Freedom251 › Video Editing Software
LiVES
What LiVES is
LiVES is a free, open-source Linux and Unix-style desktop application that combines live video performance with non-linear editing. It provides frame-accurate cutting and pasting within or between clips, non-destructive multitrack editing, and undo and redo. Real-time effects and transitions can use Frei0r, libvisual, and projectM plugins, while RFX plugins extend the platform and the RFX builder helps prototype effects, transitions, generators, and utilities. Every function can be controlled through OSC. LiVES loads almost any video format through libav or mplayer decoders and encodes to more than 50 listed output formats. Audio tools include sample-accurate editing, resampling, external recording, and LADSPA support. Plugin test scripts run in a sandbox. The listed stable release is version 3.2.0, released 8 November 2020.
Who it suits
LiVES suits video editors and professional VJs seeking live performance and editing tools on GNU/Linux, BSD, or UNIX-based systems. Users should review its listed software requirements and platform information.
What it does well
- Free and open-source video editor
- Combines live performance with non-linear editing
- Supports extensive effects and plugin systems
- Offers OSC remote control
- Encodes to more than 50 listed formats
What to know first
- Listed stable release dates from 2020
- Windows release is described as planned
- GNU/Linux requires several listed software packages
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| LiVES | Free, open-source video editor and VJ tool · GNU/Linux, BSD and UNIX stable release listed as version 3.2.0 | Free |
As lives-video.com lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
LiVES offers a broad editing, effects, audio, and live-performance toolkit without a software charge. Its older listed release and Unix-focused distribution details may matter when assessing compatibility.
Facts from LiVES's own pages
- Audience
- The homepage describes LiVES as a flexible tool used by professional VJs and video editors. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Audio
- Audio features include sample-accurate editing, resampling, recording from external sources and support for LADSPA plugins. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Desktop app
- Yes · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Download
- The listed stable release is LiVES 3.2.0 for GNU/Linux, BSD and UNIX-based systems, released on 8 November 2020. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Editing
- It supports frame-accurate cutting and pasting within and between clips, plus non-destructive multitrack editing with undo and redo. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Effects
- LiVES supports real-time effects and transitions, including Frei0r, libvisual and projectM plugins. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Its audio/video platform can be extended with RFX plugins, and the RFX builder can prototype effects, transitions, generators and utilities. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Formats
- LiVES can load almost any video format through libav or mplayer decoders and encode to more than 50 listed output formats. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Platform limits
- The download page says LiVES compiles and runs under OSX Leopard, while its Windows section describes a planned release rather than a current download. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Product
- LiVES is a free, open-source video editor and VJ tool that combines real-time video performance with non-linear editing. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Remote control
- The features page says every function can be controlled remotely using the OSC protocol. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The download page lists mplayer, ImageMagick, Perl and GTK+ among GNU/Linux software requirements. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Security
- The features page says test scripts run in a sandbox to allow safe testing of new plugins. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The support page directs users to report bugs or request features on the project page and offers user and developer mailing lists and discussion groups. · lives-video.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where LiVES stands on Freedom251
- Video Editing Software#87 of 153