ShotcutLinux
vs
DaVinci Resolve StudioWindows
Shotcut as a Linux alternative to DaVinci Resolve Studio
Updated
Our verdict
Shotcut can replace DaVinci Resolve Studio for basic to intermediate video editing, especially if you need a free, open‑source tool that runs natively on Linux. It handles non‑linear editing, multi‑track timelines, and a wide range of formats, and it offers GPU‑accelerated playback. However, it lacks the advanced color‑grading panel, Fusion compositing, Fairlight audio suite, and the same level of professional‑grade workflow that Resolve Studio provides. It is best suited for hobbyists, educators, or small‑scale productions who do not need the full feature set of Resolve.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 26.9.27 (September 27, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both provide non‑linear, multi‑track timeline editing
- Both support a large array of video, audio, and image formats via FFmpeg
- Both offer GPU‑accelerated playback and scrubbing using OpenGL
- Both include a range of audio and video filters with real‑time preview
What is different
- Shotcut does not include a dedicated color‑grading panel with scopes and curves like Resolve Studio
- Shotcut lacks the Fusion visual‑effects compositing node system present in Resolve
- Shotcut does not provide the Fairlight audio post‑production tools (mixing, editing, routing) that Resolve Studio offers
- Shotcut’s UI is less polished and has fewer workflow optimizations for large projects
- Shotcut does not support Resolve’s .drp project format or .mov with ProRes RAW export
Opening your DaVinci Resolve Studio files
Shotcut cannot open DaVinci Resolve Studio project files (.drp) or export directly to Resolve’s proprietary formats. You can import media files that Resolve uses, but any Resolve‑specific edits, grading, or effects will need to be recreated manually in Shotcut.
Switching from DaVinci Resolve Studio to Shotcut, step by step
- Export all media and timeline clips from Resolve as individual files (e.g., MP4, MOV)
- If you used Resolve’s color grading, export the graded footage or note the grade settings to replicate in Shotcut
- Open Shotcut and create a new project, then drag the exported media into the timeline
- Re‑apply any necessary filters or effects in Shotcut using its filter list
- Save the Shotcut project and export the final video in the desired format
Key features of Shotcut
- Supports hundreds of video, audio, and image formats via FFmpeg
- Non-linear, multi-track timeline editing
- GPU-accelerated playback and scrubbing via OpenGL
- Integrated screen, webcam, and audio capture
- Audio and video filters with real-time preview
- Cross-platform: works on Linux, Windows, and macOS
- No import required—edit directly from file browser
How to install Shotcut on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.shotcut.Shotcutsudo apt install shotcutsudo apt install shotcutsudo dnf install shotcutsudo pacman -S shotcutsudo zypper install shotcutFrequently asked questions
Can I use Shotcut to edit a Resolve project directly?
No. Shotcut does not read Resolve’s .drp files. You must export the media from Resolve and import it into Shotcut.
Does Shotcut support high‑resolution formats like 4K or 8K?
Yes. Shotcut can handle 4K and higher resolutions, provided your hardware and GPU support the playback and rendering of those formats.
Will I lose any color grading when moving from Resolve to Shotcut?
Shotcut has basic color correction tools but not the full suite of scopes and curves available in Resolve. You may need to adjust grades manually.
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