Guide
Instant Editing. No Uploads. No Watermarks.
CutScene runs locally in your browser for zero-latency 4K editing. Keep your files private, generate AI assets on the timeline, and export for free.
Why CutScene is the Free Video Editor You've Been Waiting For
Tired of bloated software, watermarks, and subscription traps? CutScene flips the script: a completely free video editor that runs in your browser. No downloads, no hardware demands, no limits on projects or exports. Upload your footage, trim like a pro, add effects, and ship polished videos all without spending a dime on core editing.
But here's the kicker: when inspiration strikes, bolt on AI generation with affordable credits. Need B-Roll? Generate it. Voiceover? Done. It's editing freedom with optional superpowers.
Whether you're a YouTuber churning content, a marketer crafting ads, or a hobbyist experimenting, CutScene delivers pro tools without the price tag. Let's break down what makes it shine.
Core Features: Edit Like a Pro, Pay Nothing
CutScene packs timeline editing, color tools, audio mixing, and graphics into a sleek, browser-native package. Here's the lineup:
| Feature Category | What You Get | Why It Rocks |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline Editing | Multi-track with ripple edits, keyframes, adjustment layers | Feels like Final Cut or Premiere, but accessible anywhere edit on laptop, tablet, or desktop. |
| Canvas Mode | AI-powered media generation with node-based workflow | Create images and videos directly in CutScene. Generate B-roll, thumbnails, and assets without leaving the editor. |
| Color Grading | Curves, wheels, LUTs, presets for cinematic looks | Turn smartphone clips into Hollywood-ready footage. Free forever! |
| Audio Tools | Volume automation, EQ, stem exports, noise reduction | Mix narration, music, and SFX like a sound designer no extra plugins. |
| Graphics & Text | Titles, lower thirds, motion templates, animations | Brand your videos effortlessly; drag-and-drop simplicity. |
| Exports | Unlimited in H.264, HEVC, ProRes, social presets | No watermarks, no export limits ship to YouTube, TikTok, or clients instantly. |
Fun Fact: CutScene's browser engine handles 4K timelines smoother than you'd expect. No more crashes from "insufficient RAM" just pure editing bliss.
CutScene vs. Other Free Editors: Why We Win
Don't just take our word see how CutScene stacks up against popular alternatives:
| Editor | Free Tier Limits | Platform | AI Integration | Export Quality | Organization Tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CutScene | Unlimited editing/exports | Browser (cross-platform) | Built-in (credits optional) | ProRes, 4K+ | Media groups for assets |
| DaVinci Resolve Free | Watermarks on some effects | Desktop (heavy install) | None native | Excellent | Basic bins |
| CapCut | Ads, watermarks on exports | Mobile/Desktop | Basic filters | Good for social | Project folders |
| iMovie | Apple-only, basic features | Mac/iOS | None | Solid for basics | Simple library |
| HitFilm Express | Watermarks on advanced | Desktop | Limited plugins | High | Scene management |
CutScene leads with zero restrictions, AI readiness, and browser convenience. Edit from anywhere coffee shop, plane, or home office.
Getting Started: Your 5-Minute Setup
Jumping in? Follow this foolproof path to your first edit:
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Launch a Project: Sign up (free, no card needed), click "New Project." Pick resolution 1920x1080 for YouTube, 1080x1920 for TikTok/Reels.
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Import Magic: Drag footage, images, or audio from your device. Or switch to canvas mode and generate AI clips with starter credits try "a bustling city street at dusk" for instant B-roll. The canvas lets you create media nodes, pick models (Kling, Veo3, Flux), and generate directly into your library.
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Timeline Tango: Drag assets to tracks. Trim with edge drags or I/O shortcuts. Add transitions from the library fades for smooth, zooms for punch.
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Polish Party: Hit the color panel for quick grades (boost saturation for vibrant social clips). Layer text overlays and tweak audio volumes.
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Export Extravaganza: Choose MP4 for web, ProRes for pro. Hit export downloads start immediately, no queues.
Pro Tip: Save your project often (auto-saves help, but Ctrl+S is your friend). Browser tabs stay open for offline tweaks on cached media.
When to Level Up with AI Credits
CutScene's free core handles 90% of edits. But for magic:
- B-Roll Boost: Use canvas mode to generate filler shots with Kling or Veo3 "a chef chopping veggies in slow-mo." Create a generation node, describe your scene, and let AI handle the rest.
- Voiceover Vibes: ElevenLabs for narration paste script, pick tone, done.
- Thumbnail Titans: Canvas mode with Flux for eye-catching stills no Photoshop needed. Generate multiple variations, pick your favorite, drag to timeline.
Credits are affordable: ~$0.50$5 per generation, depending on model/length. No subs required buy packs with up to 33% bonus credits.
Humor Break: AI won't replace your vision, but it'll save you from "filming that sunset again" frustration!
Pro Workflow: From Rough Cut to Viral Hit
Social Media Mastery
- TikTok/Reels: Vertical project, fast cuts (every 1-3s), big text overlays.
- YouTube: 16:9, chapters via text, consistent branding.
- Instagram: Square crops, captions for muted plays.
Duplicate timelines for formats one edit, multiple outputs.
Advanced Tricks
- Adjustment Layers: Apply effects (blur, color) to entire sections non-destructive genius.
- Keyframing: Animate text pops or zooms make static clips dynamic.
- Media Groups: Tag and folder assets find that "perfect transition" in seconds.
The Bottom Line: Free Doesn't Mean Basic
CutScene redefines "free video editor" pro features, zero barriers, AI when you want it. Ditch the downloads, watermarks, and walls. Start editing today: unlimited projects, exports, and creativity await.
Next Moves:
- Keyboard Shortcuts Guide Speed up 3x.
- AI Content Creation Generate clips free-trial style.
- Social Optimization Platform-perfect tips.
- Tutorial Deep Dive Master every tool.
No card, no catch just pure editing joy. Welcome to the future of free video creation!
END-TO-END WORKFLOW
Everything you need to go from idea to finished cut
The free CutScene editor combines AI-assisted creation with the polish of a professional NLE. Follow the same workflow teams use for ads, trailers, and product launches.
Import or generate in seconds
Pull in local footage, drag AI renders from your library, or use canvas mode to generate new assets on the fly. The canvas feature gives you a node-based workspace where you can create generation projects, pick dimensions, choose AI models, and generate images or videos that flow directly into your media library.
Organise scenes with storyboards
Lay out chapters, preview motion graphics, and keep every asset versioned with visual cards.
Edit faster with smart suggestions
Auto-trim silences, stabilise shaky clips, and drop in transition presets that match your pacing.
Ship anywhere instantly
Render to MP4, ProRes, or GIF, or send a timeline to teammates for feedback without uploading a single gigabyte.
LOCAL-FIRST GUARANTEE
Edit in your browser, store on your device
CutScene runs entirely in your browser with hardware-accelerated video processing. Your projects and editing timeline are stored locally on your device, not on our servers. You decide what stays private and what you want to share or backup.
Local-first editing
All video processing happens in your browser. Your projects and timelines are stored locally on your device using modern browser storage.
You control your data
Export finished videos directly to your device. Choose what to keep locally and what to sync to the cloud for backup.
Privacy-focused design
Edit without mandatory cloud uploads. Your editing sessions run entirely in the browser with hardware-accelerated rendering.