OpenShotLinux
vs
Windows Movie MakerWindows
OpenShot as a Linux alternative to Windows Movie Maker
Updated
Our verdict
OpenShot is a solid Linux alternative for anyone who used Windows Movie Maker for basic video stitching, trimming, and simple effects. It keeps the drag‑and‑drop workflow, offers unlimited tracks, and adds more polish with keyframe animation and a richer set of transitions. Beginners will feel comfortable thanks to its tutorial and straightforward UI, while power users can explore the extra features. It isn’t as minimal as Movie Maker, but it covers the core tasks and adds enough flexibility to grow with you.
- License
- GPL-3.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.5.1 (April 2, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Drag‑and‑drop timeline editing
- Basic trimming and cutting of clips
- Built‑in transitions and simple visual effects
- Overlay of text/titles
- Export to common formats such as MP4
What is different
- No one‑click direct upload to YouTube or other services
- Interface is slightly more complex with advanced options
- Lacks a dedicated “quick‑export” preset for absolute beginners
- No built‑in storyboard view like Movie Maker’s simple timeline
- AI‑powered motion tracking and stabilization are optional extras, not core to basic editing
Opening your Windows Movie Maker files
OpenShot cannot read the proprietary .wmv or .wmp project files that Windows Movie Maker used. It can import the raw video, audio, and image files that were part of a Movie Maker project, but you’ll need to recreate the edit manually. Exported MP4 or AVI files from Movie Maker open without issue.
Switching from Windows Movie Maker to OpenShot, step by step
- Install OpenShot via your package manager or Flathub
- Gather all source video, audio, and image files used in the Movie Maker project
- Open OpenShot and create a new project
- Import the media files and place them on the timeline, trimming as needed
- Add transitions, titles, and any simple effects you require
- Export the finished video using the MP4 preset
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 install flathub org.openshot.OpenShotsudo apt install openshot-qtsudo apt install openshot-qtsudo dnf install openshotsudo zypper install openshot-qtFrequently asked questions
Can I open a Windows Movie Maker project file directly in OpenShot?
No, OpenShot does not support the .wmp project format. You must import the original media files and rebuild the edit.
Is OpenShot suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the UI is designed for newcomers and includes a built‑in tutorial; the basic view hides most advanced controls.
Will OpenShot run on older Linux hardware?
It runs on most modern distributions, but performance depends on CPU and GPU; the real‑time preview can be taxing on very old machines.
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