Shotcut is an open source, free video editing tool for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Rewritten by Dan Dennedy using the MLT multimedia framework, Shotcut is a user-friendly tool that eliminates the requirement of importing files to the software.
Overall, the software is loaded with editing features like Chroma key, 3-way color grading, 3D LUT, masking, clip reversing, etc. and also supports high-end videos up to 4K resolution.
But the big question is, can it stand side-by-side with the premium editing options like Adobe Premiere Pro, Corel VideoStudio, or Cyberlink PowerDirector?
This is what we’re gonna find out after going through its ‘Pros’ section.
Shotcut Pros
#1. The simple and clean interface of Shotcut makes it look less daunting for newcomers. Also, since it washed out the ‘import’ function, you need to mere drag and drop files to the software to start editing.
#2. With 4K editing facility, you can effortlessly alter high-resolution videos up to 4K resolution and export it as various formats.
#3. Shotcut can also be used as a screen or webcam recording tool. And once you’ve added all the effects, the 3D LUT feature makes it possible to see how your production would look like in different devices.
#4. Sharing might not be the biggest strength of this software, but you get the option to export your files in various formats and upload your videos to YouTube directly from the app.
#5. As I mentioned at the beginning, Shotcut gives you the flexibility to use the software on all three operating systems – Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Shotcut Cons
#1. What’s good about Shotcut is, you would find almost all the functionalities of a standard editing application.
But what may piss many users off is the inability to edit 360° and 3D videos which almost every modern video editing software is well capable of working with.
#2. Not having dedicated apps for mobile users was another turn off for users like me who likes shooting and manipulating videos on the phone to post on social media platforms.
#3. There are only a handful of programs that allow their users to store files on their cloud repository and unfortunately, Shotcut is not one of them.
Shotcut pricing plans and payment options
Shotcut is an open source program which doesn’t cost a penny to use.
Do I recommend Shotcut?
Shotcut is a decent software with almost all the essential editing features minus 3D and VR video support and can be used as an alternative to the Windows Movie Maker.
But it comes out weak if we compare it with more than a dozen video editing software I reviewed before.
Therefore, I would not recommend Shotcut even if this tool is free. Hitfilm Express, OpenShot, or DaVinci Resolve are far better options depending on how much experience you have in the editing industry.
However, if you’re extremely curious about this software, you can go ahead and try it because there’s nothing to lose.