How To Install Shotcut on Manjaro

Looking for a powerful, free video editing solution on your Manjaro system? Shotcut stands out as an exceptional open-source video editor that rivals many commercial alternatives. This comprehensive guide walks you through multiple installation methods, from simple package manager commands to portable solutions, ensuring you can start editing videos regardless of your technical preference or system configuration.

Manjaro’s Arch-based architecture provides unique advantages when installing software. You’ll discover six different installation approaches in this tutorial, each with distinct benefits. Whether you prioritize system integration, sandboxed security, or portable convenience, there’s a method perfectly suited to your workflow.

What is Shotcut Video Editor?

Shotcut represents one of the most capable free video editing applications available for Linux users. Developed by Meltytech, this cross-platform software runs seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions including Manjaro. The application’s open-source nature means continuous community-driven improvements and complete transparency in its development process.

The editor supports an impressive range of video formats without requiring file imports or conversions. Native timeline editing means you work directly with your original files, saving storage space and processing time. This approach differentiates Shotcut from many competitors that require transcoding before editing begins.

Professional-grade features include 4K resolution support, making it suitable for modern high-definition content creation. The timeline-based editing interface provides multi-track capabilities for complex projects involving multiple video and audio layers. Advanced functionality encompasses Picture-in-Picture compositing, chroma key green screen removal, comprehensive color grading with correction wheels, and sophisticated audio editing tools.

The customizable interface features dockable panels that adapt to individual workflows. Beginners appreciate the intuitive layout, while professionals value the extensive filter library offering effects like video stabilization, color correction, vintage film looks, and various blur options. Built-in screen capture and webcam recording expand creative possibilities for tutorial creators and streamers.

System Requirements for Shotcut on Manjaro

Understanding hardware requirements ensures smooth editing performance. Shotcut’s system demands scale based on your intended video resolution and project complexity.

Hardware Requirements

Memory specifications form the foundation of editing performance. Standard definition video editing requires a minimum 4 GB of RAM, though this represents the absolute baseline. HD video projects demand at least 8 GB for comfortable operation without constant slowdowns. For 4K video editing, 16 GB or more becomes essential to handle the massive file sizes and processing requirements.

Processor capabilities directly impact rendering speed and real-time preview performance. Any x86-64 Intel or AMD processor can technically run Shotcut. For SD video, a single core running at 2 GHz suffices. HD editing benefits significantly from dual-core processors, while 4K workflows practically require quad-core CPUs to maintain reasonable responsiveness.

Graphics hardware enhances performance through GPU acceleration. Your system needs a graphics card supporting OpenGL 2.0 or higher. Modern integrated graphics typically meet this requirement, though dedicated GPUs provide superior performance for effects-heavy projects and faster exports.

Storage considerations extend beyond the application installation. While Shotcut itself requires approximately 2 GB, video projects consume substantial space. Raw footage, especially 4K video, demands hundreds of gigabytes. SSD storage dramatically improves responsiveness when scrubbing through timelines and loading large files.

Software Requirements

Manjaro versions 20.2 or newer provide optimal compatibility. The 64-bit system requirement matches standard modern installations. Manjaro’s rolling release model ensures you receive updated packages regularly. The system library glibc 2.13 or higher comes pre-installed on any current Manjaro distribution.

Prerequisites Before Installation

Preparation prevents installation issues and ensures optimal performance. Taking a few minutes for system updates and configuration saves troubleshooting time later.

Updating Your Manjaro System

System updates resolve potential dependency conflicts before introducing new software. Open your terminal with Ctrl+Alt+T and execute the Pacman update command:

sudo pacman -Syu

This command synchronizes package databases and upgrades all installed packages. Alternatively, Pamac provides graphical and command-line update options:

pamac update

The update process may take several minutes depending on how recently you last updated. Always review the package list before confirming changes. Restart your system if kernel updates were included to ensure all changes take effect properly.

Understanding Manjaro Package Managers

Manjaro offers two complementary package management tools serving different user preferences. Pacman functions as the core command-line package manager inherited from Arch Linux. Its speed and efficiency make it popular among terminal-oriented users.

Pamac extends Pacman’s functionality with graphical and command-line interfaces. Beyond official repositories, Pamac seamlessly integrates AUR, Flatpak, and Snap support through its unified interface. This versatility simplifies software installation for users who prefer point-and-click operations or want access to multiple package sources without memorizing different commands.

Both tools access identical official repositories, so choosing between them reflects personal workflow preferences rather than capability differences. Power users often combine both approaches, using Pacman for routine updates and Pamac when exploring AUR packages.

Enabling Required Repositories

Most Manjaro installations enable official repositories by default. Verify repository configuration by examining /etc/pacman.conf. For AUR access through Pamac, navigate to Preferences within the Pamac application and enable the AUR option in settings. This unlocks thousands of community-maintained packages beyond official repositories.

Method 1: Install Shotcut via Pacman (Official Repository)

Pacman installation represents the most straightforward approach for Manjaro users. Official repository packages receive testing and integration ensuring system stability.

Using Pacman Command Line

Launch your terminal emulator and verify Shotcut’s availability in repositories:

pacman -Ss shotcut

This search command displays available Shotcut packages and versions. Install Shotcut with:

sudo pacman -S shotcut

The system prompts for your administrator password to authorize changes. Review the installation summary showing package size and dependencies. Press ‘Y’ when prompted to proceed with installation. Pacman automatically resolves and installs required dependencies, ensuring all necessary libraries accompany the main application.

Installation typically completes within one to three minutes depending on connection speed and system performance. The process downloads packages from Manjaro’s optimized mirror network, often providing faster speeds than upstream sources.

Using Pamac GUI

Graphical installation suits users preferring visual interfaces. Open “Add/Remove Software” from your application menu. The Pamac window presents a search bar at the top. Type “shotcut” and press Enter.

Results display the Shotcut video editor package with version information and descriptions. Click the package name to view detailed information including dependencies, file lists, and user reviews. Select the checkbox next to Shotcut or click the “Apply” button to mark it for installation.

Pamac shows a transaction summary listing all packages scheduled for installation. Review this information and click “Apply” to proceed. Enter your password when the authentication dialog appears. A progress bar indicates download and installation status.

Verification

Confirm successful installation by querying package information:

pacman -Q shotcut

This command displays the installed Shotcut version. Launch the application from your desktop environment’s application menu, typically found under Graphics, Multimedia, or Video categories. Alternatively, execute shotcut in terminal to start the editor directly.

Method 2: Install Shotcut from AUR (Arch User Repository)

The Arch User Repository provides community-contributed packages offering bleeding-edge versions and specialized builds.

Understanding AUR on Manjaro

AUR contains user-submitted build scripts rather than pre-compiled binaries. This community-driven approach delivers software unavailable in official repositories, including development versions and niche applications. Manjaro inherits full AUR compatibility from its Arch Linux foundation.

Benefits include access to latest upstream releases before official packaging and specialized variants optimized for specific use cases. Understanding that AUR packages compile locally on your system explains longer installation times compared to binary packages from official repositories.

Enabling AUR in Pamac GUI

Pamac simplifies AUR access through integrated support. Open Pamac and click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner. Select “Preferences” from the dropdown menu.

Navigate to the “AUR” tab in the preferences window. Toggle “Enable AUR Support” to the ON position. The system requests your password to authorize this configuration change. Additional options let you configure build directories and number of simultaneous builds.

Click “Close” to save preferences. Pamac now searches both official repositories and AUR simultaneously, displaying results from all sources in unified interface.

Installing via Pamac with AUR

Search for “shotcut” in the Pamac search bar. Results include packages from official repositories and AUR, with distinct icons differentiating sources. The left sidebar filters let you select “AUR” to view only community packages.

AUR typically offers packages like shotcut-git providing the latest development code directly from the project’s repository. Select your preferred package and click “Build”. Building compiles source code into a package specific to your system.

Review the transaction summary carefully. AUR builds may require importing PGP keys to verify source authenticity. Accept key imports when prompted. Click “Apply” to commence building. Build time varies from minutes to over an hour for complex software, depending on system performance and package size.

Installing via Yay (AUR Helper)

Yay streamlines AUR operations through a Pacman-like command interface. Install Yay if not already present:

sudo pacman -S yay

Search AUR for Shotcut packages:

yay -Ss shotcut

Results display all matching packages with descriptions and vote counts indicating community popularity. Install the standard AUR package:

yay -S shotcut

For the development version tracking the latest commits:

yay -S shotcut-git

Yay handles dependency resolution, building, and installation automatically. Review build scripts when prompted to verify package contents before proceeding. This security practice helps prevent malicious code execution.

AUR Installation Notes

Development packages ending in -git provide cutting-edge features but may include unstable code. Stable AUR packages typically mirror official repository versions with alternative build options. Compilation duration depends on package complexity and CPU performance, sometimes exceeding ten minutes.

Method 3: Install Shotcut via Flatpak

Flatpak delivers universal Linux packages running in isolated sandbox environments.

About Flatpak Installation

Sandboxing enhances security by restricting application access to system resources. Flatpak applications bundle dependencies, ensuring consistency across different Linux distributions. This approach eliminates dependency conflicts with system packages.

The isolation trade-off includes larger installation sizes due to bundled libraries and potential limitations accessing certain system features. For most video editing workflows, these constraints prove negligible compared to security and stability benefits.

Installing Flatpak on Manjaro

Verify Flatpak installation status:

flatpak --version

Most Manjaro editions include Flatpak by default. If missing, install via Pacman:

sudo pacman -S flatpak

This command installs the Flatpak runtime and management tools. Installation completes quickly as Flatpak itself represents a small package.

Adding Flathub Repository

Flathub serves as the primary Flatpak application repository. Add it to your system:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

The --if-not-exists flag prevents errors if Flathub is already configured. Restart your system or log out and back in to update environment variables and ensure desktop integration functions properly.

Installing Shotcut Flatpak

Download and install Shotcut from Flathub:

flatpak install flathub org.shotcut.Shotcut

Flatpak displays installation details including download size and disk space requirements. Type ‘Y’ to confirm installation. The process downloads Shotcut and any required runtime dependencies not already present on your system.

First-time Flatpak installations may download larger runtimes like freedesktop-sdk, which subsequent applications reuse. Progress indicators show download and installation stages.

Running Flatpak Version

Launch Shotcut using the Flatpak run command:

flatpak run org.shotcut.Shotcut

The application also appears in your desktop environment’s application menu with standard icons. Desktop integration allows normal launching like any native application.

Checking Installed Flatpaks

List all installed Flatpak applications:

flatpak list

This command displays application IDs, versions, and installation locations. Update all Flatpak applications:

flatpak update

Flatpak Considerations

Sandboxing introduces slight performance overhead compared to native installations. Bundled dependencies increase disk usage, typically adding 200-500 MB beyond the application itself. Security-conscious users appreciate the enhanced isolation protecting system integrity from potentially compromised applications.

Method 4: Install Shotcut via Snap

Snap packages from Canonical offer another universal packaging format with automatic update capabilities.

About Snap Packages

Snaps bundle applications with dependencies in compressed filesystems mounted at runtime. Automatic background updates keep applications current without user intervention. Snap’s confinement system isolates applications similar to Flatpak but with different implementation details.

The Snap Store provides centralized application distribution with publisher verification. Snap packages come in three confinement modes: strict, classic, and devmode. Shotcut requires classic confinement for full system access necessary for video editing operations.

Installing Snapd on Manjaro

Check for existing snapd installation:

snap --version

Install snapd package via Pacman if absent:

sudo pacman -S snapd

Enable the snapd systemd socket to start the snap daemon:

sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket

The --now flag starts the service immediately while enabling it for automatic startup on boot.

Create a symbolic link enabling classic snap support:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

This link ensures snap binaries appear in standard system paths. Log out and back in, or restart your system, to update environment variables properly.

Installing Shotcut Snap

Execute the snap install command with classic confinement:

sudo snap install shotcut --classic

The --classic flag grants Shotcut full system access bypassing strict confinement. Snap displays download progress and installation status. The process typically completes within minutes depending on connection speed.

Classic snaps run outside the security sandbox, similar to traditional package installations. This necessity arises from video editing requirements including file system access, hardware acceleration, and multimedia codec integration.

Verifying Snap Installation

List installed snap packages:

snap list

Output shows Shotcut along with version information and installation dates. The snap version column indicates the specific application release installed.

Launching Snap Version

Snap automatically integrates with desktop environments. Find Shotcut in your application menu under appropriate categories. Command-line launch works via standard application name:

shotcut

Snap’s mount mechanism makes applications available system-wide after installation.

Snap Update Management

Snaps refresh automatically by default, checking for updates several times daily. Manual update commands force immediate checks:

sudo snap refresh shotcut

View refresh timing and update history:

snap refresh --list

Disable automatic updates for specific snaps if needed, though this compromises security update benefits.

Method 5: Install Shotcut AppImage

AppImage provides portable applications requiring no installation or root access.

Understanding AppImage Format

AppImage packages contain applications and dependencies in single executable files. The format requires no system modifications, making it ideal for testing software or running applications on systems where you lack administrative privileges. Portability enables carrying applications on USB drives and running them on any compatible Linux system.

FUSE (Filesystem in Userspace) mounts AppImages as virtual filesystems during execution. This approach isolates application files while allowing normal execution. No installation procedure means no package manager integration or automatic updates.

Downloading Shotcut AppImage

Navigate to the official Shotcut website at shotcut.org/download. Click the Linux tab to display Linux-specific download options. Select the AppImage download link, typically labeled “Linux Portable (AppImage)”.

Your browser downloads a file named similar to shotcut-linux-x86_64-YYMMDD.AppImage, where YYMMDD represents the release date. Save this file to your Downloads folder or preferred location. File size typically ranges from 150-250 MB depending on the specific release.

Making AppImage Executable

AppImages require execute permission before launching. Open terminal and navigate to your download location:

cd ~/Downloads

Add executable permission using chmod:

chmod +x shotcut-linux-*.AppImage

The asterisk wildcard matches any version number in the filename. This permission change transforms the downloaded file into a runnable application.

Running the AppImage

Execute the AppImage from terminal:

./shotcut-linux-x86_64-YYMMDD.AppImage

Replace YYMMDD with your specific file’s date code. Alternatively, navigate to the file in your file manager and double-click to launch. The first launch may take slightly longer as FUSE initializes the virtual filesystem.

Creating Desktop Integration (Optional)

Manual desktop entry creation enables menu integration. Some AppImages include built-in desktop integration tools appearing on first launch. For manual integration, create a .desktop file in ~/.local/share/applications/:

nano ~/.local/share/applications/shotcut.desktop

Add desktop entry content specifying the AppImage location and display properties. This optional step improves workflow convenience for regular AppImage usage.

AppImage Management

Organize AppImages by creating a dedicated directory like ~/Applications:

mkdir -p ~/Applications
mv ~/Downloads/shotcut-linux-*.AppImage ~/Applications/

Updates require downloading new AppImage versions and replacing old files. No uninstallation process exists—simply delete the AppImage file when no longer needed. This simplicity appeals to users wanting minimal system interaction.

Method 6: Install Shotcut via Portable Tar Archive

Tar archives provide traditional Linux software distribution without sandboxing or special filesystems.

About Portable Tar Installation

Portable tarballs bundle applications with most dependencies in compressed archives. This method suits users preferring traditional extraction-based installation or experiencing issues with FUSE-based solutions. Manual dependency management provides maximum control but requires more technical knowledge.

Installing Required Dependencies

Shotcut’s tar distribution requires certain system libraries. Install JACK audio server on Manjaro:

sudo pacman -S jack2

Alternative package names include libjack and jack-audio-connection-kit depending on repository availability. These audio libraries enable proper sound processing within the video editor.

Additional dependencies like libXScrnSaver may be necessary for screen capture functionality. Consult the official Shotcut Linux dependencies page for comprehensive library listings.

Downloading Tar Archive

Visit shotcut.org/download and select the Linux Portable Tar option. The download file uses .txz extension indicating XZ compression. GitHub releases under the project repository provide alternative download locations, with archives listed under “Assets” sections.

Extracting and Installing

Navigate to your download directory:

cd ~/Downloads

Extract the compressed tarball:

tar -xJf shotcut-linux-x86_64-*.txz

The -xJf flags specify extract, XZ decompression, and file respectively. Extraction creates a directory containing the application bundle.

Move the extracted folder to a permanent location. System-wide installation uses /opt:

sudo mv shotcut-linux-* /opt/shotcut

Personal installation goes in your home directory:

mkdir -p ~/Applications
mv shotcut-linux-* ~/Applications/shotcut

Creating Launcher

Navigate into the extracted directory structure to find the Shotcut.app subdirectory. Execute the shotcut script file within:

/opt/shotcut/Shotcut.app/shotcut

Never run the executable under the bin subdirectory directly, as it lacks proper environment variables for locating bundled libraries. The script file automatically configures necessary paths.

Create a desktop launcher or shell alias for convenient access. Desktop entries follow the same format described in the AppImage section, modifying paths to point to the tar installation location.

Tar Archive Considerations

Manual updates require downloading new versions and repeating extraction processes. Dependency management falls entirely on the user—missing libraries cause runtime errors. This method grants maximum control and avoids containerization overhead, appealing to experienced Linux users who prefer traditional software management.

Post-Installation Steps

Initial configuration optimizes Shotcut for your specific system and workflow requirements.

Launching Shotcut for the First Time

Access Shotcut through your desktop environment’s application menu. Look in Graphics, Multimedia, or Video categories depending on your desktop environment. The launcher icon typically displays Shotcut’s characteristic purple and white logo.

Command-line users launch via:

shotcut

The first launch initializes configuration directories in ~/.config/Meltytech/. This directory stores user preferences, recent projects lists, and custom presets.

Initial Setup and Configuration

Shotcut’s interface presents with several docked panels by default. The playlist panel lists media files, timeline shows your edit sequence, filters panel applies effects, and properties displays selected item details. Panels rearrange through drag-and-drop operations, enabling workflow customization.

Default settings accommodate most users, though specific workflows benefit from adjustments. Video Mode under Settings determines timeline characteristics—choose automatic, a specific resolution, or custom dimensions. Preview Scaling reduces preview resolution for smoother playback on lower-powered systems.

Verifying Hardware Acceleration

GPU acceleration significantly improves performance for effects and playback. Navigate to Settings → Display Method and verify OpenGL appears available. Systems with Intel Quick Sync Video (QSV), NVIDIA NVENC, or AMD VCE support should check Settings → Encode for hardware encoder options.

If hardware encoders appear unavailable despite compatible hardware, verify appropriate graphics drivers are installed and current. Proprietary NVIDIA drivers enable NVENC, while Intel and AMD utilize open-source drivers supporting their respective technologies.

Configuring Default Settings

Customize default behaviors through the Settings menu. Video Mode Automatic works well for mixed-format projects, automatically adapting to imported media. Manual selection benefits projects using consistent source material.

Timeline settings control default transition duration and auto-save intervals. Enable auto-save and set reasonable intervals like 5 or 10 minutes to prevent work loss from unexpected crashes or power failures. Proxy file settings help manage 4K footage on slower systems.

Updating Language Preferences

Change interface language via Settings → Language menu. Shotcut supports dozens of languages through community translations. Language changes take effect immediately without requiring application restart.

Testing Basic Functionality

Import a test video file to verify proper operation. Click File → Open File or drag media directly into the playlist panel. Successful import confirms codec support and file system access function correctly.

Play the imported clip using the source viewer. Smooth playback indicates proper system performance and codec availability. Add the clip to the timeline and test basic editing operations like splitting clips or applying filters. These verification steps identify potential issues before beginning actual projects.

Comparing Installation Methods

Understanding method differences helps select the optimal approach for specific needs.

Performance Considerations

Native Pacman and AUR installations typically deliver best performance through direct system integration and shared library usage. These methods avoid containerization overhead present in Flatpak and Snap implementations.

Containerized installations incur slight CPU and memory overhead from sandbox enforcement. For video editing’s demanding workloads, native packages often provide noticeably snappier response, particularly on lower-specification hardware. AppImage and tar archives perform comparably to native installations since they run outside sandboxes, though FUSE mounting adds minor AppImage overhead.

Update Management

Pacman and AUR packages update through system package management alongside other software. Run sudo pacman -Syu to update everything simultaneously, maintaining consistent system state. This unified approach simplifies maintenance.

Flatpak requires separate update commands—flatpak update handles all Flatpak applications independently from system packages. Snap defaults to automatic background updates, checking multiple times daily and applying updates transparently. This hands-off approach ensures current software but sometimes causes unexpected behavior changes.

AppImage and tar installations demand manual updates through downloading new versions and replacing old files. This manual process provides complete control over update timing but requires user vigilance for security patches.

Storage Space

Native packages maximize efficiency by sharing system libraries across applications. Installing Shotcut via Pacman adds only the application-specific files, typically 300-400 MB.

Flatpak and Snap include bundled dependencies and runtimes, consuming 600-800 MB or more. Multiple containerized applications may share some runtimes, reducing total overhead, but generally consume more disk space than native equivalents.

AppImage and tar archives bundle most dependencies, resulting in 400-600 MB installations. Each AppImage remains entirely separate, offering no library sharing between applications.

Recommendation

Pacman installation suits most Manjaro users, providing optimal integration, performance, and update convenience. AUR becomes preferable for users wanting development versions or latest upstream releases before official packaging.

Flatpak and Snap excel when isolation matters—testing potentially unstable software or running applications from less-trusted sources. Their consistent update mechanisms benefit users prioritizing current software over update control.

AppImage serves testing scenarios and portable usage—running applications from removable media or on systems lacking administrative access. Tar archives appeal to purists preferring traditional Linux software distribution without modern containerization approaches.

Getting Started with Shotcut

Mastering basic operations unlocks Shotcut’s extensive capabilities.

Interface Overview

The main interface divides into customizable panels. The source viewer previews individual clips, while the program viewer displays timeline output. The playlist organizes imported media files for easy access. Timeline panels show your edit sequence with multiple video and audio tracks.

Filters panel applies effects to selected clips. Properties panel displays and edits characteristics of selected items. All panels reposition through drag-and-drop, enabling unlimited layout configurations. Save custom layouts via View → Layout menu for quick switching between editing modes.

Importing Media Files

Import video, audio, or image files through File → Open File or by dragging files directly onto the playlist panel. Shotcut’s format support encompasses virtually all common video containers and codecs including MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, WebM, and numerous others.

The software performs native timeline editing without transcoding, working directly with original files. This approach saves time and storage compared to editors requiring import processes. Verify imported files play correctly in the source viewer before adding to timeline.

Basic Editing Operations

Drag clips from the playlist onto timeline tracks to begin editing. Position the playhead using mouse clicks or arrow keys. Split clips at the playhead position by pressing ‘S’ key, enabling precise cut points.

Trim clip endpoints by dragging clip edges in the timeline. Remove unwanted sections through selecting and pressing Delete key. Drag clips along the timeline to reorder sequence. Multiple tracks enable layering video for composites and overlays.

Transitions connect clips smoothly. Position clips on adjacent tracks with overlapping edges, then apply transition filters for fades or wipes between footage.

Applying Filters and Effects

Select a clip in the timeline and open the Filters panel. Click the ‘+’ icon to browse available video and audio filters. Shotcut provides dozens of effects including color correction, blur, distortion, and stabilization.

Apply multiple filters to single clips—filters process in listed order, enabling complex effect chains. Adjust filter parameters through the properties section below the filter list. Favorite frequently used filters for quick access.

Audio filters control volume, apply equalizers, normalize levels, and add effects like reverb. Video filters range from basic brightness adjustment to advanced chroma key compositing and color grading wheels.

Exporting Your First Video

Complete projects export through File → Export Video or the Export button. The Export panel offers numerous presets for common formats and devices. YouTube, Vimeo, and device-specific presets simplify format selection.

Advanced users customize codec settings, bitrate, resolution, and frame rate through the Advanced panel. Hardware encoders accelerate export on compatible systems. Monitor export progress through the Jobs panel. Completed exports save to your specified location ready for sharing or further processing.

Common Features and Capabilities

Shotcut’s extensive feature set supports diverse video production needs.

Video Editing Features

Multi-track timeline editing enables complex compositions combining multiple video sources simultaneously. The non-destructive workflow preserves original files, allowing unlimited experimentation without quality loss or storage waste. 4K resolution support accommodates ultra-high-definition footage for modern content standards.

Real-time preview shows edits immediately without rendering, dramatically accelerating workflow compared to traditional non-linear editors. Timeline markers annotate important positions, while chapter support enables DVD-style navigation in exported files.

Audio Editing Capabilities

Comprehensive audio tools match video capabilities. Volume adjustments per clip or track provide mixing control. Audio filters include gain adjustment, equalization, normalization, and compression. Mute and solo track options isolate audio during editing.

Waveform displays in the timeline show audio levels visually, simplifying synchronization tasks. Multi-track audio mixing combines music, dialogue, and sound effects. Audio-only track types organize pure audio projects like podcasts or music.

Advanced Effects

Professional effects elevate production quality. Chroma key (green screen) removes colored backgrounds, enabling creative compositing. Picture-in-Picture positions video within video for reaction videos or tutorials. Color grading wheels provide precise color correction through lift, gamma, and gain controls.

Video stabilization reduces camera shake in handheld footage. Vintage film effects add grain, scratches, and vignettes for artistic looks. Blur filters create shallow depth-of-field effects or censor content. Distortion effects include lens correction and creative warping.

Format Support

Format compatibility eliminates transcoding bottlenecks. Native support encompasses hundreds of video codecs and containers. Import MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, WebM, FLV, and countless others without conversion. Audio format support includes MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and more.

Image sequences enable frame-by-frame animation. Support for transparent PNG and alpha channel video enables advanced compositing. Frame rate flexibility accommodates anything from 24fps cinema to 120fps high-speed footage.

Screen Recording Integration

Built-in screen capture records desktop activity directly into the editor. Webcam recording captures presenter video simultaneously. These features particularly benefit tutorial creators and educators needing seamless recording and editing workflows. Combine screen captures with additional footage in the timeline for comprehensive video production.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Resolving common problems ensures smooth editing experiences.

Shotcut Won’t Launch

Launch failures typically stem from dependency problems or conflicts. Verify all dependencies installed correctly through checking package status. Ensure your system meets minimum requirements—inadequate RAM or outdated graphics drivers cause startup failures.

Conflicting packages occasionally prevent launching. Search for similar applications or libraries that might clash with Shotcut. Terminal launching reveals error messages hidden by graphical launchers:

shotcut

Error output identifies specific problems like missing libraries or configuration issues. Reinstalling Shotcut often resolves corrupted installation files.

Hardware Encoder Not Detected

Missing hardware encoders despite compatible hardware indicates driver problems. Verify appropriate graphics drivers installed—NVIDIA users need proprietary drivers for NVENC support. Check driver status:

mhwd -li

Intel users should confirm intel-media-driver package installation for Quick Sync Video support. AMD users require current open-source drivers included in recent kernels.

Compare Shotcut encoder availability with other applications supporting hardware acceleration. If no applications detect hardware encoding, the issue lies in system configuration rather than Shotcut specifically. Flatpak and Snap installations sometimes limit hardware access—try native installation if containerized versions lack hardware acceleration.

Crashes During Editing

Frequent crashes disrupt workflow and risk data loss. Insufficient RAM causes crashes particularly when editing high-resolution footage. Close unnecessary applications to free memory. Check available RAM:

free -h

Corrupted project files sometimes trigger crashes when opening specific projects. Create new projects and import problematic footage to isolate clip-specific issues versus project file corruption.

Disable GPU effects temporarily if crashes correlate with filter usage. Some GPU drivers exhibit instability with certain OpenGL operations. Verify adequate free disk space—full partitions cause unpredictable behavior.

Update to the latest Shotcut version, as bug fixes resolve many crash sources. Enable auto-save with frequent intervals to minimize data loss from unexpected crashes.

Audio/Video Sync Issues

Synchronization problems create unwatchable videos. Project video mode mismatches cause sync drift. Ensure Settings → Video Mode matches source footage characteristics. Automatic video mode adapts to first imported clip but may mismatch subsequent files with different frame rates.

Verify source clip specifications through the Properties panel. Mismatched frame rates between clips require conversion to a common rate. Variable frame rate footage particularly causes sync problems—convert to constant frame rate before importing.

Missing Codecs or Format Support

Shotcut’s extensive format support covers most needs, but rare proprietary formats occasionally fail. Install additional FFmpeg codec packages:

sudo pacman -S ffmpeg

For particularly problematic formats, convert files to standard containers like MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio before importing. Handbrake or FFmpeg command-line tools perform batch conversions efficiently.

Performance Optimization

Lower-specification systems benefit from optimization strategies. Proxy editing uses lower-resolution copies for editing, replacing them with original quality during export. Create proxies through Project → Generate Proxy Files.

Preview scaling reduces preview panel resolution, decreasing processing demands. Set preview scaling to 360p or 540p in Settings → Preview Scaling for substantial performance improvements on slower hardware.

Close the preview window when performing timeline edits that don’t require visual feedback. Disable background rendering if your system struggles with real-time effects. Consider upgrading RAM if consistently experiencing performance issues with your typical footage resolution.

Uninstalling Shotcut from Manjaro

Removal processes vary by installation method.

Removing Pacman Installation

Uninstall Shotcut installed via Pacman with:

sudo pacman -R shotcut

Remove Shotcut and its dependencies no longer needed by other packages:

sudo pacman -Rns shotcut

The -n flag prevents backup file creation, while -s removes dependencies. This thorough cleanup reclaims maximum disk space.

Removing AUR Installation

Uninstall AUR packages through Pamac GUI or command-line helpers. Using Yay:

yay -R shotcut

Or through Pamac:

pamac remove shotcut

AUR packages remove identically to official repository packages since installation creates standard system packages.

Uninstalling Flatpak Version

Remove Flatpak installation with:

flatpak uninstall org.shotcut.Shotcut

Flatpak prompts for confirmation before removal. Add --delete-data flag to remove associated application data:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.shotcut.Shotcut

Removing Snap Installation

Uninstall Snap packages via:

sudo snap remove shotcut

Snap automatically removes application data. The --purge flag ensures complete data removal:

sudo snap remove --purge shotcut

Deleting AppImage

AppImage removal simply deletes the file:

rm ~/Applications/shotcut-linux-*.AppImage

Remove any manually created desktop entries:

rm ~/.local/share/applications/shotcut.desktop

Removing Tar Installation

Delete the extracted directory:

sudo rm -rf /opt/shotcut

For user-directory installations:

rm -rf ~/Applications/shotcut

Remove any created desktop entries or shell aliases.

Cleaning Configuration Files

Shotcut stores user preferences in ~/.config/Meltytech/. Remove these files to reset all settings or complete uninstallation:

rm -rf ~/.config/Meltytech/

This action deletes custom presets, recent file lists, and all personalized configurations. Only remove if completely abandoning Shotcut or troubleshooting configuration corruption.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Shotcut. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Shotcut video editor on your Manjaro Linux system. For additional or useful information, we recommend you check the official Shotcut website.