How to Install Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Kdenlive, a premier open-source video editor, is tailored for those aiming to install it on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or its older stable release Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa. Recognized for its adaptability and robust feature set, Kdenlive has become a go-to choice for multimedia enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. This introduction will spotlight the salient features of Kdenlive, underscoring its prowess in video editing.

Distinctive Features of Kdenlive:

• Non-Linear Editing: Kdenlive’s non-linear approach ensures videos and audio tracks can be arranged independently, fostering creative flexibility and non-destructive editing.
• Multitrack Capabilities: Supporting multiple audio and video tracks, Kdenlive facilitates intricate layering and manipulation, catering to intricate video projects.
• Diverse Effects and Transitions: Kdenlive’s rich repository of built-in effects and transitions empowers users to infuse their videos with a professional touch, from color grading to audio enhancements.
• Proxy Editing: For those dealing with high-definition footage, Kdenlive’s proxy editing generates low-res versions of the original media, ensuring fluid editing even on less powerful systems.
• Adaptable User Interface: The software’s user-centric design is intuitive and customizable, accommodating the unique workflows of novices and experts.
• Broad Format Compatibility: Kdenlive’s extensive format support ensures seamless import and export capabilities, eliminating potential codec or container barriers.
• Ongoing Development: Being open-source, Kdenlive enjoys the advantage of continual refinements, frequent updates, and a supportive community that contributes to its evolution.

For those keen on integrating this powerful video editing tool into their Ubuntu system, the subsequent sections will guide you on how to install Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 seamlessly.

Install Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT

Step 1. Update Ubuntu Before Kdenlive Installation

The first step is to ensure your system is up-to-date to avoid issues during the installation and for good practice. This is done by opening your terminal and using the following command.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT Command

Method 1: Install Kdenlive with Ubuntu Repository

By default, Kdenlive is available on Ubuntu’s default repository, the advised version for users who are happy with the stable version for minor use and do not require the latest advancements of constant updates; see newer features as Ubuntu LTS is slower to release these builds.

In your terminal, use the following command to begin the installation.

sudo apt install kdenlive mediainfo

Method 2: Install Kdenlive with Kdenlive PPA

To provide a more detailed and engaging guide, let’s explore another method of installing Kdenlive on your system using the Kdenlive Team PPA. This approach ensures that you get the latest version of the software directly from its developers.

Step 1: Import Kdenlive Stable or Development PPA:

Option 1 – Import Kdenlive PPA Release:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kdenlive/kdenlive-stable -y

Option 2 – Import Kdenlive PPA Development

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kdenlive/kdenlive-master -y

Step 2: Update Your Package Index

Next, update your package index to include the newly added PPA:

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT Command

Now, you can proceed to install Kdenlive using the following command:

sudo apt install kdenlive mediainfo

Install Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 Flatpak and Flathub

An alternative method for installing Kdenlive is Flatpak, a versatile package management system that provides a sandboxed application environment. To install Kdenlive via Flatpak, you must add the Flathub repository containing the Kdenlive package.

If Flatpak isn’t installed on your system, please refer to “How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu with the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA.” This guide offers instructions for obtaining the latest supported version using the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA.

Step 1: Integrate the Flathub Repository for Kdenlive on Ubuntu

Begin by opening the terminal and entering the following command to integrate the Flathub repository:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Step 2: Install Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak Command

Now, run the Kdenlive installation using the following flatpak command:

flatpak install flathub org.kde.kdenlive -y

Upon completing these steps, Kdenlive is installed on your system using the Flatpak and Flathub package manager.

Install Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Snap

Snap presents an efficient approach to software management and deployment. This section will detail the steps to install Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Snap.

Step 1: Ensure Snap is Installed on Your Ubuntu System

Crafted by Canonical (the developers behind Ubuntu), Snap serves as a dynamic solution for software management. While many Ubuntu distributions have Snap pre-installed, there might be cases where it isn’t present. If Snap isn’t detected on your system, you can quickly bring it on board with the following command:

sudo apt install snapd -y

Executing this will activate the Snap Daemon (snapd), which oversees the functioning of your Snap applications.

Step 2: Set Up Classic Snap Support for Kdenlive on Ubuntu

Due to their requirements, some snap applications operate under the ‘classic’ confinement. This mode provides them extended access to the system’s resources, reminiscent of standard software applications. To ensure the smooth operation of such tools, it’s pivotal to create a symbolic link (symlink) for classic snap support. The subsequent command is designed for this purpose:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Step 3: Install Core Snap

Before you dive into the installation of Kdenlive, it’s a smart move first to install the ‘core’ snap. This fundamental piece ensures your system is equipped with the essential libraries and services that other snaps lean on. This measure is taken to mitigate potential incompatibilities. To integrate the core snap, use the command:

sudo snap install core

Step 4: Install Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 using Snap

Having all prerequisites in place, you’re now ready to install Kdenlive. The installation can be initiated with the ensuing command:

sudo snap install kdenlive

Within this command, ‘sudo’ assigns administrative privileges, ‘snap’ invokes the Snap packaging mechanism, ‘install’ signals the software’s installation, and ‘kdenlive’ pinpoints the program you’re setting out to install.

Launch Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via CLI or GUI

Now that you have Kdenlive installed on your system, there are several ways to launch the application, making it convenient for various user preferences.

CLI Methods to Launch Kdenlive on Ubuntu

First, you can launch Kdenlive directly from your terminal using the following command:

kdenlive

For Flatpak users, you’ll need to launch Kdenlive with a slightly different command in a terminal instance:

flatpak run org.kde.kdenlive

Lastly, Snap installations can immediately launch Kdenlive utilizing the following command:

snap run kdenlive

GUI Method to Launch Kdenlive on Ubuntu

While terminal commands may suit some users, others might prefer a more straightforward approach. In this case, you can launch Kdenlive using the graphical interface on your desktop by following these steps:

1. Click on Activities or Show Applications (depending on your desktop environment).
2. Search for “Kdenlive” in the application search bar.
3. Click on the Kdenlive icon to launch the application.

Tips on Getting Started with Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

This section will delve into the essential aspects of starting with Kdenlive on Ubuntu. We’ll explore general tips, customizations, and other valuable pointers to help you make the most of your video editing experience.

Understanding the Kdenlive Interface on Ubuntu

Kdenlive’s interface is divided into four primary sections:

• Project Monitor: Displays your video project’s playback.
• Timeline: You can arrange, edit, and manage your video clips.
• Project Bin: Stores all imported media files, such as video clips, images, and audio.
• Effects & Transitions: Provides access to various video effects and transitions to enhance your project.

Familiarize yourself with these sections to navigate Kdenlive efficiently.

Importing Media Files with Kdenlive on Ubuntu

To import media files into your project:

1. Right-click on the Project Bin area.
2. Choose Add Clip or Folder.
3. Browse the location of your media files.
4. Select the desired files and click Open.

Working the Timeline with Kdenlive on Ubuntu

The Timeline is where you’ll perform most of your video editing tasks. Some essential functions include:

• Drag and drop media files from the Project Bin to the Timeline.
• Rearrange video clips by clicking and dragging them to different positions.
• Split and trim clips using the Razor Tool.
• Adjust clip length by dragging the clip edges.

Applying Effects and Transitions with Kdenlive on Ubuntu

Kdenlive offers various effects and transitions to enhance your video projects. To apply them:

• For Effects: Drag and drop the desired effect from the Effects tab onto the video clip in the Timeline.
• For Transitions: Place two clips on separate tracks, overlapping them in the Timeline. Then, drag and drop the desired transition from the Transitions tab onto the overlapping area.

Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts with Kdenlive on Ubuntu

To increase productivity, customize Kdenlive’s keyboard shortcuts:

1. Click on Settings in the menu bar.
2. Choose Configure Kdenlive.
3. Select the Shortcuts tab.
4. Browse through the available actions and set or modify the desired shortcuts.

Rendering and Exporting Projects with Kdenlive on Ubuntu

Once you’ve completed your video project, render and export it:

1. Click on Render in the main toolbar.
2. Choose a format and preset from the Output File section.
3. Set the output file location and name.
4. Click Render to File to start the rendering process.

Following these tips and exploring Kdenlive’s extensive features, you’ll be ready to create professional video projects on Ubuntu.

Additional Kdenlive Commands with Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Update Kdenlive on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Depending on the installation method you initially used, different commands are required to update Kdenlive. Here’s a breakdown of the update process for each installation method:

APT Update Method For Kdenlive on Ubuntu

If you installed Kdenlive using the APT package manager, run the following command in the terminal to update Kdenlive along with other packages:

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade

Flatpak Update Method For Kdenlive on Ubuntu

For users who installed Kdenlive using Flatpak, execute the following command in the terminal to update the application:

flatpak update

Snap Update Method For Kdenlive on Ubuntu

Lastly, installations of Kdenlive via Snap need to run the following command:

snap refresh

Remove Kdenlive From Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

If you no longer need Kdenlive on your system, use the appropriate command based on your installation method to uninstall the application:

APT Remove Command For Kdenlive on Ubuntu

To remove Kdenlive installed via the APT package manager, run the following command:

sudo apt remove kdenlive

For users who installed Kdenlive using the LaunchPad PPAs, execute the matching command for your installation version:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kdenlive/kdenlive-stable -y

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:kdenlive/kdenlive-master -y

Flatpak Remove Command For Kdenlive on Ubuntu

To uninstall Kdenlive installed via Flatpak, run the following command:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data flathub org.kde.kdenlive

Snap Remove Command For Kdenlive on Ubuntu

Snap installations of Kdenlive, run the following command:

sudo snap remove kdenlive

Conclusion

In summary, installing Kdenlive on Ubuntu can be achieved through various methods, including APT package manager, LaunchPad PPAs, and Flatpak. Each method caters to different user preferences and system requirements. By following the outlined steps and choosing the most suitable method, you’ll have a seamless experience setting up Kdenlive on your Ubuntu system, enabling you to dive into video editing with a powerful and user-friendly tool.