only Generator clips on Windows (broke in v25.05)
- Fixed converting 10-bit full to limited range (broke in v25.01)
- Fixed dropdown menus using Settings > Theme > System on Windows
- Fixed Balance and Pan audio muted channels if audio channels > 2
- Fixed Export > Use hardware encoder fails with H.264 on macOS 15
- Fixed Properties > Convert or Reverse for iPhone 16 Pro videos with Ambisonic audio
- Fixed a single frame fade out filter would either mute or make black
- Fixed repairing a project (e.g. broken file links) with proxy turned on
- Fixed doing Freeze Frame on the first frame of a clip