12 Best MKV Editors
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MKV (Matroska) is a format used to store multimedia content like movies, TV shows, etc – and it allows you to combine subtitle and audio tracks with HD video. If you need to edit MKV files, we’ve got some of the best MKV editors around right here, and we’ll take you through their features, pros, and cons.
Quick summary
Movavi Video Editor
Pros Special effects like Chroma Key and Slow Motion; intuitive interface; lots of filters, tiles, and stickers to choose from; easy to use
Nero Video
Pros Choice of 1 year or perpetual license; over 1,000 movie themes and effects
Kdenlive
Pros Supports wide range of formats; themable interface; choice of video templates; free to use
Our special pick from the above table is Movavi Video Editor. With a free trial version, Movavi Video Editor is easy to use and great for beginners. You can choose from a wide range of filters and stickers to add to your video, add ready-made intros and keyframe animations, and even change the background with chroma key.
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With so many MKV video editors around, it’s important to think about your needs before choosing the best MKV editor for you. For example, if you want to add titles or filters to your video, you may need a more advanced program – whereas if you only want to crop your video then free, open-source software may work for you. The following top 7 list includes programs we’ve found most useful, but they’re not arranged in any order of preference.
Features
Windows and Mac
HK$439 for the full version
Best for: Beginners or more advanced users looking for an affordable, feature-packed video editor that gives you a free 7-day trial.
Movavi Video Editor is a professional tool that helps you create engaging movies, even if you don’t have any previous experience. With its intuitive interface, it’s quick to start using all the basic functions, but there are plenty of advanced features on offer too, including the option to add titles and transitions, add your own voiceover, apply filters, upload music, remove unwanted fragments or split and join video fragments, and more! Once you’ve finished editing, share your results on YouTube, or easily save your movie for viewing on your mobile device, PC, or 4K TV.
Pros
It has a user-friendly interface, so it’s quick to get started.
The software is available to download for Windows and Mac.
It offers plenty of advanced features.
It has lots of different filters, transitions, and effects to choose from, plus built-in soundtracks, stickers, backgrounds, and videos.
There’s an affordable license fee.
Cons
There’s no free version, just a 7-day free trial.
It isn’t available for Linux.
Nero Video
Features
Windows only
$49.95
Best for: Home users looking for an inexpensive Window video editor that supports 4K and offers a huge library of effects and templates.
Nero Video is great video editor MKV software for beginners, as there is a huge library of over 1,000 templates covering various topics, from sports and travel to holidays and family. You can add music as well as choosing from a wide range of effects including slow-motion, filters, and transitions, and Nero Video supports 4K video. The program can also be used as a video player for various different formats including DVD videos. You can also choose from a one-year license or a perpetual (lifetime) license.
Pros
Nero Video supports a wide range of video formats and 4K video.
There are over 1,000 video templates to choose from to help you get started.
You’ll find a huge range of effects including filters and transitions.
You can use the software as a video player.
There’s a choice of a one-year or lifetime license.
Cons
The software is only available for Windows.
There is no free version available.
Features
Windows, Mac, Linux
100% free forever
Best for: Those looking for the best free MKV editor with a customizable interface.
Kdenlive (KDE Non-Linear Video Editor) is a free, open-source video editor MKV which has been available since around 2002. Although it was initially available on Linux, it’s not available for Windows and Mac and is suitable for both beginners and professionals. You can customize the interface layout to suit your needs and way of working, with plenty of video effects, transitions, and video and audio cutting options to choose from. Kdenlive also supports most video formats, so you won’t need to convert your files before editing them.
Pros
The software is a free download and open-source.
The themable interface can be customised to suit your needs.
It supports multi-track video editing.
There are dozens of effects and transitions to choose from.
Cons
It’s not the most intuitive app, so it may take you time to figure out how to use it.
There isn’t much support available directly if you encounter issues.
Features
Windows, Mac, Linux
100% free forever
Best for: Anyone looking for the best free MKV video editor that’s intuitive and easy to use.
OpenShot is a 100% free, open-source video editor MKV that boasts some surprisingly advanced features. The intuitive interface makes it easy to get started editing, even for beginners with no experience, and there are unlimited tracks on offer, so you can add as many layers as you need. With video effects, 3D animations, and slow-motion and time effects, it’s easy to create professional-looking videos in minutes.
Pros
The software is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
It is one of the best free MKV video editors - it’s a free download and open-source.
The user interface is intuitive, so you can get started quickly.
It offers unlimited tracks.
There are dozens of effects and 3D animations to choose from.
Cons
It can be buggy at times.
Features
Windows, Mac, Linux
100% free forever
Best for: Users looking for a free video editor to make simple cuts.
Avidemux is free, open-source software that’s great for beginners or those new to MKV video editing. It’s a simple tool that makes it easy to get started and it supports a huge range of file types, so there’s no need to convert your videos before using the software. Scripting capabilities, job queue, and project options make it easy to automate tasks for more advanced users.
Pros
The software is free to download and open-source.
It’s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux and is simple to use.
It’s aimed at beginners, so those with no idea how to edit MKV video can use it with little or no experience.
The software supports most file types.
There are automation options, for more advanced users.
Cons
There isn’t any official support available if you encounter issues.
It may not have enough customization options or advanced features for some users.
Features
Windows only
100% free or can make a donation
Best for: Windows users looking for a free, no-frills editor that supports most file formats and lossless compression.
For those looking for a simple, no-frills free MKV video editor, Video Cutter ticks a lot of boxes. It’s free to download and use and supports most file formats, so you won’t have to convert your videos before editing. It’s intuitive too, so you can get started cutting and splitting your video files without any previous experience. It also supports lossless compression, so you’ll retain the best video quality.
Pros
The software is free to download and use.
It supports lossless compression, retaining the best video quality.
It supports most file formats, so there’s no need to convert your videos before editing them.
Support is available via email.
Cons
It’s only for Windows (no Mac or Linux versions).
There are no filters, pre-made intros, animations, or other advanced tools.
Features
Windows only
Free version, or paid version from $29.95 for one PC
Best for: Those looking for a high-speed, simple to use video editor that offers a choice of free or paid versions.
With Bandicut video editor MKV software you can trim, split, and cut video with just a few clicks, then upload the finished video to YouTube directly, or save it to your PC for sharing later. This software allows you to cut videos while maintaining the original video and audio quality, and it’s simple to use too. There’s a free version and the paid version has a one-time license fee that comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Pros
The software is simple to use.
You can cut videos without quality loss.
It allows you to share the finished video directly to YouTube.
There’s a free version or a paid version.
There’s an affordable, one-time license fee that comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Cons
The software is available for Windows only.
The free version watermarks videos.
Speeds can be slow with the free version.
Features
Windows, Mac, Android
$49.95 for Windows and Mac, free for Android
Best for: Creatives looking for short edits.
Gilisoft Video Editor is an MKV video editor for Mac, Windows, and Android. It’s packed with editing features that allow you to split, merge, cut, crop, rotate, and adjust the speed of your video. You can also add effects, text, and music, or create a GIF from videos and photos. Gilisoft Video Editor also features compression tools and split video screen editing.
Pros
It’s cross-platform.
It’s easy to use with an intuitive interface.
Cons
The editing tools are somewhat limited.
It’s not designed for more complex edits.
No preview function.
Features
Windows, Mac
$49.95 for the Home version, contact for pricing for the Business version
Best for: Creatives or individuals looking to simply cut and join videos, without any added editing features.
SolveigMM Video Splitter is an MKV video editor for Windows and Mac. It supports all popular audio and video formats and there are two versions available: Home or Business. The Home version supports HD video, while the Business version supports up to 4K resolution and allows batch editing. This editor’s main feature is cutting and joining videos - there aren’t any options for adding text, effects, and so on.
Pros
It has an intuitive interface.
There’s a choice of two versions.
There is a free trial.
Cons
It can be difficult to use.
You can only save your edited video in the original format.
There’s no advanced editing options like adding text, animations, or music.
Features
Windows only
Free
Best for: Those looking for the best free MKV editor that doesn’t skimp on features.
VSDC is freeware for editing videos that’s packed with useful tools. This Windows-only MKV video editor supports all popular video formats and codecs and allows for 4K and HD exports. Features include the ability to create and burn DVDs, add video and audio effects, color blending, adding filters, motion tracking, and much more. This non-linear editor also makes it easy to export your videos to social media.
Pros
It’s packed with editing tools.
It is a free download.
There’s support for almost all video formats and codecs.
You can create and burn DVDs.
Cons
There’s no version for Mac.
Getting support for this freeware can take time.
Features
Linux and Windows
Free
Best for: Personal use for light editing by anyone looking for a free editor.
Vidiot is a free video editor for Linux and Windows that’s designed for personal use. With Vidiot you can trim, crop, scale, cut, and move videos, as well as add transitions, key frames, and titles. You can even change your video speed or convert videos. Vidiot has a well-designed interface and there’s an included help file to get users started using the software.
Pros
It’s open source and free.
There’s an included help file.
It works with Windows and Linux.
The interface is nicely designed.
It supports multiple tracks.
Cons
There are reports of failed installation or frequent crashes.
It can be tricky to get started.
There’s no Mac version.
Features
Windows and Mac
$29.95 for a one-year license for 1 PC, $37.95 for a lifetime license for one PC, and $57.95 for a lifetime license for up to 5 PCs
Best for: Anyone looking for an all-in-one video editor, converter, downloader, and screen recorder.
Video Proc is an all-in-one video processing program for Windows and Mac. You can choose from the free or full version. As well as acting as a video editor for MKV videos, VideoProc lets you convert media files and also acts as a video downloader and screen and webcam recorder. Cut, crop, merge, and rotate video, use the MakeMKV feature, and add subtitles or effects. VideoProc is easy to use.
Pros
It’s easy to use.
It has an intuitive interface.
There’s a free or Pro version.
You can choose between a one year or lifetime subscription.
Cons
Not the cheapest software.
Support is only available via email.
The free version limits video length to five minutes.
The record screen/webcam feature adds a watermark in the free version.
If you’re wondering how to edit an MKV video, we’re about to show you. Just follow our handy step-by-step guide to edit MKV videos using Movavi Video Editor:
Download and install Movavi Video Editor on your computer.
Movavi Video Editor for Windows
Movavi Video Editor for Mac
Launch the software.
Click Add Files and choose the MKV video you’d like to edit.
You should see your video added to the Timeline at the bottom of the program window.
Now, you can use the editing tools to apply filters, adjust colors, cut footage, add titles or transitions, speed up/slow down your video or stabilize shaky footage.
When you’re finished editing, click Export.
Select your desired output format.
Click Advanced > Resolution and select your desired resolution.
Click Start to save your video.
We hope this article has introduced you to 12 of the best MKV editors and helped you to think about which program is best for your needs. There really isn’t any such thing as the best MKV editor, as every user’s needs are different. However, there are a few things it’s important to think about and look for when choosing an MKV editor:
OS compatibility: It’s vital that the MKV video editor you choose is compatible with your operating system, whether that’s Windows, Mac, or Linux.
Features: It goes without saying that you should always check the video editor you’re considering purchasing has all the features you need. If there’s a free and a paid version, check that the features you need aren’t exclusively available in the paid version.
Format and resolution: Always check to see what video formats are supported as well as available export resolutions. If you want to create videos in a specific format or resolution, you could be disappointed if you don’t check this out upfront.
Watermarks: It’s a good idea to check that videos you edit with your MKV editor won’t be watermarked. Some free software will apply a watermark which can only be removed if you upgrade.
Support: Check what support is available before choosing your video editor for MKV videos. Some software will offer live chat support, while other programs may only offer support via email. Some free, open-source software doesn’t offer support at all.
Pricing: Make sure you’re aware of what the software will cost you. If it’s free, is there a paid version which you’ll need to upgrade to in order to access some features? If it’s paid software, is there an annual cost or is it simply a case of paying a one-time license fee.
Number of licenses: While we’re talking about pricing, always make sure you know how many PCs you can use the software on – you may be limited to just one with some licenses.
Reviews: Take the time to check out reviews for any software you’re considering purchasing, and look on independent sites as well as reviews on the site itself.
Paula Beaton
Paula is a seasoned content creator, copywriter, and editor, with more than 8 years of experience writing for tech and travel brands such as Thomas Cook, Skyscanner, Eltima Software, and DigitalTrends.com, as well as many others. She studied fiction editing with Liminal Pages in 2016 and launched her fiction editing business the same year, working with publishers in the UK and US and authors from around the world across a range of genres, from sci-fi and fantasy to thrillers and crime fiction. Today she writes regularly for DigitalTrends.com and Skyscanner's blog. She's also passionate about film photography and enjoys gaming.
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*The free version of Movavi Video Editor may have the following restrictions depending on the build: watermark on exported clips, 60-second video or 1/2 audio length limit, and/or some advanced features unavailable when exporting videos.
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