Shotcut as a Linux alternative to iMovie

Updated October 29, 2026

Our verdict

Shotcut is a capable replacement for iMovie on Linux, but it is not a direct swap. It offers professional-grade non-linear editing, which is more powerful than iMovie's template-driven simplicity. For beginners, the learning curve is steeper because Shotcut lacks iMovie's automated templates and one-click social media presets. However, if you are willing to spend time learning the interface, Shotcut covers all core editing tasks: cutting, color correction, audio mixing, and exporting. It is ideal for users who outgrow simple editors or need more control over their footage than iMovie provides, though it demands more manual effort for basic projects.

Feature parity75%

License: GPL-3.0-only
Price: Free
Latest version: 26.9.27 (September 27, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Shotcut Website ↗

Shotcut screenshot — Wide Format Support

What works the same

Non-linear timeline editing with multiple tracks
Support for common formats like MP4 and MOV via FFmpeg
Built-in video filters for color correction and stabilization
Audio mixing capabilities with separate audio tracks
Export options for various resolutions and formats

What is different

Lacks iMovie's automated title and transition templates, requiring manual application
No built-in library of background music or sound effects
Interface is more complex and less guided than iMovie's drag-and-drop simplicity
Does not have one-click export presets for specific social media platforms
Higher initial setup effort for basic projects compared to iMovie

Opening your iMovie files

Shotcut does not open iMovie project files (.imoview or .mov project bundles) directly. You will need to export your final video from iMovie as a standard format like MP4 or MOV before importing it into Shotcut for further editing. Conversely, Shotcut exports standard video files that can be opened in iMovie, but you cannot import a Shotcut project into iMovie. For new projects, you must start from scratch in Shotcut using your raw media files.

Switching from iMovie to Shotcut, step by step

Export your final video from iMovie as an MP4 or MOV file if you need to continue editing it.
Install Shotcut via your package manager or Flathub.
Import your raw video, audio, and image files into Shotcut's file browser.
Drag clips to the timeline to start editing; remember that Shotcut does not require a separate import step.
Apply filters manually for color correction and stabilization, as there are no automatic templates.
Export your final video using the 'Export' panel, selecting a preset like H.264 for MP4.

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 (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.shotcut.Shotcut

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install shotcut

Debiansudo apt install shotcut

Fedorasudo dnf install shotcut

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S shotcut

openSUSEsudo zypper install shotcut

Frequently asked questions

Is Shotcut as easy to use as iMovie?

No. Shotcut is a professional tool with a steeper learning curve. It lacks iMovie's automated templates and guided workflow, so you must manually apply titles, transitions, and effects. It is more flexible but requires more effort for simple edits.

Can I open my iMovie project files in Shotcut?

No. Shotcut cannot read iMovie project files. You must export the finished video from iMovie as a standard format (like MP4) to bring it into Shotcut. For new projects, you will need to start over using your original media files.

Does Shotcut have a library of music and sound effects?

No. Shotcut does not include a built-in library of background music or sound effects. You will need to source your own audio files and import them into the project, similar to how you might use external assets in iMovie.