LiVES (Linux Video Editing System) is a powerful, open-source solution built for real-time video editing and live visual performance (VJing). Tailored especially for Linux users, it offers a unique blend of non-linear editing tools and live mixing capabilities. As a versatile editor, LiVES stands as a strong alternative to proprietary and open-source tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Shotcut, OpenShot, Kdenlive, and Pitivi. First released in 2002 under the GPL-3.0 license, LiVES empowers both casual creators and professional multimedia artists with a flexible, scriptable, and extensible editing environment.
Key features include:
- Real‑time & non‑linear editing: Mix and manipulate video live or edit frames and audio with precision.
- Plugin architecture: Extend functionality with plugins for effects, decoders, encoders, and live performance tools (e.g. Frei0r, LADSPA).
- Network control & scripting: Automate workflows and remotely control sessions using Python, Perl, or network interfaces.
- Multi-track support: Unlimited video/audio tracks, live webcam mixing, and multithreaded playback/rendering.
- Real-time VJ performance mode: Includes keyboard-driven clip mixing, effects layering, and integration with DJ software.
- Wide format compatibility: Support for diverse codecs and streams via GStreamer/FFmpeg, including live capture from FireWire, TV cards, and webcams.
- Cross-platform support: Runs on Linux, BSD, Solaris, and experimental macOS and Windows builds .
Use cases include:
- Live video performances and VJing at events and clubs.
- Editing tutorials, presentations, or social media clips.
- Automation of video production workflows via scripting.
- Linux-based multimedia projects requiring open-source tools.
