Guide · Open source
How to use OpenCut: setup, dev commands and what to expect
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
OpenCut is a free, open source video editor described as a CapCut alternative, released under the MIT licence and written in TypeScript. This guide explains which version to use today, how to run the project from source for development, and what is still in progress. By the end you will know where to start the editor and how to set up the codebase if you want to read or experiment with it.
OpenCutOpenCut-app/OpenCut · ★ 97.1k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Pick the right version. Use the classic version at opencut.app for editing today. The rewrite is still in progress.
- 2Install proto. Run the proto install script for your system from the README. Windows users use the PowerShell installer.
- 3Clone the repository. Get the OpenCut code from the GitHub repository and move into the repo root.
- 4Install pinned tools. Run proto use from the repo root to install the tools listed in .prototools.
- 5Start the web app. Run moon run web:dev and open localhost:5173 in your browser.
- 6Start the API if needed. Run moon run api:dev to serve the API at localhost:8787.
Which OpenCut version should you use today?
OpenCut is being rewritten from the ground up. According to the README, the previous version, called opencut-classic, is the one to use today. The site opencut.app still runs the classic version.
The rewrite will live at new.opencut.app until it is ready to take over. It aims to bring the editor to desktop, mobile and browser from one codebase, with a Rust core.
- Use the classic version at opencut.app for editing today
- The rewrite is planned to add an Editor API, third-party plugins, an MCP server for AI agents, headless mode and a scripting tab
- Expect an early-stage project rather than a production-ready editor
Install proto to run OpenCut from source
To run the codebase locally you first need proto, the tool manager the README uses. On Linux, macOS or WSL, install it with the script in the README.
On Windows, use the PowerShell installer from the README. If shims fail to run, the README says to allow local scripts for your user.
- Linux, macOS or WSL: use the bash install script
- Windows: use the PowerShell install script
- If shims fail, allow local scripts for your user with the PowerShell command in the README
bash <(curl -fsSL https://moonrepo.dev/install/proto.sh)Install the pinned tools and start the dev servers
Clone the repository, then run the following from the repo root. proto reads the .prototools file and installs the tools the project pins there.
Once the tools are installed, start the parts you need with moon. The README lists the web app on localhost:5173, the API on localhost:8787, and the desktop app, which has its own README at apps/desktop/README.md.
- web:dev serves the web app at localhost:5173
- api:dev serves the API at localhost:8787
- desktop:dev is documented in apps/desktop/README.md
proto use
moon run web:dev
moon run api:dev
moon run desktop:devKnow the contribution status before you start
The README says outside contributions are not being accepted yet while the architecture is being designed. You can still follow the project, ask questions or join the Discord, or open an issue on GitHub.
The latest release, v0.3.0, has no downloadable binaries, so running from source is the route the README describes.
- Outside code contributions are not being accepted yet
- You can join the Discord or open an issue to ask questions
- No downloadable binaries are provided for the latest release
What people use it for
- Use the classic opencut.app editor for a free, browser-based video edit
- Read a TypeScript video editor codebase to see how it is organised
- Run the web app locally to experiment with the code
- Follow the rewrite's progress toward a shared web, desktop and mobile editor
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenCut free?
OpenCut is described as a free and open source video editor and is released under the MIT licence. The README does not list any prices.
What license does OpenCut use?
OpenCut is licensed under MIT, as shown in the repository badge and the License section of the README.
Is OpenCut a CapCut alternative?
The project describes itself as an open source CapCut alternative. The current version to use is the classic one at opencut.app, while the rewrite is in progress.
How do I install OpenCut?
Install proto with the script in the README, clone the repository, run proto use from the repo root, then start the app with moon run web:dev. The project is set up as a clone-and-build install.
Does OpenCut have a download for Windows or Mac?
The README says the latest release, v0.3.0, has no downloadable binaries. You need to run the project from source using the documented steps.
How does OpenCut compare to Shotcut, Kdenlive or DaVinci Resolve?
The README does not compare OpenCut with other editors. Shotcut, Kdenlive, OpenShot and DaVinci Resolve are listed as comparable projects, so check each one against your needs for stability and features.
New agent skills, repos and AI tools — every week
The best new skills and open-source projects, the fastest-growing repos, and one free prompt. Five minutes to read. Unsubscribe anytime.
Our verdict
OpenCut suits people who want a free, MIT-licensed editor and can accept an early-stage project, or developers who want to read a TypeScript video editor codebase. If you need a stable editor today, or you want to submit code, pick a more mature option such as Shotcut, Kdenlive or OpenShot, since the README says outside contributions are not yet accepted.
Install options & downloads