OpenShot as a Linux alternative to iMovie

Updated October 29, 2026

Our verdict

OpenShot is a solid replacement for iMovie if you are moving to Linux and need a free, open-source editor. It covers the core needs: drag-and-drop timeline, basic effects, and standard codec support. However, it lacks iMovie’s polished, template-driven simplicity. The interface is more complex, and while it has built-in titles, they are not as turnkey as Apple’s. Expect a steeper learning curve. It is best for beginners who want more control than a simple app but do not want to learn professional software like Kdenlive or Blender. Avoid it if you rely heavily on automated social media presets or need the absolute lowest resource usage, as it is heavier than iMovie.

Feature parity75%

License: GPL-3.0-or-later
Price: Free
Latest version: 3.5.1 (April 2, 2026)
Rating: —

Install OpenShot Website ↗

What works the same

Drag-and-drop timeline interface for arranging clips
Support for common video formats like MP4 and MOV via FFmpeg
Built-in title templates and text overlays
Basic color correction and video stabilization tools
Audio mixing capabilities with multiple tracks

What is different

Lacks iMovie’s extensive library of pre-made, one-click social media templates
Interface is more cluttered and complex, requiring more setup for simple edits
No native, integrated music library with licensing; you must supply your own audio files
Higher resource usage compared to the lightweight iMovie, especially on older hardware
Stabilization and motion tracking are more manual and less 'magic' than iMovie’s automatic processing

Opening your iMovie files

OpenShot cannot open iMovie project files (.imoview or .mov project bundles) directly. You must export your finished video from iMovie as a standard format (like MP4 or MOV) before importing it into OpenShot for further editing. Exporting from OpenShot is straightforward, supporting common codecs like H.264/MP4, which are compatible with all platforms. If you need to edit raw footage, ensure you have the original source files, as project structure is not transferable.

Switching from iMovie to OpenShot, step by step

Install OpenShot via your package manager or Flatpak
Export your iMovie project as an MP4 or MOV file with high quality settings
Import the exported video and any separate audio tracks into OpenShot
Rebuild the timeline using OpenShot’s drag-and-drop interface
Apply new titles and transitions using OpenShot’s built-in templates
Export the final video using a preset for your target platform

Key features of OpenShot

Drag-and-drop timeline with unlimited tracks and layers
Supports most video, audio, and image formats via FFmpeg
Curve-based keyframe animations for precise control
Integrated Blender 3D for animated title templates
SVG support for scalable vector titles and overlays
Real-time preview with multi-threaded playback
AI-powered motion tracking and stabilization
Built-in transitions, masks, and chroma key effects

How to install OpenShot on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.openshot.OpenShot

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install openshot-qt

Debiansudo apt install openshot-qt

Fedorasudo dnf install openshot

openSUSEsudo zypper install openshot-qt

Frequently asked questions

Is OpenShot as easy to use as iMovie?

No. OpenShot is easier than professional editors like Premiere, but it is more complex than iMovie. You will spend more time navigating menus and settings for basic tasks.

Can I use iMovie’s music library in OpenShot?

No. iMovie’s music is licensed for Apple devices. You must use royalty-free music or your own audio files in OpenShot to avoid copyright issues.

Will OpenShot run well on an old laptop?

It depends. OpenShot is heavier than iMovie. On very old hardware, you may experience lag during real-time preview. Lowering the preview resolution in settings can help.