Complete Guide to Shotcut 26.4: How to Utilize All the New Features

Introduction to Shotcut 26.4

Shotcut 26.4 is the latest version of the popular open-source, cross-platform, and free video editor. This release introduces significant improvements to the timeline, export, subtitles, and speech-to-text functionality, along with numerous bug fixes. The goal is to optimize the workflow for users, improving efficiency and overall experience.

This version is particularly useful for professional and amateur video editors looking for powerful and flexible tools for video creation and editing. The new features and improvements make Shotcut 26.4 an even more attractive option for those working with video on different platforms, including desktop and social media.

Among the main benefits, we find Vulkan GPU support for speech-to-text on Windows and Linux, timeline improvements such as symmetric resizing of transitions and drag-and-drop support, and new export options like 10-bit VP9 MP4 and WebM presets. Additionally, bug fixes address common issues such as audio waveform synchronization and marker malfunctions.

Shotcut 26.4 is suitable for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich video editor, with a particular focus on users working with subtitles, speech-to-text, and export in various formats.

Prerequisites

• Operating System: Windows, Linux, or macOS
• Hardware: Graphics card compatible with Vulkan (for Speech-to-Text on Windows and Linux)
• Software: Shotcut version 26.4

PROCEDURE: How to Enable GPU Acceleration for Speech-to-Text in Shotcut 26.4

By following this guide, you will be able to enable GPU acceleration for the Speech-to-Text function in Shotcut 26.4 on Windows and Linux.

• Step 1: Open Shotcut 26.4 on your computer.
• Step 2: Start the Speech-to-Text function. You can do this by selecting the text you want to convert to audio or using the appropriate option in the menu.
• Step 3: In the Speech-to-Text dialog box, look for the "Use GPU" option.
• Step 4: Select the "Use GPU" checkbox to enable GPU acceleration.
• Step 5: Complete the Speech-to-Text procedure. GPU acceleration should now be active, improving the performance of the conversion process.

Verification and Troubleshooting

After updating to Shotcut 26.4, it is important to verify the correct functioning of the new features and resolve any issues. Follow these steps to test and troubleshoot common problems.

Main Features Testing

• Speech-to-Text with GPU:
  • Open the Speech-to-Text dialog.
  • Check for the "Use GPU" checkbox and enable it.
• Timeline:
  • Try resizing transitions using the trim handles.
  • Drag a file from the Recent section to the Timeline to verify drag-and-drop.
  • Test the zoom in the Timeline and Keyframes panels.
• Export:
  • Check the new Metadata section and add a cover image.
  • Try the new 10-bit VP9 MP4 and WebM presets.
  • Verify that the default export option is 10-bit HEVC when using a 10-bit process.
• Subtitles:
  • Open the Burn In Subtitle filter and check the new Typewriter options.

Solving Common Problems

• Audio Issues:
  • If the audio waveforms are not synchronized, restart Shotcut and verify that the problem is resolved.
• Markers and Clips:
  • If markers disappear after undoing a clip movement, update to Shotcut 26.4.
• Keyframes and Trim:
  • Verify that the duration of clips is modifiable in the Properties field.
• Backup and Crash:
  • If hourly backups are not performed, make sure to save the project frequently.

For further details and specific resolutions, consult the official changelog.

At the end of this guide, you will have learned all the new features introduced by Shotcut 26.4, the latest version of the popular open-source video editor. Now you are ready to make the most of the new features and improvements offered.

Educational Summary

• Timeline: Discover new features such as symmetric resizing of transitions, drag-and-drop, and improved zoom behavior.
• Export: Take advantage of new export options, including presets for 10-bit VP9 and HEVC 10-bit.
• Subtitle editing: Use the new Typewriter options and aspect ratio settings.
• Workflow changes: Benefit from improvements such as the use of FLAC for audio recording and subtitle management.
• Bug fixes: Solve common problems such as audio waveform synchronization and marker behavior.
• Updated components: Take advantage of the latest updates to FFmpeg, x265, whisper.cpp, MLT, and Qt.

Call to Practice

Now that you know all the new features of Shotcut 26.4, it's time to put them into practice. Download the latest version and start experimenting with the new features to enhance your video editing experience.