How to Use the Shotcut Command (with Examples)

Shotcut is a versatile, free, open-source video editing program. It provides powerful editing capabilities akin to those found in more comprehensive paid software. Shotcut supports a wide range of video, audio, and image formats via the FFmpeg software and offers features such as multi-track timeline editing, audio and video filters, and native timeline editing—even in resolutions up to 4K. The tool can be accessed and used from the command line, which is particularly useful for automating workflows, integrating with other tools, or simply launching it with specific configurations. Below are several use cases demonstrating how to use the Shotcut command effectively.

Use Case 1: Start Shotcut

Code:

shotcut

Motivation:

You might want to start Shotcut from the command line if you’re already working within a terminal interface. This action fits naturally into a workflow where you’re multitasking with various command-line tools, offering a quick way to launch the program without navigating through graphical menus.

Explanation:

The command shotcut without any additional arguments or parameters will simply attempt to launch the Shotcut application. It assumes that the software is correctly installed and available within the system’s executable path.

Example Output:

Upon executing this command, the Shotcut graphical user interface (GUI) will appear, ready for you to begin editing video content. There are no terminal contents other than potentially showing the process initialization message until the GUI is launched.

Use Case 2: Open Audio/Video Files

Code:

shotcut path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...

Motivation:

When you have specific media files you wish to edit or preview immediately, opening them directly with Shotcut through the command line can save time. Such an approach is beneficial when batch processing multiple files or when working from scripts that prepare files for editing.

Explanation:

This command opens one or more specified audio or video files directly into Shotcut. path/to/file1 and path/to/file2 should be replaced with the actual file paths. The command utilizes the arguments provided to it as specific files that should be loaded into the editor upon startup.

Example Output:

On execution, Shotcut opens, displaying each of the specified files within the playlist or directly on the timeline, depending on the files’ formats and previous settings.

Use Case 3: Start with a Specific Audio Driver

Code:

shotcut --SDL_AUDIODRIVER "pulseaudio"

Motivation:

Choosing a specific audio driver could be crucial for ensuring audio output compatibility with your system’s configuration, particularly in complex environments with multiple sound systems or when the default driver does not perform optimally.

Explanation:

--SDL_AUDIODRIVER is a parameter that lets the user specify the audio driver framework the application should use. In this example, “pulseaudio” indicates the preferred driver to use, which can affect how the software manages audio flow and processing.

Example Output:

Shotcut launches with the audio system initialized through PulseAudio. This may not display noticeable changes in the console but ensures that audio-related tasks are handled using the specified driver.

Use Case 4: Start in Fullscreen

Code:

shotcut --fullscreen

Motivation:

Starting Shotcut in fullscreen can be ideal for users who want to utilize the entire display for video editing, enhancing focus by reducing distractions such as other open windows or taskbars.

Explanation:

The --fullscreen option instructs Shotcut to maximize its window across the entire screen upon launch, providing an immersive editing experience right from the start.

Example Output:

After using this command, Shotcut opens directly in fullscreen mode. The desktop and other applications are hidden from view, allowing maximum screen real estate for video editing tasks.

Use Case 5: Start with GPU Processing

Code:

shotcut --gpu

Motivation:

Enabling GPU processing can significantly enhance performance by leveraging the graphical processing unit for rendering tasks, freeing up CPU resources and allowing smoother video playback and faster rendering.

Explanation:

The --gpu argument initiates Shotcut with GPU acceleration enabled. This shifts much of the heavy lifting of graphics and video processing from the CPU to the GPU, which can be particularly valuable for high-resolution videos or complex effect-heavy projects.

Example Output:

When launched with GPU support, Shotcut may display enhanced performance, especially in rendering previews and executing real-time effects. While the command line won’t show additional output, the difference is noticed in editing fluidity and export times.

Conclusion

These examples show how Shotcut’s command-line options can cater to different user needs, whether for routine starting tasks, specific system configurations, or performance optimizations. By using these commands, users gain more control over how the video editor behaves from startup, aligning it with their workflow needs. This capability emphasizes Shotcut’s adaptability, making it a valuable tool for both simple and complex video editing tasks.