Kdenlive review

Kdenlive, short for KDE Non-Linear Video Editor, is a free open source editor that runs on Windows as well as Linux, macOS and BSD. It follows a classic multitrack layout and adds tools usually found in paid software: multicam and 3-point editing, nested sequences, markers and automatic backups. Proxy clips let lower powered laptops play back heavy footage smoothly, and bins with tags and filters keep large projects organized. On the finishing side there are hundreds of audio and video effects with keyframes, LUT support, color grading and a full set of scopes including histogram, vectorscope, RGB parade and waveform. Subtitles can be created with automatic transcription and styled with layers. Title clips are built in, and more complex motion graphics hand off to the companion app Glaxnimate. The project is developed by a small, mostly volunteer team in the KDE Community, so releases are steady but the polish and help material are thinner than in commercial editors.

Who it is for

People who want a traditional multitrack editor with multicam, proxies and subtitles at no cost.

Price

Free and open source; no paid plan.

Free and Open Source Video Editor
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Multicam and 3-point editing with nested sequences and markers
• Proxy clips for smooth playback on low-end systems
• Hundreds of audio and video effects with keyframes
• LUTs, color grading and histogram, vectorscope, RGB parade and waveform scopes
• Subtitles with automatic transcription

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free with no paid tier
• Strength: Proxies keep editing smooth on older PCs
• Strength: Automatic backups protect projects
• Weakness: Developed by a small, mostly volunteer team
• Weakness: Advanced motion graphics rely on the separate Glaxnimate app
• Weakness: Fewer guided templates than consumer editors

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes, fully free and open source
• Platforms: Linux, Windows, macOS, BSD
• Subtitles: Yes, with automatic transcription
• Developer: KDE Community

Where it ranks

Kdenlive is No. 3 in our Best Free Video Editors for Windows verdict and No. 1 in Best Video Editors for Linux and No. 5 in Best Video Editors for Mac and No. 5 in Best Video Editors for Windows.