# Kdenlive / Shotcut

Video editing you run locally. Kdenlive and Shotcut are GPL-3.0 — Adobe Premiere Pro without the seat.

**Replaces:** Adobe Premiere Pro

**Tier:** Easy

## Problem

Adobe Premiere Pro is a Creative Cloud seat for a timeline. You wanted cuts, tracks, and an export on a machine you control. Kdenlive is GPL-3.0 (MLT + KDE). Shotcut is GPL-3.0 if you want that Qt editor instead. This is a workstation install, often with a GPU. It is not Premiere's every effect pack, Frame.io, or a YouTube host — PeerTube stays on /replace/vimeo.

## Stack

- [Kdenlive](https://kdenlive.org) — GPL-3.0 timeline video editor (MLT + KDE)
- [Shotcut](https://www.shotcut.org) — GPL-3.0 cross-platform video editor if you want that Qt app

## Estimated SaaS cost saved

| You stop paying | Typical / year | Self-host instead |
|---|---:|---|
| Adobe Premiere Pro (Creative Cloud, one seat) | $1,200 | Kdenlive or Shotcut on the workstation |

**About $1,200 / year** on a small team, before you count lock-in.

## Deploy on Railway

This is a workstation install, not a hosted app. No one-click desktop template in this repo. Publishing a video library stays on /stacks/peertube-video or /stacks/jellyfin-media.

[Start on Railway](https://c17.io/go/railway/kdenlive-video?from=%2Fstacks%2Fkdenlive-video.md)

[PeerTube if the pain is hosting the video, not editing it](https://c17.io/stacks/peertube-video)

## AGENT_PROMPT

```
Replace Adobe Premiere Pro with Kdenlive (preferred) or Shotcut.

- Install on the workstation. Open one project or a clip you actually cut. Export one file. Do not claim every Premiere effect or Frame.io review.
- Write AGENT_PROMPT.md. Hosting the finished file is /stacks/peertube-video or /stacks/jellyfin-media.
```

## FAQ

### Kdenlive or Shotcut?

Kdenlive if you want the KDE/MLT timeline. Shotcut if you want the Qt editor. Pick one.

### Can I deploy this on Railway?

No. The editor stays on the workstation. Jellyfin or PeerTube is what you host.

Source: https://c17.io/stacks/kdenlive-video