Olive
Olive: A free desktop editor with broad core tools, but alpha status limits dependability. Ranked #121 of 153 in Video Editing Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source desktop editing across major systems.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source desktop editing across major systems
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free, open-source desktop application
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Includes timelines, effects, transitions, keyframes, and nodes
Where it doesn't
- Maintainers describe it as alpha and highly unstable
- No web or mobile application
- No collaboration or integration support
Our verdict on Olive
Olive is a free, open-source non-linear video editor distributed as a desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is intended for editors who want timeline-based video work without a subscription or license fee, particularly those who value source-code access and cross-platform desktop availability. Core capabilities include non-linear editing, timeline-based workflows, video effects, transitions, keyframe editing, node-based editing, and hardware acceleration.
The pricing model is straightforward: Olive is open source and has a free plan, so there are no paid tiers to compare. Its feature set covers several important editing tasks, from arranging footage on a timeline to applying effects and transitions. Keyframes and node-based editing add control beyond basic cutting, while hardware acceleration is included among the published features. This makes Olive more than a minimal trimming tool, although its verified breadth is narrower than leading video editors.
The main consideration is project maturity. Olive’s maintainers describe the software as alpha and potentially highly unstable, and the official website currently displays “Olive will return” while linking to older downloads. The latest listed release is an unstable development build, so users choosing Olive should be prepared for a less predictable desktop editing experience. It also has no web or mobile application, collaboration support, or integration support. Choose Olive if free, open-source editing on Windows, macOS, or Linux is the priority and instability is acceptable; choose another editor if dependable production workflows, mobile access, collaboration, or a broader ecosystem matter more.
Your product? Our editors can test Olive in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Olive pricing
Olive fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Desktop app | Yes |
| Web app | No |
| Mobile app | No |
| 4K export | Not verified |
| Team collaboration | Not verified |
| Included cloud storage | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | olivevideoeditor.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Olive
- DaVinci ResolveA deep free editor with professional post-production tools across desktop and iPad.9.3
- Avid Media ComposerA deep editing suite with collaborative workflows, AI search, and a free entry option.9.2
- Final Cut ProA full-featured editor for Apple users who want desktop and iPad workflows.9.1
Used Olive? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Olive for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Olive is listed in our Video Editing Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/olive/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/olive.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update