Video editing software has come a long way in just a few short years, but the two big names constantly mentioned as far as software that these apps can be used on are PC and MAC. Linux is often displayed at the end of the list or left out completely, since most mainstream video editing software wasn’t available for use on Linux systems. Those days are behind us, as we have found the top 7 best video editing systems for Linux and broken the characteristics of them all down in the article below, so you can choose the right one for you.
Top 7 best linux video editing softwares
- Kdenlive – The best video editing software for multi-track video editing
- Blender – The best video editing software for 3D modeling and video editing
- Shotcut – The best video editing software for 4k
- DaVinci Resolve – The best video editing software for experienced users
- OpenShot – The best video editing software for beginners interested in 3D effects and animation
- Lightworks – The best video editing software for real-time, multi-camera edits
- Flowblade – The best overall video editing software for beginners
1. Kdenlive – The best video editing software for multi-track video editing
PRICING: Free to download, open source software
Kdenlive is an open source video editing software, meaning anyone can feel free to use, download, make modifications to and contribute to the coding behind it. Kdenlive covers video editing basics to professional tools as well, this is a program for anyone to start out using and grow into.
KEY FEATURES
- Based on FFmpeg libraries – meaning you can use just about any audio or video format without worrying about converting it
- Custom create your interface layout and create customized shortcut keys
REASONS TO BUY
- Easy to use software
- Fast import of files
REASONS TO AVOID
- Output options are somewhat limited
- Response time in the software can be slow if your computer isn’t high quality or tends to crash
2. Blender – The best video editing software for 3D modeling and video editing
PRICING: Free, open source software
Blender, another open source software, is a 2D and 3D graphics software that has a free video editor included. This software has some of the most in depth selection of video editing tools, making it harder to learn initially, but well worth the effort. Being open source, this software is also continually improving and updating.
KEY FEATURES
- Animation tools are some of the best in the current software offerings
- Timeline – the display of Blender’s timeline is noteworthy for how detailed you can be
REASONS TO BUY
- Ready to use templates are available
- Excellent selection of tools and features
REASONS TO AVOID
- Learning curve on blender can seem intimidating, more geared toward intermediate to advanced users
- The program releases many updates continually, could be a drawback for some users
3. Shotcut – The best video editing software for 4k
PRICING: Free to download
Shotcut is taking things to the next level when it comes to video editing software. Being that it supports 4k, the quality of the content from Shotcut will be outstanding, and the feature/tool selection is vast as well.
KEY FEATURES
- The main feature of Shotcut is the fact that it can support 4k video
- Built-in image scanner – take your own photos instead of importing
REASONS TO BUY
- Built-in timeline editing
- Plenty of tutorials on how to use Shotcut on their website
REASONS TO AVOID
- Steep learning curve
- Not industry standard
4. DaVinci Resolve – The best video editing software for experienced users
PRICING: Free to download, Davinci Resolve Studio $295
As far as professional grade video editing software goes, Davinci Resolve is your best bet. It’s considering itself an “all-in-one” software because you can edit videos, color correct, edit images and use motion graphics all without having to switch applications. The organization method is top tier as well, helping you keep your project on track.
KEY FEATURES
- Offers both drag and drop style and three point classic editing styles
- Cloud-collaboration enables you to be able to have multiple people working on the same project simultaneously
REASONS TO BUY
- Great selection of effects, title screens and transitions to choose from for free
- Color correcting tool is one of the top performing color correcting tools out of any software
REASONS TO AVOID
- In order to operate this software, you need a powerful and reliable computer
- Very steep learning curve, there are so many features available it’s hard to know where to start
5. OpenShot – The best video editing software for beginners interested in 3D effects and animation
PRICING: Free, open source software
OpenShot is a simple to use, beginner friendly, clean interface type of video editing software. If you’re interested in video editing, but don’t need all the extra features and add-ons just yet, OpenShot is your answer. You can produce high quality videos, in a few simple steps, all for free.
KEY FEATURES
- Unlimited tracks – no limit to the number of layers
- Templated title tracks available, or create one of your own
REASONS TO BUY
- Ability to export into a wide range of formats
- Will support multiple audio and video formats, including 4k
REASONS TO AVOID
- Can experience random crashes
- This software depends on Blender also being downloaded and up to date
6. Lightworks – The best video editing software for real-time, multi-camera edits
PRICING: Free version available to download; Lightworks Create – $9.99/month, Lightworks Pro – $23.99/month
Lightworks is designed with the modern day video editor in mind. It has the ability to export directly to YouTube or Vimeo, meaning if you’re a creator, an avid user, or a hobbyist on either platform, this is great software for you. Lightworks has an excellent selection of simple to complex edits to help you make your videos stand out.
KEY FEATURES
- Includes a good selection of plug-ins
- Auto-save
- Excellent time-line flow and speed of editing response
REASONS TO BUY
- Video will process in the background while you’re able to continue to work
- Able to export directly to YouTube or Vimeo
REASONS TO AVOID
- The free version has limited features, the more professional tools are in the paid versions. Your export quality is limited in the free version.
- You have to pick your video settings (framerate, resolution, etc.) before importing your files in the free version
7. Flowblade – The best overall video editing software for beginners
PRICING: Free, open source software
Flowblade is a very beginner-friendly video editing software. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, it has a very nice organization system, and is a stable, free, software meaning it doesn’t have tendencies to crash on you in the middle of a project.
KEY FEATURES
- Customizable toolbar to optimize your workflow
- Vast library of image filters included to help your video look exactly how you want it
REASONS TO BUY
- Ability to export into most formats
- Total of 9 video and audio tracks included
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not industry standard software
- Slim choice of animated titles available
- Cannot drag and drop a clip anywhere on the timeline
References and Links
- https://fixthephoto.com/best-linux-video-editing-software.html
- https://www.lifewire.com/best-linux-video-editors-4176979
- https://kdenlive.org/
- https://www.blender.org/
- https://shotcut.org/
- https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/
- https://www.creativebloq.com/
- https://www.openshot.org/
- https://lwks.com/
- https://jliljebl.github.io/flowblade/