OpenCutX

OpenCutX is a free, open-source, native non-linear video editor for Apple Silicon Macs. It combines a magnetic editing model with a documented, recoverable library format and an original macOS interface.

The long-term goal is professional workflow and quality parity with leading editors, including Final Cut Pro. OpenCutX is independent software: it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or derived from Apple Inc., and it does not copy Apple artwork, trademarks, proprietary code, or pixel-for-pixel trade dress.

Platform and requirements

• Apple Silicon Mac (arm64)
• macOS 14 or later
• Xcode 26 or later for development
• Swift 6 with complete concurrency checking

OpenCutX intentionally does not target Intel Macs, iPhone, iPad, visionOS, Windows, or Linux in its initial product scope.

Build and run

Clone the repository and use the project-local entrypoint:

git clone https://github.com/alan13367/OpenCutX.git
cd OpenCutX
./script/build_and_run.sh

The script builds the OpenCutX scheme into project-local DerivedData, stops an older running instance, and launches the fresh app. Optional modes are available:

./script/build_and_run.sh --verify
./script/build_and_run.sh --debug
./script/build_and_run.sh --logs
./script/build_and_run.sh --telemetry

Run the package and application test suites with:

swift test --package-path Packages/OpenCutXKit -Xswiftc -warnings-as-errors
xcodebuild \
  -project OpenCutX.xcodeproj \
  -scheme OpenCutX \
  -destination 'platform=macOS,arch=arm64' \
  -derivedDataPath DerivedData \
  test

Architecture

The application UI is deliberately separated from durable editing state and system-media adapters:

• Product foundation
• MVP and roadmap
• Module architecture
• .ocxlibrary package format
• Foundation implementation status

OpenCutXDomain owns serializable values and exact rational media time. OpenCutXLibrary owns actor-isolated persistence. Timeline, media, playback, render, effects, and audio live in independently testable Swift package modules. SwiftUI and AppKit state never become the persisted source of truth.

First-release scope

The first release is designed around libraries, events, and projects; referenced or managed media; magnetic primary-storyline editing; connected clips and titles; common creative adjustments; reliable playback; undo/redo and autosave; missing-media relinking; and H.264, HEVC, and ProRes export.

The MVP output contract is SDR Rec.709. HDR source metadata is preserved and identified, but HDR mastering is not claimed. See the roadmap for the complete acceptance workflow and deferred feature list.

Supported media expectations

OpenCutX uses AVFoundation, VideoToolbox, ImageIO, Core Image, Metal, and the codecs supplied by macOS. It does not bundle proprietary codec implementations.

Expected inputs include common QuickTime and MPEG-4 video, macOS-readable still images, and common unprotected audio formats. Exact support depends on the installed macOS release and the media's codec/profile. DRM-protected assets, malformed media, unsupported codecs, or inaccessible external volumes produce explicit errors or offline placeholders.

Known MVP limitations

The initial release does not claim multicam, third-party plugins, tracking, stabilization, captions, HDR mastering, collaboration, proxies, FCPXML interchange, generalized keyframes, variable speed ramps, advanced audio roles, masking/keying, 360°/spatial workflows, or distributed rendering. These are deliberate roadmap deferrals rather than compatibility promises.

Libraries from newer schema versions are refused without modification; older builds never rewrite unknown formats. Keep backups of important media and libraries even though OpenCutX performs transactional saves and backup rotation.

Download verification

Official releases are Developer ID signed, hardened-runtime enabled, notarized, and stapled. After downloading and mounting the DMG, verify the application with:

codesign --verify --deep --strict --verbose=2 /Applications/OpenCutX.app
spctl --assess --type execute --verbose=2 /Applications/OpenCutX.app
xcrun stapler validate /Applications/OpenCutX.app

The signing authority shown by codesign -dvvv /Applications/OpenCutX.app must match the identity named in the corresponding release notes. Do not bypass Gatekeeper for a download that fails these checks.

Contributing and security

Contributions are welcome under CONTRIBUTING.md. Please report vulnerabilities privately according to SECURITY.md, especially issues involving crafted libraries, media parsing, path traversal, export destinations, or release trust.

License

OpenCutX is free software licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3. Direct GitHub distribution is the intended release channel; the Mac App Store is not a project target. See LICENSE.