Flowblade is a free and open-source non-linear video editor designed specifically for Linux. It has seen consistent development over the years, with regular releases bringing valuable new features. Version 2.8, for instance, introduced some pretty cool enhancements worth exploring.
This editor aims to provide a fast, precise, and robust editing experience. Let's look at what makes Flowblade a compelling option for Linux users seeking a capable video editing tool.
About Flowblade
Flowblade is a multitrack non-linear video editor for Linux released under the GPL 3 license. It focuses on providing a powerful editing workflow incorporating a wide range of tools and filters.
Interface and Customization
The Flowblade interface has received updates, enhancing user workflow. You can now easily switch between the nine active tools located in the panel, while still having the option to use hotkeys for quick access. The user interface offers more customization than previously available. Several new themes have been added; alongside the original blue theme, there's now a neutral theme and a gray theme, with the neutral option being a popular new choice.
Further customization allows users to configure various aspects of the UI layout. Under 'View > Tabs Position', you can determine where tabs appear within panels, such as the bottom or top. Panel placements can also be modified significantly. The 'Project' panel, for example, can be moved to various locations like 'Top row right', 'Bottom row left', or 'Bottom row right'. Notably, the 'Filters' panel, traditionally grouped with main panels, can now be moved to the bottom right, providing immediate access to filters without needing to switch tabs, streamlining the filtering process. Panels can even be removed entirely if desired. The 'Range Log' panel can also be moved out of its default group into a separate area.
The middle bar layout, the area displaying timecode and playback controls, is also configurable. Options include positioning the timecode to the left or center, centering all elements, or opting for the highly customizable 'Free Bar'. Selecting 'Free Bar' enables the 'Configure Free Bar' option, where users can add, remove, and reorder various features displayed in this central section.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Flowblade accommodates users familiar with other software through its keyboard shortcut system. By default, it offers 'Flowblade default' and 'Premierish US keyboard' groups, the latter helpful for those transitioning from Adobe Premiere. Users can also create custom shortcut groups by selecting 'Add custom shortcuts group'. Within a custom group, any function marked with a gear icon can be remapped. For instance, the 'Cut All Tracks' shortcut, typically Shift+X, could be changed to Ctrl+Shift+X or reverted easily.
Editing Enhancements
A significant enhancement involves manipulating compositors, such as 'Affine Blend'. Previously, adjusting parameters like geometry required manual numerical input. Now, Flowblade provides graphical handles directly within the compositor's preview window, allowing users to intuitively rotate and adjust variables visually. This makes precise positioning and transformation much faster.
Development and Support
Despite potentially being a smaller project compared to alternatives like Kdenlive, Flowblade demonstrates constant improvement and refinement. The development team actively addresses issues, such as a problem encountered with the G'MIC tool integration in certain Flatpak releases. After an issue report was filed on GitHub regarding the G'MIC tool not working, the developer confirmed it was a Flatpak-specific issue that was promptly fixed in version 2.8.0.3, which was pushed to Flathub.
Key Features
- Multitrack non-linear editing
- Advanced timeline tools (insert, overwrite, append)
- Wide range of video and audio filters
- Compositing tools with graphical handles
- Customizable interface layout and themes
- Configurable keyboard shortcuts (including Premiere-like presets)
- G'MIC effects integration
- Proxy editing support
Pros
- 👍 Free and open-source
- 👍 Designed specifically for Linux
- 👍 Highly customizable interface
- 👍 Active development and regular updates
- 👍 Powerful feature set for many editing tasks
- 👍 Graphical handles for easier compositing
Cons
- 👎 Smaller user community compared to larger NLEs
- 👎 Occasional platform-specific issues (like the past Flatpak G'MIC bug)
- 👎 May have a steeper learning curve for absolute beginners compared to simpler editors
Use and Availability
Flowblade serves as a capable non-linear video editor suitable for various projects, from simple cuts to more complex compositions involving multiple tracks, filters, and effects. It is primarily targeted at Linux users. Flowblade is completely free to download and use. You can typically find it in your distribution's repositories or download it directly from the official project source.
