OpenShot
An open-source multitrack video editor for Windows, macOS and Linux with timeline editing, transitions, keyframe animation, titles, subtitles, audio mixing and FFmpeg-based export.
What OpenShot does
OpenShot is suited to courses, screen recordings, family clips, slideshows and basic motion graphics. It provides multiple tracks, timeline cuts, transitions, curve keyframes, titles, audio mixing and speed changes. Large films, complex color work and team workflows should be tested with representative material before adoption.
Projects, proxies and delivery
A project stores editing structure and references to video, audio, images and fonts; it is not a complete media backup. The Optimize Video feature creates proxy media for smoother previews, while final output should read the original media. Keep source paths stable and test a short representative export before rendering a long program.
Maintenance note
This page reviews OpenShot 3.5.1, proxy previews, multitrack timelines, keyframes, FFmpeg formats, hardware encoding boundaries and GPL licensing. Content review date: 2026-08-23.
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OpenShot 3.5.1 installation, multitrack editing and export guide
Copy test media into a fixed project folder, configure the target format, then practice import, timeline cuts, transitions, keyframes and a short export. Use proxies for preview performance without reducing final quality.
Before you start
- Prepare video, audio, image and font assets that you are allowed to edit, keeping original copies.
- Match the Windows, macOS or Linux package and reserve space for cache, proxies and the final render.
- Define target resolution, frame rate, aspect ratio, audio sample rate and delivery platform.
Installation steps
- 01
Install the 3.5.1 build
Match Windows x86 or x64, macOS and Linux package formats, and confirm version and display scaling after first launch.
- 02
Create a project and import media
Set project configuration and save location first, then import media from a fixed folder and place video, music, images and titles on separate tracks.
- 03
Practice cuts and keyframes
Split and trim clips on the timeline, check snapping and track overlap, use overlapping clips for transitions and keyframes for position, scale, opacity or speed.
Quick start
- 01
Export a short test
Select a range containing motion, gradients, subtitles and loud audio, export with target settings, and check edges, frame rate, volume and text clarity.
- 02
Generate proxy media when needed
Use Optimize Video for high-resolution preview media, confirm its link to the original and keep the original file for final rendering.
- 03
Archive the project
Keep source media, fonts, project files and export notes together, reopen a copy from another directory and only then remove rebuildable cache or proxy files.
Usage tips
- OpenShot 3.5.1 adds built-in proxy preview and timeline improvements; proxy files improve editing responsiveness but do not replace the master media.
- FFmpeg support covers many formats, but variable frame rate, color space and hardware decoder combinations still need real-project testing.
- Experimental hardware encoding may vary by GPU, driver and codec; compare software and hardware output on important work.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why is preview playback slow while export works?
Lower preview resolution or generate proxy media, close unused effects and check disk space, then verify the final result with a short export.
Why is the export black, silent or out of sync?
Check track visibility, clip boundaries, keyframes, project frame rate and audio device settings, then isolate recent effects and test a common H.264 and AAC profile.
- Archive the projectSave project files, original media, fonts and export parameters, and verify that the archive reconnects and reopens. Cache and proxies can be rebuilt.
- Uninstall and separate cache from workExit OpenShot and uninstall through the platform, clearing only confirmed rebuildable thumbnails, cache and proxy directories.
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenShot a replacement for every professional editor?
It works well for everyday short videos, courses, screen recordings and basic animation. Complex color, collaboration and long-form projects need testing with actual media and workflow requirements.
Does Optimize Video change the original file?
It creates lower-resolution proxy media for preview and does not replace the source. Final export should continue to use the original media.
Why are files missing after moving a project?
The project stores paths and editing structure rather than embedding every asset. Move the project together with its source media, fonts and title resources.