Master Kdenlive with these essential shortcuts
Master Kdenlive: Essential Shortcut Keys for Video Editors | Design Tools
Kdenlive (short for KDE Non-Linear Video Editor) is a powerful, free, and open-source video editing software designed for Linux, Windows, and macOS. Built upon the robust MLT Framework, Kdenlive offers a comprehensive suite of tools for creating professional-quality videos, from basic cuts to complex compositions with effects and transitions.
It supports a vast array of audio and video formats thanks to its reliance on FFmpeg libraries, allowing users to import and edit virtually any media without prior conversion. Key features include multi-track editing, customizable interface layouts, a built-in 2D title editor, integration with Glaxnimate for vector animations, a wide range of audio and video effects, multi-cam editing, audio/video scopes, proxy editing for smooth performance on lower-end systems, and automatic project backups. Kdenlive is a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced editors looking for a capable and cost-free solution to bring their video projects to life.
Using shortcut keys can significantly speed up your workflow in Kdenlive, allowing you to access tools and commands quickly without navigating through menus. This comprehensive list of essential shortcut keys for Windows users will help you master the software. (Note: Mac users often substitute 'Ctrl' with 'Command' and 'Alt' with 'Option').
Mobile Tip: On touch devices, press & hold tables to scroll horizontally if needed.
🚀 General & File Management
| Description |
Shortcut |
| New Project | Ctrl + N |
| Open Project | Ctrl + O |
| Save Project | Ctrl + S |
| Save Project As | Ctrl + Shift + S |
| Quit Kdenlive | Ctrl + Q |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Shift + Z |
| Copy | Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Ins |
| Paste | Ctrl + V or Shift + Ins |
| Delete Selected Item | Del |
| Select All | Ctrl + A |
| Zoom In (Timeline) | Ctrl + + or Ctrl + = |
| Zoom Out (Timeline) | Ctrl + - |
| Full Screen Mode | Ctrl + Shift + F |
| Rename | F2 |
| Find Action | Ctrl + Alt + I |
✨ Navigation & Playback
| Description |
Shortcut |
| Play / Stop | Space |
| Pause | K |
| Forward Playback | L |
| Rewind Playback | J |
| Forward 1 Frame | Right Arrow |
| Rewind 1 Frame | Left Arrow |
| Forward 1 Second | Shift + Right Arrow |
| Rewind 1 Second | Shift + Left Arrow |
| Go to Project Start | Ctrl + Home |
| Go to Project End | Ctrl + End |
| Go to Clip Start | Home |
| Go to Clip End | End |
| Set Zone In | I |
| Set Zone Out | O |
| Play Zone | Ctrl + Space |
| Loop Zone | Ctrl + Shift + Space |
| Switch Monitor | T |
🎨 Editing Actions
| Description |
Shortcut |
| Cut Clip at Playhead | Shift + R |
| Razor Tool | X |
| Selection Tool | S |
| Spacer Tool | M |
| Insert Clip (from Clip Monitor) | V |
| Overwrite Clip (from Clip Monitor) | B |
| Extract Zone (Ripple Delete) | Shift + X |
| Lift Zone (Non-Ripple Delete) | Z |
| Add Guide (Marker) | G |
| Quick Crossfade | U |
| Group Clips | Ctrl + G |
| Ungroup Clips | Ctrl + Shift + G |
| Collapse/Expand Track | < |
| Select Target Track 1-9 | Ctrl + 1 to Ctrl + 9 |
| Activate Track (Video) | A |
| Activate Track (Audio) | Alt + 1 to Alt + 9 |
ç–Š Layer & Panel Controls
| Panel/Docker |
Shortcut |
| Toggle Effects | F6 |
| Toggle Transitions | F7 |
| Toggle Project Bin | F4 |
| Toggle Compositing & Transform | F5 |
| Toggle Audio Mixer | F8 |
| Toggle Log Viewer | F12 |
| Description |
Shortcut |
| Toggle Full Screen Interface | Shift + F |
| Toggle Show/Hide All Docks | Ctrl + Shift + H |
| Switch Active Panel | Ctrl + Tab |
| Switch to Next Layout | Ctrl + Shift + L |
| Switch to Previous Layout | Ctrl + Alt + L |
🌈 Adjustments & Effects
| Description |
Shortcut |
| Add Video Effect | Shift + E |
| Add Audio Effect | Shift + A |
| Apply Default Transition | Ctrl + T |
| Split Audio/Video | Ctrl + Alt + G |
| Generate Title Clip | Ctrl + Shift + T |
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