Olive
Open-source non-linear video editor with a powerful node-based effect system.
Open the official app on www.olivevideoeditor.org
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Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Olive?
Olive is a free, open-source non-linear video editor designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux users. It enables creators to edit video footage without the need for complex workflows, offering a platform for assembling, trimming, and enhancing video content. The tool is particularly useful for indie filmmakers, hobbyists, and developers seeking an accessible alternative to commercial video editing software. Olive addresses the challenge of providing a, customizable editing environment without the high cost or restrictive licensing of proprietary tools. However, it is labeled as alpha software, meaning it is still under active development and may contain instability or incomplete features. Users are encouraged to test it while understanding the risks associated with using pre-release software.
How it works
Olive is a cross-platform video editing tool that allows users to manipulate video clips, add effects, and assemble sequences using a non-linear editing interface. It is developed as an open-source project under the GPL-3.0 license, ensuring users can freely modify and distribute the software. The primary purpose of Olive is to provide an affordable, flexible solution for video editing, particularly for individuals and small teams who may not have access to expensive commercial software. Its development emphasizes community collaboration and transparency. Olive supports basic video editing functions such as cutting, trimming, and layering clips. It also includes tools for adding transitions, text overlays, and basic color correction. The software integrates with open-source libraries like FFmpeg for media processing, enabling advanced workflows for experienced users.
How to use it
- 1Download the Olive binaries from the official website or source code repository. 2. Install the software on your operating system. 3. Launch Olive and import video clips into the timeline. 4. Use the editing tools to arrange, trim, and apply effects to your footage. 5. Export the final project using supported formats. Practical tips include consulting the project's wiki for detailed documentation and joining the community Discord for troubleshooting. Beginners should start with simple projects to familiarize themselves with the interface.
What it can do
- video editor
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/olive-editor/olive
- license: GPL-3.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Marked as alpha software with potential instability and bugs
- Lacks advanced features like 3D compositing or motion tracking
- Limited plugin ecosystem compared to commercial editors
- Requires technical knowledge for customization and troubleshooting
- Export options may have compatibility issues with certain formats
Understanding the result
Open-source non-linear video editor with a powerful node-based effect system.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (GPL-3.0).
- Built with
- (olive-editor/olive)
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with olive-editor/olive. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- GPL-3.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- GPL-3.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What is Olive and what does it do?
Olive is a free, open-source non-linear video editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows users to edit video footage by assembling, trimming, and enhancing clips. The software is designed for creators seeking an affordable alternative to commercial video editing tools, though it is still under active development and may have instability issues.
How does Olive handle video processing?
Olive leverages open-source libraries like FFmpeg for media processing, enabling tasks such as format conversion and effects rendering. Its architecture is built using Qt for the graphical interface, allowing cross-platform compatibility. Users can customize workflows through scripting or plugin development, though this requires technical expertise.
How do I export a project from Olive?
To export, navigate to the 'File' menu and select 'Export.' Choose the desired format from the dropdown menu (e.g., MP4, AVI). Adjust settings like resolution and bitrate in the export options. Click 'Export' to render the final video, ensuring your project timeline is properly arranged before exporting.
How does Olive compare to DaVinci Resolve or Blender?
Olive differs from DaVinci Resolve by focusing on simplicity and accessibility rather than advanced color grading tools. Compared to Blender, Olive is specialized for video editing, while Blender includes 3D modeling capabilities. Olive's open-source nature makes it more flexible for customization than proprietary alternatives, but it lacks the comprehensive toolset of professional editors.
What should I do if Olive crashes during editing?
If Olive crashes, first check for updates on the official website. Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements. If the issue persists, consult the project's GitHub issues page for reported bugs. For complex projects, try simplifying the timeline or reducing the number of effects to isolate the cause.