Kdenlive 25.04 is out with background removal, OpenTimelineIO import/export, and much more

Kdenlive, the open source and cross-platform non-linear video editor, has released version 25.04, introducing enhancements and bug fixes. A notable addition is a plugin based on the SAM2 model, allowing users to generate object masks for removing backgrounds or applying effects to specific objects. All processing with this plugin is handled locally, avoiding cloud dependence.

Audio editing workflows benefit from a refactored audio thumbnail system, which now delivers faster and more precise visualizations of waveforms. The 25.04 update also enables vertical zooming for audio waveforms, supporting finer control during sound editing. Additionally, Kdenlive's OpenTimelineIO import and export function has been rewritten to use the C++ library. This enables more seamless project exchanges with other editing software that support the open source timeline format, although effects, filters, and transitions are not transferred due to differing application standards.

Workflow improvements include the ability to change the duration of multiple adjacent clips in a single action, persistent recall of the last-used LUT files for streamlined color correction, and a fixed proxy workflow for videos featuring alpha channels. The 25.04 release also contains further enhancements and bug fixes, aimed at refining the user experience across desktop platforms.