OpenCut README

The project's README from github.com/OpenCut-app/OpenCut. As one markdown file: README.md.

OpenCut Logo

OpenCut

A free and open source video editor for web, desktop, and mobile.

Discord X License: MIT

Status

OpenCut is being rewritten from the ground up. What's coming:

You can still find the previous version at opencut-app/opencut-classic, which is the one to reach for today. opencut.app still runs the classic version. The rewrite will live at new.opencut.app until it's ready to take over.

Development

Install proto if you haven't already:

Linux, macOS, WSL:

bash <(curl -fsSL https://moonrepo.dev/install/proto.sh)

Windows (PowerShell):

irm https://moonrepo.dev/install/proto.ps1 | iex

If shims fail to run, allow local scripts for your user:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser RemoteSigned

From the repo root:

proto use    # installs the tools pinned in .prototools
moon run web:dev       # localhost:5173
moon run api:dev       # localhost:8787
moon run desktop:dev   # see apps/desktop/README.md

Contributing

We're not set up to take outside contributions yet while the architecture is being designed. If you want to follow along, ask questions, or just hang out, join the Discord or open an issue.

Sponsors

OpenCut is supported by companies that believe in open source creator tools.

Want your logo here? Reach out at [email protected].

License

MIT

OpenCut (OpenCut-app/OpenCut)

Searching Database…

What is this?OpenCut is a free, open-source video editor meant to be a CapCut alternative, built to work across web, desktop, and mobile.
Is the version in this repo the one I should actually use right now?No. OpenCut is currently being rewritten from the ground up; the usable, production version lives in the separate 'opencut-classic' repo and still powers opencut.app, while this rewrite will run at new.opencut.app once ready.
How do I get the development build running?Install the 'proto' version manager first (separate instructions for Linux/macOS/WSL and Windows PowerShell), then run the setup commands from the repo root.
What do I need installed before I can build it?You need the 'proto' toolchain manager; if the generated shims fail to run on Windows, you also need to allow local scripts for your user.
Who is this new rewrite aimed at eventually?It targets both everyday creators (web/desktop/mobile editor) and developers, since the rewrite is designed around a plugin-first architecture, an Editor API, and an MCP server for AI agents.
What's new in this rewrite compared to the classic version?The rewrite adds an Editor API, a plugin-first architecture for third-party plugins, a shared Rust core powering desktop, mobile, and browser from one codebase, an MCP server for AI agents, a headless mode for automation/batch rendering, and an in-editor scripting tab.
Where can I use OpenCut today if I just want to edit a video?Go to opencut.app, which still serves the classic (pre-rewrite) version, or clone the opencut-app/opencut-classic repo directly.
Is there a community place to follow the rewrite's progress?Yes, the project has a Discord for people who want to follow along, ask questions, or hang out while the architecture is being designed.
Size
27.6 MB
Stars
95K
Age
1y
Commits · 90 Days