Kdenlive 26.08.2 is a free, open source video editor for Windows, released on October 13, 2026. The download links to the official server download.kde.org; TopDown APK does not host the file. It costs nothing and is licensed under GPL-3.0.
KDE e.V. and the Linux roots of Kdenlive
The name stands for KDE Non-Linear Video Editor, and the developer is KDE e.V. (kde.org). The project is aimed mainly at Linux. It also runs on BSD, because it depends only on portable components, namely Qt and the MLT framework.
The maintainers say the editor does not track users or use their data. They ask for donations to fund development, and the team describes itself as small.
Titling, subtitles and nested timelines
Effects for video and audio come through the MLT framework. The editor also has a titling tool and a subtitling feature that uses AI-supported speech to text conversion.
Nested timelines arrived in version 23.04. Animation support through Glaxnimate integration arrived in 22.08. The source description presents the combination as enough for a complete video creation studio.
Windows build: 129.4 MB and known drawbacks
The Windows package is 129.4 MB, with the package ID KDE.Kdenlive. The project says Windows versions come with some drawbacks and points readers to its Windows Issues page for details.
A macOS port exists as well. Check the official page for system requirements before installing.
What's new in 26.08.2
Version 26.08.2 is the second maintenance release of the 26.08 series. It lets the Dynamic Text filter start its frame count at 1 and fixes issues in proxy clips, titles and audio levels.
Kdenlive pros and cons
Pros
- Free, with a GPL-3.0 licence
- Download comes from the official host download.kde.org
- Nested timelines and Glaxnimate animation support
- Subtitling with AI-supported speech to text
- Active maintenance, with a release on October 13, 2026
Cons
- The project itself lists drawbacks for Windows versions
- Primarily aimed at Linux, so Windows is not the main target
- System requirements are only available on the official page
Is Kdenlive safe?
The installer for Kdenlive comes straight from download.kde.org, the official KDE server, and we keep no copy of it. KDE e.V. develops the editor under the GPL-3.0 license, so its source code is open for anyone to read. No scan results are provided here, so check the file you receive before running it.
How to install Kdenlive
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start Kdenlive from the Start menu.
