Shotcut 25.10 adds HTML-based image generation, typewriter effects, and built-in text-to-speech

Shotcut just dropped version 25.10.31, and it’s one of the biggest updates in a while. The popular open-source video editor now lets users create images and videos directly from HTML, bringing 3D text and custom templates into play without leaving the app.

This new feature supports multiple lines of text using placeholders and defaults to a transparent background, making it perfect for overlays. However, you’ll need Chrome or Chromium to use it, and Shotcut warns it won’t handle WebGL or embedded video. There’s also a 15 FPS limit when generating video for performance reasons, so a modern CPU and SSD are recommended.

Another standout addition is text-to-speech integration for Notes and Subtitles. Using a Docker-based plugin with the Kokorodoki engine and Kokoro model, Shotcut can now generate AI speech directly from subtitle timing data. The developers note that speech quality depends on how well each subtitle segment is timed, so users may need to tweak speed and duration settings. Linux users should ensure they install the proper Docker package rather than podman, while Windows and macOS users can grab the standard installers.

The update also introduces new screen recording and snapshot tools. Windows users will see these features linked to Microsoft’s Snipping Tool, macOS relies on Apple’s built-in screenshot utility, and Linux support varies depending on whether you’re running X11, GNOME Shell, KDE Spectacle, or OBS. These recordings show up as jobs in Shotcut’s Jobs panel, where users can manually stop and import them. The feature isn’t yet available for Flatpak users on Linux.

Other highlights include a new “Text: Typewriter” filter, new export naming (now “Export Video/Audio”), upgraded FFmpeg 8, and refreshed libraries like SVT-AV1, libaom, libvpx, and whisper.cpp. Linux users should note the minimum glibc version is now 2.35, aligning with Ubuntu 22.04. Several bug fixes also made it in, such as handling “&” in file names, fixing alpha channel issues, and improving AppImage compatibility.

You can grab Shotcut 25.10.31 now from its official download page.

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Brian Fagioli

Technology journalist and founder of NERDS.xyz

Brian Fagioli is a technology journalist and founder of NERDS.xyz. A former BetaNews writer, he has spent over a decade covering Linux, hardware, software, cybersecurity, and AI with a no nonsense approach for real nerds.