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Lightworks
What it is
Lightworks is a desktop non-linear editor for combining video, audio, graphics and effects into a finished programme. Its timeline tools include transitions, automatic saving and simple visual effects. The Free plan details list 720p HD export, while the welcome guide says the Free tier can export up to 1080p, including portrait formats. Create adds 4K export, social media templates, motion graphics, colour controls, audio EQ, LUT support, high-resolution proxy editing and NewBlue Titler Pro. Pro adds 10-bit support, audio and video plugin support, advanced video effects, export interchange formats, advanced colour scopes and cloud export or upload. Lightworks runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, although some Linux functionality may be restricted by third-party limitations. Shared project spaces on network storage and ShareLinks support sequence sharing and time-specific comments. The maker presents it for projects ranging from social clips and YouTube videos to documentaries, music videos and feature films. The free plan is listed at £0 per user; prices for Create and Pro are not shown here. Licensing is account based, and guest use is limited before registration is required.
For and against
For
- Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Timeline editing includes transitions and automatic saving.
- Supports shared project spaces and ShareLinks.
- Create adds 4K export and colour controls.
- In-app searchable help and video tutorials are available.
Against
- Free plan details list 720p HD export.
- Some Linux functionality may be restricted.
- Guest use is limited before registration is required.
- No mobile app.
The verdict
Lightworks offers a desktop editing workflow with collaboration tools and tiered export and production features. Check the stated Free export details, which differ between the plan listing and welcome guide, and note that Create and Pro prices are not shown.
Who it suits
Lightworks may suit desktop editors working on social clips, YouTube videos, documentaries, music videos or feature films. Its shared project spaces and ShareLinks may help people who need to share sequences and collect comments.
Plans and prices
Free
Timeline editing · 720p HD export · automatic saving · advanced transitions
Read 15 Oct 2026 · lwks.com
Create
4K export · social templates · NewBlue Titler Pro · motion graphics
Read 15 Oct 2026 · lwks.com
Pro
10-bit support · audio/video plugins · more formats · advanced effects
Read 15 Oct 2026 · lwks.com
On the record
- 2026 changes
- The v2026 knowledge-base introduction describes refreshed UI, multi-tab layouts, project spaces, an audio mixer, conform/relink tools and a combined export panel.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- API and SDKs
- Official materials document plugin and interchange integrations but provide no public Lightworks API or SDK documentation.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Audio
- Lightworks includes audio levelling, equalisation, native audio effects and voice-over recording directly onto a sequence.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Automatic saving
- Projects are saved continuously every few seconds and have no Save or Save As command.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Cloud integrations
- The knowledge base names Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive and pCloud as cloud libraries and export destinations.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Collaboration
- Shared project spaces can run on network storage, while ShareLinks attach comments and replies to timeline points.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters
- The registered office is 16 Belmont Crescent, Swindon, SN1 4EY, United Kingdom.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company incorporation
- LWKS Software Ltd was incorporated on 5 August 2020 as a private limited company.open.endole.co.uk · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company size
- Endole classifies LWKS Software Ltd as micro-sized and reports 12 employees in its latest profile data.open.endole.co.uk · read 15 Oct 2026
- Core editing
- The editor supports three-point editing, insert, replace, overwrite, delete, remove and split operations on a timeline.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Current release
- The releases page lists Lightworks 2025.2, with Windows, macOS, Linux RPM, DEB, Snap and Flatpak installers.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Desktop app
- Yeslwks.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Documentation
- LWKS publishes a knowledge base covering editing, effects, exporting, preferences, troubleshooting, collaboration and advanced workflows.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Editing
- Lightworks provides timeline editing, advanced transitions, automatic saving, and simple visual effects.lwks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Effects
- The product includes built-in effects, titles, transitions, masks, colour correction and OpenFX compatibility.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Export
- The Free tier exports up to 1080p, including portrait formats, according to the Lightworks welcome guide.lwks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Features
- Create adds 4K export, social media templates, NewBlue Titler Pro, motion graphics, colour controls, audio EQ, LUT support, and high-resolution proxy editing.lwks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Formats
- The technical specification lists MXF, QuickTime, AVI, MP4, MTS, M2TS, MPEG, WMV, TS, M2V, ASF, VOB and MKV container support.lwks.com · read 15 Oct 2026
