Shotcut 25.12 adds 10-bit video CPU pipeline, linear color processing, and UI upgrades

Shotcut 25.12 is now available as the latest version of this free, open source, and cross-platform video editor. This release brings high bit-depth workflows to more users by porting many CPU video effects, including transitions and track blending, to support 10- and 12-bit video sources. These 10-bit CPU video filters also function with the experimental GPU mode. Not all effects are fully converted, but many have either been adapted or marked safe for 10-bit projects in this version.

Extending previous capabilities, linear color processing is now accessible even when not using GPU effects. This adjustment improves color accuracy for operations involving pixel mixing, such as scaling, blurring, and track blending. The video handoff between GPU and CPU now maintains a linear color transfer when GPU processing is involved. Users should note that non-linear “native” options are still available due to performance trade-offs, but the Shotcut team aims to optimize linear processing in future updates.

For efficiency, a drop-down filter selection now appears on the filters menu’s video button, making it simpler to access filters relevant to the current processing mode. Additionally, Shotcut introduces a visual preset browser for the image/video from HTML generator, alongside two new HTML presets: Chrome and Neon Flux. This update is rounded out by multiple other enhancements and bug fixes.