Top 10 Linux Video Editing Software for 2025 For Beginner's Guide

Want to know the best Linux video editing software in 2025? This guide will showcase top video editors you can use on Linux, highlighting tools for editing videos from beginners to professionals. Open source video editors like Kdenlive, OpenShot, and Shotcut offer accessible and versatile alternatives for users transitioning from proprietary software. Discover why Linux is a solid choice for video editing and find software suited to your needs.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Best Linux Video Editing Software for Beginners

Kdenlive – Best Overall

Kdenlive is a powerful non-linear video editor that offers a professional-grade editing experience while remaining accessible for beginners. It features multi-track editing, allowing users to work with video, audio, and image files simultaneously. The software supports a vast array of video formats and codecs. Beginners will appreciate its intuitive timeline-based interface, while advanced users can take advantage of keyframe animation, effects, and transitions. Regular updates and an active community ensure continuous improvements and support.
Best For: All skill levels, especially those looking to grow their editing skills.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Openshot – Best for Simplicity

OpenShot Video Editor is an easy-to-use, free video editing software that makes video creation simple for beginners. It features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to add clips, images, and audio effortlessly. OpenShot supports unlimited layers, real-time previews, and a variety of transition effects. The software is lightweight and doesn’t require a high-end system to function smoothly. However, it may not be as feature-rich as some other editors, making it ideal for quick edits and simple projects.

Best For: Beginners and casual users who need a straightforward video editor.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shotcut – Best for Basic Editing

Shotcut is a free, open-source video editor with a clean and customizable interface. It supports a wide range of video formats and resolutions, including 4K. The software offers basic editing tools like trimming, cutting, and merging video clips, alongside advanced features like filters, chroma key (green screen), and keyframe animations. Shotcut operates without the need for additional codecs, making it a convenient choice for beginners. However, its interface may take some time to get used to.

Best For: Users looking for a balance between ease of use and advanced features.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pitivi – Best for Ease of Use

Pitivi is an elegant and intuitive video editor designed with simplicity in mind. It offers a streamlined workflow with a visually appealing timeline, making it easy to cut, split, and move clips. Features like real-time preview and automatic backup ensure a smooth editing experience. While it lacks some advanced features found in other editors, Pitivi is perfect for beginners who want a hassle-free tool for creating videos.
Best For: Users who want a minimalistic yet effective video editing solution.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Flowblade – Best Lightweight Editor

Flowblade is a highly efficient and lightweight video editor optimized for performance. It offers a multi-track timeline, advanced compositing tools, and a variety of built-in effects and filters. The software is known for its speed and stability, making it a great choice for users with lower-end hardware. While its interface may seem less modern compared to other editors, it delivers professional-level editing capabilities without excessive system strain.
Best For: Users with older or low-spec computers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lightworks (Free Version) – Best for Professional Editing

Lightworks is a professional-grade video editor that has been used in Hollywood film production. It offers a non-linear editing system with precision cutting, real-time effects, and advanced color correction. The free version is feature-rich but limits export resolution to 720p. While the interface has a learning curve, users willing to invest time in learning the tool can achieve high-quality results.
Best For: Semi-professionals and advanced users.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Olive Video Editor – Best for Future-Proof Editing

Olive is an up-and-coming open-source video editor known for its speed and modern interface. It’s designed to provide a professional-grade experience with real-time rendering and advanced tools like keyframing and compositing. While still in development, Olive is evolving rapidly and promises to be a strong competitor to established editors in the future.
Best For: Users looking for a modern editor with future potential.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

VidCutter – Best for Quick Video Cutting

VidCutter is a simple and efficient tool focused purely on cutting and merging video files. It doesn’t offer effects or transitions, making it ideal for quick edits like trimming clips or joining multiple videos. If you need basic cutting functionality without a steep learning curve, VidCutter is a great option.
Best For: Users who only need to cut and merge video files.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Avidemux – Best for Simple Video Processing

Avidemux is a basic video editor that excels at simple tasks like trimming, encoding, and filtering. It supports various video formats and provides essential tools for minor adjustments. Although it lacks a timeline-based editing system, its lightweight design makes it perfect for straightforward video processing.
Best For: Users who need basic video processing and format conversion.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Blender – Best for Advanced Users & VFX

Blender is a full-fledged 3D modeling and animation software that also includes a powerful video editor. To start editing, you need to open Blender and select the ‘video editing option’ from the various menus. It offers advanced tools for color grading, visual effects, and motion tracking. While Blender has a steep learning curve, it is an excellent choice for users who want to integrate 3D elements into their video projects.

Best For: Advanced users and those interested in VFX and animation.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best Video Editor Based on Your Needs

For absolute beginners: Openshot, Kdenlive, Shotcut. These tools are also great for creating video tutorials due to their user-friendly interfaces.
For lightweight editing: Pitivi, Flowblade, VidCutter
For professional-grade work: Lightworks, Blender
For simple cutting and trimming: Avidemux, VidCutter

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Video Editing Software on Linux

1. Using APT (For Debian/Ubuntu-based Distros)

To install video editing software using the APT package manager for Debian or Ubuntu-based distributions, open your terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt install kdenlive
sudo apt install openshot
sudo apt install shotcut

2. Using Flatpak (Universal Installation Method)

Flatpak provides a universal installation method for software on Linux. To install video editors via Flatpak, use these commands:

flatpak install flathub org.kde.kdenlive
flatpak install flathub org.openshot.OpenShot
flatpak install flathub org.shotcut.Shotcut

3. Using Snap (Another Universal Package Manager)

Snap is another package management system that allows installation across various distributions. To install your chosen video editors, execute the following commands:

sudo snap install kdenlive
sudo snap install openshot
sudo snap install shotcut

4. Downloading AppImages for Portable Use

Many video editors offer an AppImage format, which allows you to run the software without installation. To use an AppImage, follow these simple steps:

Download the AppImage file for your chosen software.
Make it executable by running:

chmod +x filename.AppImage

Launch the software by executing:

./filename.AppImage

Beginner Tips for Video Editing on Linux

Import & Organize Clips – Keep your files structured to avoid confusion when editing.
Use Transitions Sparingly – Smooth transitions enhance the flow of your video, but overusing them can be distracting.
Experiment with Effects – Don’t hesitate to try basic color correction and filters to enhance your video.
Optimize Export Settings – For best compatibility across platforms, use MP4 (H.264) for exporting your final videos.
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts – Mastering keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your editing workflow.

Advanced Video Editing Techniques on Linux

As a beginner in Linux video editing, once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to explore advanced video editing techniques to enhance your projects. Here are some powerful techniques you can use in tools like Kdenlive, Shotcut, Blender, and Lightworks.

1. Multi-Track Editing & Layering

Utilize multiple video and audio tracks to create complex compositions.
Stack clips to overlay elements like text, B-roll footage, or graphics.
In Kdenlive and Shotcut, use track compositing to blend multiple clips.

2. Keyframe Animation for Dynamic Effects

Keyframing allows you to animate properties like position, scale, opacity, and rotation over time.
In Kdenlive, apply keyframes to effects such as zoom, pan, and fade.
In Shotcut, use the Size, Position & Rotate filter to animate elements smoothly.

3. Color Correction & Grading

Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to fix lighting issues.
Use LUTs (Lookup Tables) to apply a cinematic color tone to your footage.
Blender’s color grading tools include RGB curves and color wheels.
Kdenlive and Shotcut provide tools like 3-way color correction and waveform scopes for precise adjustments.

4. Chroma Key (Green Screen Effect)

Remove the green screen background to replace it with custom backdrops or effects.
In Kdenlive and Shotcut, apply the Chroma Key filter, adjust threshold settings, and refine the edges.
Blender allows for advanced keying with masking and compositing nodes.

5. Motion Tracking & Stabilization

Motion tracking helps attach text or effects to moving objects in the video.
Blender provides a powerful motion tracking module to analyze movement.
For shaky footage, use Shotcut’s “Stabilize” filter or Kdenlive’s vid.stab plugin to smooth out movement.

6. Speed Ramping (Slow Motion & Time-Lapse)

Create dramatic slow-motion effects by reducing playback speed.
Speed up clips for time-lapse effects.
In Shotcut, use the Time Remap feature to create speed changes smoothly.
In Kdenlive, apply the Speed effect and adjust speed dynamically using keyframes.

7. Audio Editing & Sound Design

Remove background noise using audio filters like Noise Reduction in Shotcut and Kdenlive.
Add fade-in, fade-out, and audio keyframes for smooth transitions.
Sync external audio with video clips for better sound quality.

8. Masking & Object Removal

Masking lets you cut out portions of a clip, useful for hiding unwanted objects or applying custom effects.
In Kdenlive, use the Alpha Shape or Rotoscoping effect to mask areas precisely.
In Blender, create advanced masking and rotoscoping effects with the node editor.

9. Advanced Transitions & Blending Modes

Use blending modes like Multiply, Overlay, or Screen to create unique video effects.
Apply custom wipe transitions with alpha channel effects.
Kdenlive’s transition effects allow smooth blending between clips for professional results.

10. Rendering Optimization for High-Quality Exports

Export videos using H.264 codec in MP4 format for best compatibility.
Adjust bitrate settings for the best balance between file size and quality.
Use hardware acceleration (GPU encoding) to speed up rendering in Kdenlive, Shotcut, and Blender.

Final Tips for Mastering Advanced Video Editing

✔ Experiment with effects – Test different filters, transitions, and keyframing.
✔ Use keyboard shortcuts – Learn hotkeys to speed up your workflow.
✔ Plan your edits – Create a storyboard or rough timeline before diving into the edit.
✔ Practice regularly – The more you edit, the faster you’ll master these techniques.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Linux video editor depends on your skill level and project needs. For beginners, Kdenlive, Openshot, and Shotcut offer the most favorable balance between simplicity and functionality. If you’re looking for more advanced features, Lightworks or Blender may be worth exploring. Start with an editor that aligns with your workflow, practice regularly, and gradually dive into more advanced techniques as you become comfortable.

Happy editing! 🎬

FAQs About Linux Video Editing Software

Q1: Does Linux have video editing software?
Yes, Linux offers a wide range of video editing software options, both free and open-source, catering to beginners and professional video editors alike.

Q2: What is the Linux equivalent of iMovie?
OpenShot and Kdenlive are often considered the Linux equivalents of iMovie, as they provide user-friendly interfaces and robust editing features suitable for casual and semi-professional video editing.

Q3: What is the best video editing software for Ubuntu?
Some of the best video editing software for Ubuntu include Kdenlive, OpenShot, and Shotcut, known for their ease of use, feature-rich interfaces, and support for various video formats.

Q4: What is Kdenlive in Linux?
Kdenlive is a popular open-source video editor for Linux that offers non-linear editing capabilities, multi-track editing, and a wide range of effects and transitions, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Q5: What are some easy and powerful video editors for creating YouTube content on Linux?
For creating YouTube content, OpenShot, Kdenlive, and Shotcut are excellent choices on Linux. They offer easy-to-use interfaces, drag-and-drop functionality, and powerful editing tools.

Q6: Are there any Linux video editors with a steep learning curve?
Blender, while primarily a 3D modeling software, includes a video editor with advanced features like color correction and visual effects, which may have a steeper learning curve for new users.

Q7: Can I use DaVinci Resolve on Linux?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve, known for its professional-grade editing and color correction tools, is available for Linux users and offers a free version with extensive features.

Q8: What is the best cross-platform video editor for Linux?
Shotcut and Lightworks are great cross-platform video editors available on Linux, Windows, and macOS, providing consistent editing experiences across different operating systems.

Q9: Is there video editing software for Linux that supports proxy editing?
Kdenlive supports proxy editing, which is beneficial for working on complex projects and improving playback speed on lower-end systems.

Q10: How can I install video editing software on Linux?
Video editing software can be installed on Linux using package managers like APT, Flatpak, and Snap, or by downloading AppImages for portable use.

Top 10 Linux Video Editing Software for 2025 For Beginner’s Guide