Comprehensive Review of Shotcut Video Editor - Overview & Alternatives

The need to download Shotcut Video Editor for PC can be the primary step to attaining versatile and free video editing. This article is an in-depth Shotcut review, a user manual for the program, and the best counterpart applications, such as Tipard Video Converter Ultimate.

Part 1. Detailed Review of Shotcut Video Editor

Shotcut Video Editor is a free video editor with features that can suit every user on all platforms. Due to the number of professional functions aimed at advanced editing, Shotcut can be considered the most expensive video editing tool's worthy rival. While the interface is a bit complex to master, the software provides features such as color grading, transitions, and keyframe animations matching those of costly software, making it outstanding for more specialized users looking to save money.

Key Features:

• 1. Multiplatform Support: Shotcut can run on different operating systems without problems of compatibility; hence, it can be switched from one device to another easily.
• 2. Video and Audio Effects: The software offers various effects, including color grading, blurring effects, masking, and audio, where one is able to control panning, volume, and keyframes, among others.
• 3. Advanced Editing Tools: You only have to drop your video into the editor. This appears to support multiple layers, split/trim, snapping to the timeline to help in fine cutting, rotating video, and many other extra features that one only expects to find in non-linear editors.
• 4. Customizable Interface: The panel-based interface can be resized, and different settings can be created based on the screen size used in a particular project.

Prices:

Unlike most video editing software, Shotcut does not follow a subscription system where you can pay yearly for its app, or even when you have to pay for its app just once, and it is done.

Part 2. How to Download and Use Shotcut Video Editor

To download and utilize the Shotcut Video Editor, follow the procedures below without any deviation.

Step 1Proceed to the official web page of Shotcut video editor, point the cursor to the Downloads tab and download the desired operating system out of the three provided.

Step 2Find the file you downloaded, open the one that says Installer and install the drivers as instructed based on your operating system. After completion, open Shotcut.

Step 3Launch Shotcut, click Start a new project, give it a name, choose the video resolution and frame rate you want, and specify where on the computer you wish to save it at this time.

Step 4To import videos, images, audio, and other resources, click the Open File button, then drag and dump the media into the Playlist panel for easier access.

Step 5Media clippings from the Playlist can be dragged to the Timeline. For editing features such as Split, Trim, and Cut and applying effects and transitions from the Filters tools, the effects can be added from the Triggers menu.

Step 6After that, click on Export, select or define the format and quality settings, and click Start Export to capture the video in the preferred location.

Part 3. Top 3 Wonderful Alternatives to Shotcut Video Editor

Fortunately for you, there are other great video editing software you can use instead of Shotcut and here are some of the best you should try.

1. Tipard Video Converter Ultimate (Editor's Choice)

Tipard Video Converter Ultimate is a professional video editor and converter that is compatible with video and audio formats and has more than 500. It stands out in its capability to transcode 8K/4K HD videos, modify video effects, copy DVDs and construct individual music videos or collages. Because of the GPU acceleration, it can process videos at 60 times the normal speed and yet be able to retain the quality.

How to Use:

Step 1Go to the Tipard Video Converter Ultimate website and get the setup file according to your operating system.

Step 2Once installed, click on the tool to open it. After that, in the main interface, click the Add Files button on the top left corner.

Step 3The next thing is to click on the Edit button that appears next to the already imported file. There, you will find cropping, watermarking, rotation, and filter application buttons. If you wish to divide your video into several parts, you will want to use the Clip button.

Step 4On the right side of the interface, there is the option for MP3; clicking on it will cause a dropdown list through which you can select your desired output format.

Step 5At the bottom right, there is the Convert All button. Click it to start the file conversion, and it will be saved directly on your device.

2. HitFilm Express

HitFilm Express is a unique videography editing tool that is suitable for novices as well as professional users. It provides a mix of professional video editing suites and moves, which makes it a better solution for Shotcut for all those who desire to shoot the best-looking videos.

How to Use:

Step 1First, download the program from the website, run the application, and open a new project.

Step 2Then, select the import option or click the Import button, or you have an option to drag and drop files to the media bin.

Step 3Then, using the timeline, place the clips and drag effects from the Effects tab at the bottom of the software interface.

Step 4Lastly, click on the Export button, choose a preset, for instance, the YouTube preset, and save.

3. Lightworks

Lightworks is a paid video editing software that is quite popular and easy to use while offering powerful features, unlike most free video editing software. It has found its way into large movies and is particularly suitable for conscious users searching for a power-packed with features that Shotcut offers.

How to Use:

Step 1Download the Lightworks, open it and begin with a new project and frame rate.

Step 2After that, click the Import button to import the files in the software and drag them to the timeline.

Step 3Then, position it on the timeline using Cut and Trim tools and add transitions from the Effects.

Step 4Click the button Export, define the format and save the file that contains the video.