Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a free, open-source non-linear video editor that runs on Linux, Windows, macOS and BSD. It is used for cutting YouTube videos, documentaries and client projects, with multicam editing, color grading, audio mixing and subtitle tools.
#50 in Video & Audio ToolsVideo EditorsFree plan
Who it's for
Best for
YouTube creators editing their own videos who want pro controls at no cost
Freelance editors cutting client videos on a tight software budget
Not for
Professional editors on long, clip-heavy timelines who need crash-free playback
Beginners who need intuitive crop, scale and keyframing controls
Features
Asset management and proxies
Footage in almost any audio or video format is ingested, reviewed by metadata or swapped for proxies for smooth playback on low-end systems.
Multicam and 3-point editing
A flexible non-linear workflow covers multicam and 3-point editing, nested sequences and markers, while automatic backups protect the timeline.
Audio mixing and voiceover
Mixers, built-in voiceover recording and an audio spectrum give direct control over the soundtrack without leaving the project.
Color grading and scopes
LUTs, basic corrections and detailed creative grading sit beside histogram, vectorscope, RGB parade and waveform scopes for precise adjustments.
Subtitles, titles and graphics
Automatic transcription builds subtitles with layering and styling, while title clips and Glaxnimate integration handle complex motion graphics.
What users say
Pros
- Exports 4K video with no paid gates, watermarks or codec add-ons.
- Opens phone-recorded clips and mixed source formats without a conversion step first.
- Handles complete long-form video productions and commercial editing projects.
- Runs HD edits on low-power laptops and older machines that heavier editors stall on.
- Saved effect stacks and custom shortcuts remove repeat steps from each new project.
Cons
- Random crashes hit once or twice a day mid-edit, forcing constant manual saving.
- Save files and automatic backups have been corrupted, sometimes leaving no recoverable project.
- Preview playback turns into a slideshow once basic effects are added to the timeline.
- The startup splash screen freezes or needs repeated attempts before a project opens.
- Basic crop, scale and keyframe jobs take many steps and outside tutorials to work out.
- Proxy generation crashes or stalls, especially with large 4K and 6K footage.
A selection of the review sources we used:
Documentary filmmaker cuts outdoor nature films in Kdenlive for years- Crashes hit once or twice a day during fast editing sessions
A middle ground between iMovie simplicity and Resolve's heavy demands- Save files corrupted beyond recovery after several editing sessions
HD video edited and exported on a low-power MNT Reform laptop
Summarized from public user reviews and community discussions. View details
Global Traffic Rank
Top 500k
Alternatives
Rank#50 in category#3 in category#7 in category#11 in category
Free planYesNoYesYes
ProFree 4K exports, format support, light on hardware, shortcutsFast editing, strong multicam, one-time price, base-Mac performanceEasy social-video editing with templates and auto-editsFree version, perpetual licence, top colour tools, fast exports
Better forAssembling short social clips using pre-made templates and auto-editing toolsAdvanced node-based color grading and visual effects compositing
Weaker atExporting 4K video without paywalls or branding watermarksRunning on common Linux distributions without audio issues or codec conversions