Best Video Editing Software for Linux in 2026: 11 Open-Source & Pro Options

Contrary to popular belief, Linux is no longer “just for servers.” More creators and developers now use it daily, and modern Linux distributions offer a stable, capable environment for video editing.
 

Despite the myth that serious video editing isn’t possible on Linux, there are plenty of powerful options available, from beginner-friendly open-source editors to professional-grade tools used in real production workflows.
 

In this guide, we’ll cover 11+ of the best video editing software options for Linux, highlighting key features, pros, and limitations to help you choose the right tool. We’ll also answer common questions about Linux alternatives to Filmora, Final Cut Pro, CapCut, and Lightworks, so you know exactly what you can do in terms of video editing on Linux today.

Best Video Editing Software for Linux in 2026

Flixier (Browser-Based)

A cloud-based video editor that runs entirely in the browser on Linux and other platforms, with built-in AI tools to accelerate creation and editing.
 

Key features:

• Multi-track timeline with drag-and-drop editing
• AI-powered tools for auto-generated scripts, voiceovers, and subtitles
• AI text-to-video and content-generation helpers
• Cloud rendering and storage
• Templates and direct publishing options

Pros:

• Works on Linux without installation or complex setup
• AI features help automate captioning, voiceovers, and even editing videos by transcript
• Cloud rendering frees your local hardware from heavy processing
• Consistent experience across devices and operating systems

Cons:

• Requires a stable internet connection to function well

Kdenlive

A feature-rich, open-source non-linear editor developed by the KDE community and one of the most popular Linux NLEs.
 

Key features:

• Multi-track timeline
• Keyframes, effects, and transitions
• Proxy editing
• Audio and video scopes

Pros:

• Very powerful and mature for an open-source editor
• Large, active community with many tutorials
• Works well across most Linux distributions

Cons:

• Interface can feel busy for beginners
• Occasional stability issues on some setup

Shotcut

A cross-platform, open-source video editor with a flexible, modular interface.
 

Key features:

• Wide format and codec support
• Timeline-based editing
• Video and audio filters
• Hardware encoding support

Pros:

• Completely free and open source
• Good performance on modest hardware
• Customizable interface

Cons:

• UI feels less polished than some competitors
• Limited templates and pre-built effects

OpenShot

A beginner-friendly open-source editor designed for simple video projects.
 

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop timeline
• Basic transitions and effects
• Title editor and simple animations

Pros:

• Very approachable for new users
• Free and open source
• Easy to learn quickly

Cons:

• Not suitable for complex or long-form projects
• Performance can drop with heavier timelines

DaVinci Resolve for Linux

A professional-grade video editor and color-grading suite with official Linux support.

Key features:

• Advanced editing tools
• Professional color grading
• Fusion VFX and Fairlight audio
• High-end media management

Pros:

• Industry-standard tool used in professional studios
• Extremely powerful free version
• Best-in-class color tools

Cons:

• Strict hardware and GPU requirements
• More complex installation on Linux

Blender Video Sequence Editor (VSE)

Blender’s built-in video editor included in its full 3D creation suite.
 

Key features:

• Timeline-based editing
• Cuts, transitions, and overlays
• Integration with Blender’s 3D and compositing tools

Pros:

• Ideal if you already use Blender
• Fully open source and cross-platform
• Great for mixed 2D/3D workflows

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for video-only users
• Less streamlined than dedicated NLEs

Lightworks (Linux)

A long-running professional editor with an official Linux build.

Key features:

• Advanced timeline editing
• Precision trimming tools
• Multicam editing
• Export presets

Pros:

• Trusted in professional environments
• Linux support for pro users
• Powerful once mastered

Cons:

• Free version has export limitations
• Workflow can feel unintuitive for beginners

Olive Video Editor

A modern open-source NLE under active development, often released as alpha or beta.
 

Key features:

• Modern, clean UI
• Real-time playback focus
• Traditional and node-based editing concepts

Pros:

• Promising future-focused design
• Open source and actively developed
• Designed with modern workflows in mind

Cons:

• Not fully stable yet
• Missing some advanced features

Pitivi

A simple, GNOME-friendly video editor built on GStreamer.
 

Key features:

• Clean timeline editing
• Basic transitions and effects
• GStreamer-based media pipeline

Pros:

• Minimal and easy to use
• Good fit for everyday edits
• Integrates well with GNOME desktops

Cons:

• Limited advanced tools
• Smaller community and documentation

Cinelerra-GG Infinity

A powerful Linux-first NLE with a long history and a traditional interface.
 

Key features:

• Advanced timeline editing
• Compositing and color tools
• Broadcast-level features

Pros:

• Extremely powerful for experienced users
• Deep Linux-native roots
• Suitable for complex projects

Cons:

• Very steep learning curve
• Dated and complex UI

Flowblade

A Linux-focused editor designed around an efficient, traditional workflow.
 

Key features:

• Multi-track timeline
• Compositing and filters
• Integrated audio tools

Pros:

• Designed specifically for Linux users
• Efficient for narrative and documentary editing
• Lightweight and stable

Cons:

• Smaller user base
• Fewer tutorials than larger projects

Why Use Linux for Video Editing?

Linux is quickly becoming a major player right alongside the usual operating systems, and it's a fantastic option for content creators and filmmakers.
 

Why are people making the switch? Well, Linux offers incredible performance: think super-fast rendering and silky-smooth playback, thanks to its efficient design. You also get deep control to customize your setup perfectly for your editing needs.
 

It's the perfect mix of speed, control, and powerful, budget-friendly software, making Linux a surprisingly strong and smart choice for modern video production.

Benefits

Stability and performance
Linux systems are known for efficient resource usage and long uptimes, which helps during long editing or rendering sessions.
 

Powerful open-source editors
Many Linux video editors are free, open source, and actively maintained, without subscriptions or feature paywalls.
 

Flexible software management
Package managers and repositories make it easy to install, update, and maintain editing tools and dependencies.

 

Potential Downsides

Limited support from some commercial editors
Not all mainstream video editing software officially supports Linux.
 

Hardware setup can take effort
GPU drivers, codecs, and hardware acceleration may require manual setup, especially on custom systems.

 

Who Linux Video Editing Is Best For

• Developers and power users already comfortable on Linux
• Creators who prefer open-source workflows and system-level control
• Editors who want to avoid subscription lock-in and closed ecosystems

For the right user, Linux can be a reliable and flexible video editing platform that competes well with Windows and macOS.
 

How to Choose Video Editing Software for Linux

Not all Linux video editors are built for the same type of user or workflow. Before choosing one, it helps to consider a few practical factors.

Skill Level

• Beginners: Look for simple interfaces, drag-and-drop timelines, and basic effects.
• Intermediate creators: More control over timelines, keyframes, and audio is important.
• Professionals: Advanced color grading, multicam editing, audio mixing, and media management matter most.

Workflow and Content Type

• Simple content: Social media clips, tutorials, and YouTube videos usually need basic cutting, titles, and exports.
• Advanced projects: Short films, documentaries, or client work benefit from robust timelines, proxy editing, and precise control.

Hardware Considerations

• Integrated graphics: Lighter editors like Flixier and proxy workflows work best.
• Dedicated GPU: Enables smoother playback, faster rendering, and advanced effects.
• RAM and storage: More memory and fast SSDs significantly improve editing performance.

Community and Documentation

• Active communities, tutorials, and forums make a big difference, especially on Linux.
• Well-documented tools are easier to learn, troubleshoot, and scale with your skills.

Choosing the right Linux video editor comes down to matching the tool to your experience level, hardware, and creative goals.

Conclusion

Linux is a viable, and often excellent, platform for video editing. Thanks to mature open-source editors and a handful of professional tools, creators can handle everything from simple social clips to complex film and client work without leaving Linux.

The best way to choose a tool for this operating system is simple: try one or two editors and stick with the one that fits your workflow and hardware best. Linux rewards experimentation, and once you find a tool that “clicks,” it can be a fast, flexible, and cost-effective video editing environment.