Kdenlive
KDE
Kdenlive is a free and open-source video editor for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It caters to a range of needs, from basic video editing to professional projects. Kdenlive supports a wide array of video and audio formats, offering features like multi-track editing, customizable interface, a variety of effects and transitions, and tools for color correction and audio post-production.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Free and open-source
- Feature-rich for a free editor
- Cross-platform compatibility (macOS, Windows, Linux)
- Highly customizable interface
- Supports a wide range of formats
Top Dislikes
- Steeper learning curve compared to simpler editors
- Can be unstable, occasional crashes
- Performance issues on lower-end machines
- Limited text handling capabilities
- Not as optimized for macOS as some native apps
Popular Comments
Reddit User - Scxllyy
2021-02-24
Kdenlive performs amazing and uses my GPU right out the box... Kdenlive is tiding me over until I get MacOS on an M1 MacBook Pro with Premiere again. It's doing quite a good job. I love Linux and Mac and hate windows. Linux is my temporary solution before I go Mac fully.
MacUpdate User - Based on 5 user rates
2025-02-17
Kdenlive is a free and open-source video editor for macOS, Windows and Linux. It was designed to answer most needs — from basic video editing to professional work.
Softonic User - Video editing pro
2025
People who are experienced in video editing and are looking for a new tool to help make the job simple are sure to love Kdenlive. Although the tool can be tricky to get to grips with, people who are willing to put in a little effort are sure to find that they really reap the rewards...
VideoHelp User - crjackson
2019-06-06
I used to really like this package in Ubuntu Linux... It probably has an unmet dependency, but if that's the case, the Mac install package should either install them, or come with a readme.txt that instructs the user on what dependencies are needed and how to install them.
Reddit User - eujinski
2020-02-24
Is it worth installing on mac? ... I mean, Kdenlive is a few steps above windows movie maker. It's super useful if you need something to edit with, but don't expect it's a 'Final Cut Pro'.
Zapier
2025
Kdenlive is a solid choice if you want a truly free editor that punches well above its weight. For Windows and Linux users in particular, Kdenlive offers a simpler workflow than DaVinci Resolve without fencing off features behind a premium plan like CapCut. Mac users can get great results from iMovie...
Detailed Review
Kdenlive is a robust, free, and open-source video editing application available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It's designed to cater to a broad spectrum of users, from beginners experimenting with video editing to professionals handling complex projects. As a cross-platform application, Kdenlive provides a consistent experience across different operating systems. It's built upon the MLT framework and KDE technologies, offering a feature-rich environment without any cost.
Standout Features
- Multi-track Editing: Organize and manage multiple video and audio tracks for complex projects.
- Wide Format Support: Compatible with virtually any video and audio format thanks to its use of FFmpeg libraries.
- Customizable Interface: Adapt the interface layout and shortcuts to suit individual workflows.
- Extensive Effects and Transitions: A wide range of built-in effects and transitions to enhance video projects.
- Color Correction Tools: Features for adjusting and refining video colors.
- Audio Post-Production: Tools for audio mixing, editing, and enhancement.
- Proxy Editing: Enables smooth editing of high-resolution footage on less powerful computers.
- Titler: Create 2D titles for videos.
- Auto-backup: Automatically saves project backups to prevent data loss.
Conclusion
Kdenlive is a powerful and versatile video editor, especially considering it's free and open source. It provides a comprehensive set of features suitable for various video editing tasks, making it a strong contender for users seeking a free alternative to professional-grade software. While it may have a steeper learning curve than very basic editors and can occasionally experience stability issues, particularly on macOS, its extensive capabilities and customizability make it a valuable tool for users willing to invest time in learning its functionalities. For Mac users, while Kdenlive is available, some reviews suggest it may not be as seamlessly integrated or optimized as macOS-native applications like iMovie, and users may encounter occasional bugs or performance limitations. However, for those needing a feature-rich, free video editor that works across platforms, Kdenlive is definitely worth considering.
