Compare software

Lightworks vs Shotcut: catalog facts
Lightworks	Shotcut
Freemium Free tier limited to 720p exports; paid tiers unlock higher resolutions and features.	Free Free and open source. The project accepts donations and the website carries advertising…
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Professional-grade editing tools available in a free tier Cross-platform on Windows, Mac and Linux	Native editing of hundreds of formats through FFmpeg, with no import or transcode step Multi-format timelines: different resolutions and frame rates in one project
Free tier capped at 720p export resolution Interface has a learning curve compared to simpler editors	The panel-based interface takes some arranging before it feels comfortable Smooth playback of high bitrate footage on modest hardware needs proxy clips
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.