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Kdenlive

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Free and open-source non-linear video editor for Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD.

Free, no paid tier
Free Video Editing Audio Editing
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Reviews on G2 SourceForge
27 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Price
Free, no paid tier. Compare plans

Key facts

  • Free and open-source non-linear video editor.
  • Works on Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD.
  • Uses MLT framework, FFmpeg, and various effect libraries for comprehensive editing.

Pros

  • Free video editor
  • Open source
  • Good features
  • Cross-platform
  • Active development

Cons

  • Can be unstable
  • Learning curve
  • UI dated
  • Performance varies
  • Less polished than paid

What is Kdenlive?

Editorial review
Kdenlive is a community-driven, free, and open-source video editing software designed to empower users to produce high-quality content and democratize media creation. It is a non-linear editor built with a graphical user interface in C++ and Qt, leveraging KDE libraries and the MLT framework. This robust framework utilizes FFmpeg for decoding and encoding a wide array of video and audio formats, and integrates effect libraries like Frei0r and Movit for video, and LADSPA and SOX for audio. The software is suitable for anyone looking for a powerful, cross-platform video editing solution without licensing fees, registrations, subscriptions, or premium features. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools including a title editor and subtitling solution, making it a complete studio for video creation. Kdenlive is developed by a global volunteer team and is an official KDE application, emphasizing its commitment to open-source principles and community collaboration.

Available on: Linux, Windows, macOS

how we evaluate Source kdenlive.org ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.9 (27 reviews)

Kdenlive holds an aggregate rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 27 reviews across G2 and SourceForge, last checked September 3, 2026.

G2 2 reviews
4.5/5
SourceForge 25 reviews
5/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

  • Video editor
  • Open source
  • Multi-track
  • Effects
  • Transitions
  • Proxy editing

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Oct 2, 2026

Kdenlive plans and prices, checked October 2026
PlanPriceDetails
Free

$0

  • 100% free and open source
  • GNU GPL License
  • Cross-platform
+2 more
  • Full video editing features
  • Community supported
View full pricing

Is Kdenlive worth the price?

Great value

Kdenlive's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free ($0) across all platforms.

This makes it an outstanding value compared to any paid video editing software on the market. It is best for anyone seeking a powerful video editor without any financial commitment.

Full Kdenlive pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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4.9/5

Across 27 verified user reviews on SourceForge, G2

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

All Kdenlive alternatives 7+ tools ranked, pricing + verdict per pick Kdenlive vs Adobe Premiere Pro Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Kdenlive vs VEED Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Kdenlive vs DaVinci Resolve Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Kdenlive FAQ

How does Kdenlive support diverse media formats?

Kdenlive leverages the MLT framework, which utilizes FFmpeg for decoding and encoding a wide array of video and audio formats. This integration ensures compatibility with many media types for editing projects.

Which teams would benefit most from using Kdenlive?

Teams looking for a powerful, cross-platform video editing solution without licensing fees or subscriptions would find Kdenlive suitable. Its open-source nature and comprehensive tools support collaborative and budget-conscious media creation.

How is Kdenlive priced?

Kdenlive is free to use, with no licensing fees, registrations, subscriptions, or premium features required. It is developed as an open-source project by a global volunteer team.

What kind of video editing projects can Kdenlive handle?

Kdenlive is a non-linear video editor that offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including a title editor and subtitling solution. This makes it suitable for producing high-quality content and various video creation tasks.

How does Kdenlive compare to DaVinci Resolve?

Kdenlive is a free and open-source video editor available across multiple operating systems, while DaVinci Resolve also offers robust editing capabilities. Kdenlive is developed by a community and emphasizes open-source principles, whereas DaVinci Resolve has a more polished interface but may involve a steeper learning curve for new users.

What are the main trade-offs when choosing Kdenlive?

While Kdenlive offers extensive features as a free and open-source tool, users may experience occasional instability or a learning curve. Its user interface might also appear dated compared to some commercial alternatives, and performance can vary.

Source: kdenlive.org

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