Open source video editor Shotcut 26.1 finally introduces hardware video decoding

Shotcut 26.1 has been released as the latest version of this open source multi-track video editor. Hardware-accelerated video decoding is now available across Linux, Windows, and macOS, reducing CPU usage and improving preview performance. This capability is enabled by default except for NVIDIA on Linux, and the implementation uses VA-API, Media Foundation, or Video Toolbox depending on the platform. Where a codec is unsupported by the hardware, Shotcut will automatically revert to software decoding to maintain compatibility.

Following these performance updates, Shotcut 26.1 introduces a contextual “What's this?” help feature, making it easier for users to obtain targeted assistance for specific items in the application's interface. The update also enhances workflow flexibility, allowing users to convert a project between GPU and CPU processing modes. For those working in high-fidelity color spaces, a new Blend Mode filter and track option is available when using the Linear 10-bit GPU and CPU processing mode.

Building on video production capabilities, this release raises the maximum export and video mode resolution to 8640, enabling support for 8K VR180 video. Shotcut 26.1 also extends international usability by adding support for simplified Chinese alongside other enhancements and bug fixes.