Video editing on Ubuntu doesn't require hunting down an abandoned package or accepting an outdated version from your distribution's repository. With Flatpak and Flathub, you can install modern editors in just a few commands for full assembly, quick cuts, and even 3D animation videos. This selection gathers five popular options that have packages on Flathub, and therefore a simple installation path on Ubuntu.
Before you begin: set up Flatpak on Ubuntu
The five applications below use Flathub. On Ubuntu, install Flatpak and add the repository once:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y flatpak
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub
https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
Check the installation with flatpak --version. After adding the repository, installation and updates follow the same pattern on Ubuntu:
flatpak install flathub ID.DO.APLICATIVO
flatpak update
Flatpak also installs the required runtime when needed. The order of this list is not an absolute ranking: popularity changes over time and Blender, for example, is used for much more than editing. The practical criteria is combining presence on Flathub, active project and direct installation.
1. Kdenlive: the choice for complete projects
The Kdenlive is the most complete option on the list for those working with multiple tracks, transitions, color correction, subtitles, proxies and rendering in different formats. It is a good gateway for channel videos, classes and projects with longer editing.
The project documentation itself maintains Flatpak and AppImage as official packages for Linux. To install and open:
flatpak install flathub org.kde.kdenlive
flatpak run org.kde.kdenlive
On more modest machines, start by creating proxies for the heavy clips; this makes the timeline preview lighter without changing the original files.
2. Shotcut: balance between features and learning
The Shotcut is a cross-platform editor with a multi-track timeline, filters, transitions, keyframes and color features. It uses FFmpeg to handle a wide variety of formats, which makes it a practical option for those receiving files from different cameras, phones and recorders.
flatpak install flathub org.shotcut.Shotcut
flatpak run org.shotcut.Shotcut
For a first project, import the clips, drag them to the timeline, separate the audio when needed and use the Export only at the end. Save the project before exporting: the project file is not the final video.
3. OpenShot: start with the basics
The OpenShot prioritizes an easy-to-learn interface. It has drag-and-drop, unlimited tracks, cuts, transitions, titles, keyframe animation, and effects. For joining clips, adding music, and publishing a simple video, it's the least intimidating path.
flatpak install flathub org.openshot.OpenShot
flatpak run org.openshot.OpenShot
Start with a project at the same resolution and frame rate as your main footage. Mixing 30 and 60 fps without planning can cause uneven movement during export.
4. LosslessCut: quick cuts without re-encoding
Not every task requires a full timeline. The LosslessCut is ideal for trimming the beginning and end of a recording, separating segments from a lecture, or extracting a useful portion from a large file. The focus is on cutting without re-encoding when the format and cut points allow, avoiding the wait and quality loss associated with new compression.
flatpak install flathub no.mifi.losslesscut
flatpak run no.mifi.losslesscut
Use it when speed is the priority. For overlaying images, adjusting color, mixing multiple tracks, or creating titles, choose one of the timeline editors in this list.
5. Blender: video, animation, and 3D in the same project
The Blender is known for 3D, but its Video Sequencer assembles videos, images, sounds, and effects across multiple tracks. It makes sense when editing interacts with animations, compositing, motion tracking, or 3D scenes — features that eliminate constant switching between programs.
flatpak install flathub org.blender.Blender
flatpak run org.blender.Blender
When opening, select the workspace Video Editing. It is not the simplest option for a short edit, but it's worth the investment when the video needs animated or 3D elements.
Which one to install first?
| Need | Start with |
|---|---|
| Complete editing, subtitles, color grading and multiple tracks | Kdenlive |
| Traditional editing with many filters and formats | Shotcut |
| First video, cuts and simple transitions | OpenShot |
| Quickly remove sections without re-encoding | LosslessCut |
| Video with animation, compositing or 3D | Blender |
A simple workflow that avoids rework
- Copy the raw files to a project folder; don't edit directly from the memory card.
- Set resolution and frame rate before starting the edit.
- Make the cuts first, then organize audio, titles, color and effects.
- Export a short clip to check audio, subtitles and sync before the final render.
- Save the project file and the originals; the exported MP4 does not allow resuming editing.
Update without looking for a new package
With everything installed via Flathub, an update keeps the applications and runtimes up to date:
flatpak update
flatpak list --app
For most people, start with Kdenlive or OpenShot. If the task is just trimming a video, open LosslessCut: using the right tool avoids unnecessary renders and leaves Linux ready to edit without complications.