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LosslessCut: The Swiss army knife of lossless video/audio editing (github.com)

417 points by ingve · 773 days ago · 74 comments on HN

Article summary

LosslessCut is a free and open-source video and audio editing tool that allows for lossless trimming and cutting of media files. It uses FFmpeg and supports various formats, including MP4, MOV, and WebM. The tool is available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and has a user-friendly interface. LosslessCut is designed for fast and lossless operations, making it useful for saving space and preserving video quality.

Main themes

  • Lossless video editing
  • FFmpeg GUI
  • Cross-platform support
  • Media file formats
  • Video trimming and cutting
  • Open-source software

What commenters say

  • LosslessCut is a useful tool for quickly and losslessly trimming video files without having to re-encode the entire file.
  • The tool's ability to cut at keyframes is a significant advantage, but it may not always be precise and can require trial and error.
  • Some users prefer alternative tools like Avidemux, which also offers lossless cutting capabilities and a native interface.
  • The concept of lossless cutting is often misunderstood, and some users may not realize that cutting a compressed audio or video file at arbitrary points can result in re-encoding and quality loss.
  • The 'Smart cuts' feature in LosslessCut can be useful for precise cuts, but it may not work well with very short segments or certain formats.
  • LosslessCut's use of Electron and its large size may be a drawback for some users, who prefer native applications or more lightweight solutions.
  • The tool's support for various formats and containers, including those with edit lists, allows for flexible and efficient video editing.
  • LosslessCut's open-source nature and free availability make it an attractive option for users who want to avoid proprietary software or expensive editing tools.