OpenChatCut
Local-first conversational AI video editor with a professional multi-track timeline, Agent Skills, MCP integration, and Remotion-powered rendering.
What is it?
What it is
OpenChatCut is an open-source ChatCut alternative that combines a multitrack video timeline with conversational AI agents, allowing agents to read, edit, and export real, editable video projects locally.
Why it exists
It exists to bridge the gap between precise traditional timeline editing and fast one-shot AI video generation by providing a continuously editable project where agents can make inspectable, undoable changes while retaining full professional control and local-first data ownership.
Who should use it
Content creators looking for AI-assisted video editingDevelopers wanting to integrate AI agents into video workflowsUsers seeking a local-first, privacy-conscious video editorSocial media editors needing fast multiformat assemblyDevelopers using Claude Code or Codex via MCP
Who should avoid it
Users requiring purely cloud-based, zero-setup AI generationUsers looking for a simple, non-technical one-shot video generatorProfessionals who require high-end non-AI-centric specialized software only
How it works
A quick walkthrough in plain English
How OpenChatCut works
Step 1 of 3
You interact with it
Open OpenChatCut, send a request, or connect it to your stack.
Features
Advantages
- Full control over data and media without cloud dependence
- Editable AI‑generated content that can be refined or undone
- Real‑time preview and timeline precision comparable to professional editors
- Integrated transcript and captions streamline post‑production
- Extensible agent ecosystem via MCP and skill plugins
- Cross‑platform desktop experience with Electron
- Rich export options for various workflows
- Open‑source transparency and community-driven improvements
Disadvantages
- Requires local setup and configuration of API keys for AI services
- Performance can be heavy on large projects or limited hardware
- Learning curve for advanced timeline and agent features
- AGPL license may restrict commercial use or redistribution
- Limited to desktop environments (no native web or mobile version)
- Potential security concerns with sandboxed shader execution and external agent access
Installation
native
Download desktop installers from GitHub Releases, run from source via `git clone`, `npm install`, and `npm run dev`, or use `npm run desktop:dev` for development.
FAQ
How does OpenChatCut differ from standard AI video generators?
Unlike one-shot generators that produce immutable video files, OpenChatCut creates real, editable projects. Every AI-driven edit is written directly to a multitrack timeline with clips, transitions, and effects, allowing for manual refinement, undo/redo, and professional control.
Is my data and media kept private?
OpenChatCut is local-first. Projects, chat history, and version data are stored in a local directory (~/.openchatcut) on your machine. While AI features require external API keys, your core timeline editing and local media remain on your machine by default.
Can I use external AI agents like Claude Code or Codex to edit my videos?
Yes. OpenChatCut supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), exposing a Streamable HTTP MCP endpoint. This allows compatible external agents to inspect and modify your project through a secure, proposal-based editing session.
What formats can I export my finished video in?
You can export production-ready MP4 video, audio files, SRT captions, FCPXML for professional workflows, or the complete project data for further editing.
How do I get started with the software?
You can download the latest macOS (Apple Silicon/Intel) or Windows installers from the GitHub Releases page. For developers, you can run it from source using Node.js 24.x by cloning the repository and running 'npm install' followed by 'npm run dev'.
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