Compare tools
Pick 2–5 published tools. Values come from our evidence-checked profiles — an em-dash means unknown, never “no”. Ranking rows reflect the current published methodology for the comparison context.
Lightworks vs Shotcut
Context: Video Editing Software · methodology v1.0.0 · 19 rows
| Attribute | LightworksLWKS | ShotcutMeltytech |
|---|---|---|
| Identity · Taxonomy | ||
| Documentation | — | https://shotcut.org/howtos/ |
| Tags | video editing, cross-platform, free-tier | open-source, video editing, cross-platform |
| Platform · Deployment | ||
| Delivery model | desktop | — |
| Desktop apps | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Pricing · Licensing | ||
| Free plan | true | true |
| License model | proprietary | open-source |
| Pricing model | free, subscription, perpetual | free |
| Source repository | — | https://github.com/mltframework/shotcut |
| SPDX license IDs | — | GPL-3.0 |
| Features · Product · Fit | ||
| Core capabilities | timeline editing, 4K export in paid tiers, 8K and ProRes/DNx export in Pro tier, advanced colour scopes in Pro tier | timeline editing, FFmpeg format support, 4K resolution support, Blackmagic SDI/HDMI monitoring |
| Support · Docs · Services | ||
| Support channels | — | community forum |
| Audience · Use · Case | ||
| Best for | Cross-platform editor with a permanent free tier; paid Create and Pro plans add 4K/8K export and professional codecs such as ProRes and DNx. | Free open-source editor for Windows, macOS and Linux, suited to users who want a no-cost cross-platform tool without paid tiers. |
| Company-size fit | individual, SMB, mid-market | — |
| Primary use cases | video editing, online video publishing | video editing, 4K video editing |
| Skill level | intermediate | — |
| Lifecycle · Versioning | ||
| Current version | — | 26.8.1 |
| Maintenance status | active | active |
| Vendor · Maintainer | ||
| Founded year | 1989 | 2011 |
| Vendor type | commercial | community |
“—” means unknown (we never treat missing evidence as a negative). Cells reflect each value's current evidence state; superseded or stale values are excluded. Ranking rows are editorial assessments under the cited methodology version — see the Video Editing Software category for definitions.