OpenCut is an independent open-source video editor. It is not CapCut’s released source code. Start by editing and exporting a short clip, then decide whether you need a local development setup.
Try the browser editor first
The official site offers an early beta. Make a small project with a copy of a clip, trim it, add a title and export. Play the exported file in another player. Check the beginning, the cut and the end, including audio sync. Keep the original media until you have a result you can use.
Choose the right repository
Follow the main OpenCut project
Read the classic codebase and development instructions
The main project is undergoing a rewrite. The classic repository preserves the original codebase and documents its web-development setup. A planned agent or MCP feature should not be treated as a shipping editing workflow. Read the repository status before choosing a starting point.
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Get the full setup steps + the copy-paste setup prompt
The rest of this guide (3 more sections, 2 copy-paste prompts) opens right here. The setup prompt, one paste into Claude that sets it all up, comes by email only. Use your real address.
Unlocks: Run the classic web source locally · Ask an assistant for setup help · Use an export acceptance checklist
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