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Video Production · head to head

Kdenlive vs Lunacy

Kdenlive logo

Kdenlive

Video Production

Free, open-source non-linear video editor from the KDE community

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Lunacy logo

Lunacy

Design

Free design software that keeps your flow

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Kdenlive relies on volunteer development so release cadence and bug fixes can be slower than commercial tools.; Lunacy desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers
  • They diverge on capability: Kdenlive covers Multi-track timeline, Lunacy covers Vector editing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Kdenlive and Lunacy actually diverge.

Attributes where Kdenlive and Lunacy differ
AttributeKdenliveLunacy
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
Platformswindows, mac, linuxWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryVideo ProductionDesign
FoundedUnknown2016

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Kdenlive

  • Multi-track timeline
  • Proxy editing
  • Wide format support
  • Titler tool
  • Effects and transitions
  • Cross-platform

Only in Lunacy

  • Vector editing
  • Auto layouts
  • Components
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Built-in photos & icons
  • AI background remover
  • AI upscaler
  • Sketch file support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Kdenlive

  • Free video editing for hobbyistsnot Lunacy
  • Linux-native video productionnot Lunacy
  • Educational video editingnot Lunacy
  • Community/open-source project video worknot Lunacy

Lunacy

  • UI/UX designnot Kdenlive
  • Web designnot Kdenlive
  • Mobile app designnot Kdenlive
  • Icon designnot Kdenlive
  • Marketing graphicsnot Kdenlive

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Kdenlive

  • Relies on volunteer development so release cadence and bug fixes can be slower than commercial tools.
  • Lacks built-in advanced VFX/compositing found in tools like DaVinci Resolve.
  • Performance and stability can vary depending on system configuration and GPU drivers.
  • No official cloud collaboration or review features.

Lunacy

  • Desktop application only, not cloud-based like Figma, limiting accessibility across different computers
  • Animation capabilities are basic, lacking timeline-based animation editing or spring physics available in modern design tools
  • Paid collaboration features, unlike Figma's free cloud-based team collaboration

Pricing, plan by plan

Kdenlive

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • All effects and transitions
    • Community support

Lunacy

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Lunacy review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Kdenlive if

  • You need multi-track timeline.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux.
  • You also want proxy editing.
Kdenlive review

Choose Lunacy if

  • You need vector editing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want auto layouts.
Lunacy review

Questions people ask

Is Kdenlive or Lunacy better?
Neither clearly leads. Kdenlive starts at Free and Lunacy at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Kdenlive or Lunacy?
Kdenlive starts at Free and Lunacy at Free.
Does Kdenlive or Lunacy run on more platforms?
Kdenlive runs on windows, mac, linux. Lunacy runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Kdenlive for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Kdenlive best used for?
Kdenlive is most often used for free video editing for hobbyists, linux-native video production, educational video editing, community/open-source project video work. Of those, free video editing for hobbyists and linux-native video production are not what Lunacy is typically brought in for.
What can Kdenlive do that Lunacy cannot?
Kdenlive covers Multi-track timeline, Proxy editing, Wide format support, Titler tool. Lunacy covers Vector editing, Auto layouts, Components, Real-time collaboration.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Kdenlive: Is Kdenlive free to use?

Yes, Kdenlive is completely free and open source, distributed under the GPL license with no cost to download or use, though donations to KDE e.V. are welcomed.

Source
Lunacy: Is Lunacy free to use?

Yes. Lunacy is absolutely free for personal and commercial use. There is no subscription required or trial period limitation.

Source
Kdenlive: What platforms does Kdenlive support?

Kdenlive runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD.

Source
Lunacy: Can Lunacy open and work with Sketch files?

Yes. Lunacy has smooth integration with Sketch files, allowing designers to import and collaborate on Sketch projects without requiring a Sketch subscription.

Source
Kdenlive: Where can I get help with Kdenlive?

Users can consult the user manual at docs.kdenlive.org, join the community Matrix channel, or ask on the KDE discussion forum.

Source
Lunacy: Does Lunacy require internet connection to work?

No. Lunacy can work offline, allowing designers to work without an internet connection. It is a desktop application that runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Source
Lunacy: What are Lunacy's hardware requirements?

Lunacy is not demanding on hardware and runs smoothly even on moderate laptops. It has minimal system requirements compared to resource-intensive design tools.

Source
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