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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.
Shotcut vs Lightworks
Context: Video Editing Software · methodology v1.0.0 · 19 rows
| Attribute | ShotcutMeltytech | LightworksLWKS |
|---|---|---|
| Identity · Taxonomy | ||
| Documentation | https://shotcut.org/howtos/ | — |
| Tags | open-source, video editing, cross-platform | video editing, cross-platform, free-tier |
| Platform · Deployment | ||
| Delivery model | — | desktop |
| Desktop apps | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Pricing · Licensing | ||
| Free plan | true | true |
| License model | open-source | proprietary |
| Pricing model | free | free, subscription, perpetual |
| Source repository | https://github.com/mltframework/shotcut | — |
| SPDX license IDs | GPL-3.0 | — |
| Features · Product · Fit | ||
| Core capabilities | timeline editing, FFmpeg format support, 4K resolution support, Blackmagic SDI/HDMI monitoring | timeline editing, 4K export in paid tiers, 8K and ProRes/DNx export in Pro tier, advanced colour scopes in Pro tier |
| Support · Docs · Services | ||
| Support channels | community forum | — |
| Audience · Use · Case | ||
| Best for | Free open-source editor for Windows, macOS and Linux, suited to users who want a no-cost cross-platform tool without paid tiers. | 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. |
| Company-size fit | — | individual, SMB, mid-market |
| Primary use cases | video editing, 4K video editing | video editing, online video publishing |
| Skill level | — | intermediate |
| Lifecycle · Versioning | ||
| Current version | 26.8.1 | — |
| Maintenance status | active | active |
| Vendor · Maintainer | ||
| Founded year | 2011 | 1989 |
| Vendor type | community | commercial |
“—” 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 Cells reflect each value's current evidence state; superseded or stale values are excluded.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.