FilmCraft
storytold · Video
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What is FilmCraft?
Take footage from an assembly of shots through a trimmed sequence, then work on its color, sound and captions in the same project. FilmCraft pairs this timeline-based workflow with command APIs for automation, while its young media engine still needs testing against the files and outputs you actually use.
FilmCraft is an open-source Rust video editor from ArtCraft, combining a multi-track timeline, trimming, color, audio, titles and captions. Desktop and browser builds are documented. This early-stage project is in active development, with significant limits in plugin support, platform testing and real-world media validation.
Core capabilities
- Multi-track timelines with source monitoring and trim tools
- Color controls, keyframes, audio mixing and caption tracks
- H.264 export plus command APIs for scripts and agents
Edit, grade and mix around a shared timeline
Source and program monitors support choosing material before it enters the sequence. Track controls and trim tools shape the edit; color curves, wheels and scopes help inspect the picture, while keyframes animate clip properties. Audio mixing and caption tracks sit alongside the video. Export includes H.264 with AAC, but a format appearing in the interface is not a guarantee that every camera file or delivery requirement has been covered.
- Timeline editing
- Color and audio
- Captions
Expose the edit to automation, with platform differences
The desktop interface, CLI and MCP server dispatch editing commands for operations such as placing clips, setting effects and exporting. A browser build uses the same editing engine with browser-specific media and file handling. Its documentation describes single-threaded execution, with operations including proxies, render previews and mask tracking unavailable when they require desktop threads. Evaluate the browser as its own environment rather than assuming that every desktop workflow carries across.
- Command API
- MCP
- Browser limits
A broad feature list with significant readiness gaps
FilmCraft remains in development. The maintainers distinguish having an editing feature from its correctness, speed and reliability on real projects. Third-party VST3, Audio Units and OpenFX plugins are not hosted, and Windows and Linux have received less runtime testing than macOS. Camera RAW is not supported, and AAF/OMF exchange has not been validated in the target professional applications. Retain source media and test a complete import, edit and delivery cycle before committing important work.
- In development
- No plugin hosting
- Validate your workflow
Where it fits
Use cases
- 01
Explore a short-form edit
Assemble clips in a multi-track sequence, mark source ranges and refine cuts with ripple, roll, slip and slide tools. Test playback and export with your actual footage.
- 02
Try a combined picture-and-sound pass
Adjust a sequence's color, animate clip properties and balance audio with the built-in mixer and meters. Verify the rendered file rather than relying only on the preview.
- 03
Prepare a captioned draft
Import subtitle text, adjust caption timing and export a review version with captions. Automatic transcription is an optional build feature, not a default capability.