🎬OpenCut: The Free, Open-Source CapCut Alternative You Can Run in Your Browser!

By | August 13, 2025
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What is OpenCut?

OpenCut is a free, open-source video editor built with modern web technologies, designed to be a privacy-focused alternative to CapCut. As a newer project, it runs entirely in your browser, keeps all data locally, and offers professional features like multi-track timeline editing, real-time previews, and watermark-free exports.

Tech Stack:

No heavy installs—just professional editing in your browser.

Key Features

1.Core Editing
  • ✂️ Frame-Accurate Cutting
  • 🧩 Seamless Merging
  • ⏱️ Speed Adjustment
2.Advanced Tools
  • 🎚️ Audio Control: Volume sliders, background music
  • 📝 Subtitles: Real-time editing + SRT import
  • 🎞️ Transitions: Fades, slides, and more
3.Pro-Grade Processing
  • 🎨 Color Correction: Brightness/contrast/saturation
  • 🔍 Cropping: Custom aspect ratios
  • 📤 Export: MP4, WebM, etc.
4.Developer-Friendly
  • 🔧 Modular Architecture
  • 🌐 API Integration
  • 📦 FFmpeg-Powered Stability

Installation Guide (3-Minute Setup)

Prerequisites
  • OS: Linux/macOS/Windows (WSL for Windows)
  • RAM: 4GB+ recommended
Steps:
  1. Install Bun Runtime:
# Linux/macOS
curl -fsSL https://bun.sh/install | bash

# Windows (PowerShell)
powershell -c "irm bun.sh/install.ps1|iex"

Verify: bun --version

  1. Clone & Install Dependencies:
git clone https://github.com/OpenCut-app/OpenCut.git
cd OpenCut
bun install  # 3x faster than npm/yarn!
  1. Configure Environment:
cp .env.example .env.local
# Edit API keys if needed
  1. Launch:
bun run dev

Visit → http://localhost:3000

Quick Start Tutorial

  1. Import Media: Drag/drop MP4/MOV/AVI files.
  2. Pro Tips:
  • Hotkeys: Space (play/pause), Ctrl+Z (undo), I/O (set in/out points)
  • Frame Control: Arrow keys for precision
  • Multi-Track: Drag to stack clips on the timeline

Extending OpenCut (For Developers)

1.Add Custom Effects

Create in /src/effects:

// waveEffect.tsx
export const WaveEffect = {
  name: "Wave Effect",
  apply: (frame) => { /* Your effect logic */ }
}
2.Integrate AI

Example (auto-subtitles):

async function generateSubtitles(video) {
  const res = await fetch('/api/ai/subtitles', {
    method: 'POST',
    body: video
  });
  return res.json();
}
3.Build Desktop App

Package with Tauri:

// tauri.conf.json
"build": {
  "distDir": "../build",
  "devPath": "http://localhost:3000"
}

Troubleshooting

Issue Solution Slow ProcessingLower preview quality or enable hardware acceleration Missing FFmpegInstall via apt/brewor downloadExport FailsCheck .env.local: Set FFMPEG_PATHor increase MAX_EXPORT_TIME—

Roadmap

  • 🧩 Plugin Marketplace: User-shared effects/templates
  • ☁️ Cloud Rendering: Heavy processing offload
  • 🤖 AI Editing: Auto-highlight detection
  • 📱 PWA Support: Mobile editing

Why Choose OpenCut?

| ✅ Zero Cost | MIT-licensed, no fees | | ✅ Privacy | All data stays local | | ✅ Accessible| Runs in any browser | | ✅ Extensible| Customize via code/APIs |

Perfect for: Content creators needing quick edits, or developers adding video tools to their apps!

👉 Get Started: https://github.com/OpenCut-app/OpenCut

“In open source, every frame of creativity deserves perfection.” ✨