OpenCut: Free, Open-Source Video Editor (No Watermark, No Subscription)

OpenCut (formerly known as AppCut) is a free, open-source video editing platform designed for versatility across web, desktop, and mobile environments.

Why OpenCut?

• Privacy: Your video files stay on your local device; they are never uploaded to a third-party server.
• Zero Fees: While many editors like CapCut have begun charging for basic features, OpenCut remains entirely free.
• Intuitive Interface: OpenCut provides a user-friendly experience that mirrors the simplicity of popular commercial editors.

Core Features

• Robust timeline-based editing
• Multi-track support for complex layering
• Real-time project previews
• No watermarks and no subscription requirements
• Privacy-focused analytics by Databuddy—100% anonymous with no user tracking

Before You Install Ensure you have the following tools installed:

• Bun
• Docker and Docker Compose
• Node.js

Basic Setup

1. Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/OpenCut-app/OpenCut.git

2. Navigate to the web app directory: cd apps/web

3. Install dependencies: bun install

4. Start the development server: bun dev

Development Environment Setup

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18 or higher
• The latest version of Bun
• Docker (to manage the local database)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start the database and Redis services (run from the project root): docker-compose up -d

2. Navigate to the web app directory: cd apps/web

3. Copy the environment configuration file:

   • Unix/Linux/Mac: cp .env.example .env.local
   • Windows Command Prompt: copy .env.example .env.local
   • Windows PowerShell: Copy-Item .env.example .env.local

4. Configure the required variables in .env.local:

DATABASE_URL="postgresql://opencut:opencutthegoat@localhost:5432/opencut"
BETTER_AUTH_SECRET="your-generated-secret-here"
BETTER_AUTH_URL="http://localhost:3000"
UPSTASH_REDIS_REST_URL="http://localhost:8079"
UPSTASH_REDIS_REST_TOKEN="example_token"
NODE_ENV="development"

5. Generate a BETTER_AUTH_SECRET:

   • Unix/Linux/Mac: openssl rand -base64 32
   • Windows PowerShell: [System.Web.Security.Membership]::GeneratePassword(32, 0)
   • Cross-platform (Node.js): node -e "console.log(require('crypto').randomBytes(32).toString('base64'))"
   • Online Generator: generate-secret.vercel.app/32

6. Run database migrations (from within apps/web): bun run db:migrate

7. Launch the development server (from within apps/web): bun run dev

Once the process is complete, the application will be accessible at http://localhost:3000.