Olive
Professional open-source non-linear video editor with a fast modern timeline.
Open the official app on www.olivevideoeditor.org
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Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Olive?
Olive is an open-source non-linear video editing tool designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux users. It enables creators to manipulate video clips, apply effects, and assemble content without requiring extensive technical expertise. The tool targets independent filmmakers, content creators, and hobbyists who need a flexible yet accessible editing solution. Olive addresses the challenge of creating professional-grade video content without relying on proprietary software, offering a customizable platform for editing workflows. Its alpha status reflects ongoing development, with a focus on iterative improvements based on user feedback. While it lacks the polished features of commercial editors, Olive provides a foundation for experimenting with video production techniques.
How it works
Olive is a cross-platform open-source video editor developed under the GNU General Public License v3.0. It allows users to perform basic and advanced editing tasks such as cutting, trimming, and layering video clips. The project emphasizes accessibility, aiming to provide a free alternative to commercial editing software. As an alpha release, Olive prioritizes core functionality over polish. Users can expect a functional editing environment with tools for timeline management, color correction, and basic effects. The project's community-driven development model encourages contributions from developers and testers. Olive supports non-linear editing, enabling users to rearrange clips and apply transitions. It includes basic color grading tools and a timeline interface for organizing video sequences. The editor also provides audio waveform visualization and simple keyframe animation for effects. While it lacks advanced features like motion tracking or 3D compositing, it offers a solid foundation for basic editing tasks.
How to use it
- 1Download the latest binary release from the Olive website and install it on your operating system. 2. Launch the application and import video clips via the 'File' menu. 3. Drag-and-drop clips onto the timeline to arrange them. 4. Use the toolbar to apply transitions, adjust audio levels, or add text overlays. 5. Export the final project using the 'Export' option, selecting preferred format and resolution. Practical tips: Regularly save projects to avoid data loss. Use the 'Auto-Render' feature for smoother playback. For complex edits, consider breaking projects into smaller segments. The 'Timeline' view offers precise control over clip positioning and timing.
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
- High instability and potential crashes during intensive editing sessions
- Limited support for advanced features like motion graphics or 3D compositing
- Smaller plugin ecosystem compared to commercial editors like Adobe Premiere Pro
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with non-linear editing concepts
- Inconsistent rendering performance across different operating systems
Understanding the result
Professional open-source non-linear video editor with a fast modern timeline.
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 an open-source non-linear video editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows users to edit video clips, apply transitions, and manage audio tracks. The tool is designed for creators who need a free alternative to commercial editing software, though it is still in alpha development and may have instability issues.
How does Olive handle video rendering and performance?
Olive uses a combination of hardware acceleration and software rendering depending on the system's capabilities. Performance may vary across operating systems, with some users reporting inconsistent rendering times. The project relies on external libraries for video processing, which can affect stability. Users are advised to test rendering workflows on their specific hardware configurations.
How do I add text overlays to my video?
To add text, click the 'Text' button in the toolbar and select 'New Text Layer'. Enter your desired text and adjust font size, color, and position using the properties panel. Use keyframe animation to create dynamic text effects. Ensure the text layer is properly aligned with your timeline markers for precise timing.
How does Olive compare to Adobe Premiere Pro?
Olive is an open-source alternative with a simpler feature set compared to Adobe Premiere Pro. It lacks advanced tools like motion tracking, 3D compositing, and extensive plugin support. Olive excels in basic editing tasks and offers a more lightweight workflow, but users requiring professional-grade features will need commercial software. Both tools support multi-track editing, though Olive's interface is more focused on accessibility than customization.
What should I do if Olive crashes during editing?
If Olive crashes, first ensure you're using the latest stable release from the official website. Check for system requirements compatibility. Avoid complex projects with excessive tracks or high-resolution footage. If the issue persists, consult the community forums or GitHub issues page for troubleshooting guidance. Provide detailed error logs to developers for faster resolution.