Shotcut 25.05 Presents itself, two months after the previous version, as the latest update to the popular free and open-source video editor, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. This version represents a step forward in both features and performance optimization, while maintaining the cross-platform philosophy and an easily accessible approach for users with different levels of video editing experience.
Among the notable features of Shotcut highlights its native editing on the timeline, capable of handling a wide variety of formats without the need for prior import. It also offers support for 4K resolution, integration with Blackmagic Design hardware, and advanced editing with track controls such as hiding, muting, and locking.
Key new features in Shotcut 25.05
- Alpha Strobe Filter: It incorporates a new video filter that allows you to create flickering effects on transparencies, expanding the creative possibilities in your projects.
- Freeze Frame: It is now possible to generate still images directly on the timeline, making it easier to create pause effects.
- Setting runway headers: The width of the headers in the timeline can be modified, improving track management and workflow.
- Playlist item counter: Allows you to quickly see how many clips have been added to the project.
- “Add Generator” option: Accessible from the timeline toolbar, it speeds up the insertion of automatic or generated elements.
- Submenu to create a new project: The new file menu now differentiates between creating a project or generators within it.
- Re-executable filter analysis: From the file menu, you can rerun the filter analysis to fine-tune the applied effects.
Technical updates and internal improvements
Shotcut 25.05 includes a major renovation of its facilities: now uses Qt 6.8.3, MLT 7.32.0, Rubberband 4.0, and SVT-AV1 3.0. These components improve stability and performance, while ensuring greater compatibility with current and future operating systems.
The file panel has also undergone a change, with the "Go Up" button moved to the top left to resemble conventional file managers. Additionally, a preview scaling option to 1080p has been added, along with new DeckLink external monitor configurations for both SDR and HLG HDR.
Shotcut 25.05 introduces advancements toward HDR support
Although Shotcut continues to work on full support for high dynamic range (HDR) videoThis release already implements HLG color transfer and gamma for GPU effects. It lays the groundwork for future updates that will allow you to fully utilize the potential of HDR displays and workflows, although not yet available in full.
Fixes and bug fixes in Shotcut 25.05
The update has addressed a considerable number of failuresHighlights include the ability to select and drag short clips on the timeline, manage rich text presets, and fix issues with filters like “Obscure With Blur,” “Obscure With Mosaic,” and “Mask: Apply,” improving their ability to hide information.
Issues with proxy creation for BT.2020 video have been resolved, as well as distortion when recording audio to Timeline on macOS, and improved HDMI/SDI capture support with the latest Blackmagic drivers. Additionally, the program now prompts for confirmation when attempting to add files with unknown or excessively long durations.
Shotcut 25.05 is available for download both in source code and in binaries specific to x86_64 systems. It also has a universal AppImage package for Linux, making it easy to install regardless of the distribution. Windows and macOS have updated native versions. All information and files can be found in the official pages and public repositories.