eGigFree video editors with no watermark
Shotcut is the simplest free editor to start with, and Kdenlive gives more control. Neither adds a watermark, and OBS Studio records your screen. Licences and dates read from each project’s public code page on 31 Oct 2026.
Edit
| Software | Good for | Licence | Last code change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shotcut | Simple timeline editing | GPL-3.0 | 31 Oct 2026 |
| Kdenlive | More tracks and control | GPL-3.0 | 31 Oct 2026 |
| Blender | Also has a video editor, mostly used for 3D | GPL | 31 Oct 2026 |
Record and finish
| Software | Good for | Licence | Last code change |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBS Studio | Record your screen and camera, or go live | GPL-2.0 | 29 Oct 2026 |
| Audacity | Clean up your voice-over | GPL-3.0 | 30 Oct 2026 |
| HandBrake | Shrink a finished video for WhatsApp or email | GPL-2.0 | 31 Oct 2026 |
Before you switch
- Video editing needs a reasonable computer. Try a short project on yours first, and use lower-resolution proxy files if it struggles.
- Music and clips have their own rights, even in free software, so use tracks you are allowed to use.
- Save project files often, and keep your original clips, because the project file only points to them.
Free on eGig
Paid editing work? See what to charge for video editing.
Questions people ask
Which free video editor has no watermark?
Open-source editors such as Shotcut and Kdenlive do not add a watermark, and have no time limits or subscriptions. Some “free” phone apps add one until you pay, so check before you edit a long video.
Is Shotcut good for beginners?
Yes, for cuts, titles and simple effects. Spend an hour on its official tutorials first, because the layout looks different from phone apps.
How we check this page
eGig has no paid placements here and does not make these products. A licence shown as “mixed” means the project’s licence file puts parts of it under different terms, so read that file before you rely on it, especially for business use. Check each project’s own site before you install anything, and download only from there. How we check facts.