Best MKV Editing Software

Choosing the right video editing software is crucial for achieving desired results, especially when working with formats like MKV. In this article, we'll be diving into the top MKV editors available in 2024.

From basic video editing functions to advanced features, we'll provide an overview of each editor's capabilities, helping you make an informed decision.

how we test products

How we picked the MKV editors?

We employed a thorough evaluation process to ensure that each recommendation met our criteria for usability, features, performance, and compatibility.

  • We conducted extensive research to identify the most popular and reputable MKV editing software currently available in the market.
  • We checked the features provided by each video editor, paying close attention to special effects, transitions, and any unique functionalities.
  • We examined the user interface and overall experience of each video editing software to ensure it was intuitive.
  • We assessed the pricing structure and licensing options offered by each MKV editor .
Name Free version Paid version Link
Icecream Video Editor
Yes
1 Year License - $29.95
Lifetime License - $49.95
VSDC Free Video Editor
Yes
Pro Version 1 Year License - $27.78
OpenShot
Open source software
N/A
Kdenlive
Open source software
N/A
VideoProc
Yes
N/A

What is an MKV?

MKV, short for Matroska Multimedia Container, is a popular open standard video container format. It is known for its versatility and ability to store several audio, video, and subtitle streams in a single file.

Icecream Video Editor

Icecream Video Editor is a versatile and user-friendly software that serves as an excellent MKV editor.

Icecream Video Editor 1

The clean and intuitive interface allows users to navigate the free video editor effortlessly, while the drag-and-drop functionality makes importing MKV videos a breeze.

Icecream Video Editor 2

In terms of video editing capabilities, the program offers a range of tools to enhance MKV files. Users can trim, cut, and merge clips, adjust video speed, add audio tracks, and apply various visual effects and transitions to create professional-looking videos.

Icecream Video Editor 3

Additionally, the free video editing software supports a lot of audio and video formats, besides MKV, ensuring compatibility with different types of multimedia content. It also provides advanced features such PiP functionality, text overlays, and subtitles, making it easy to add captions, footage, and images to your video.

Icecream Video Editor 4

Overall, Icecream Video Editor stands out as a reliable and efficient MKV editor, offering a balance of simplicity and functionality that caters to users of all skill levels. Whether you're editing home videos, creating YouTube content, or working on business projects, it provides the tools you need to unleash your creativity.

Pros:

  • Intuitive layout and drag-and-drop functionality.
  • Easily trim and cut MKVs to remove unwanted sections.
  • Adjust playback speed, apply audio filters, and balance audio levels.
  • Incorporate multiple videos or images into your MKV projects.
  • Choose from a variety of transitions and motion effects.
  • Personalize your videos with customizable overlays.
  • Preview your changes in real time.

VSDC Free Video Editor

VSDC Free Video Editor is a professional-grade video editing software , offering an extensive range of features tailored to meet the demands of seasoned video creators.

VSDC Free Video Editor 1

The MKV video editor allows for non-linear editing, providing flexibility in arranging and organizing clips, audio tracks, and other elements on the timeline. Users can apply different video effects and filters (adjustments for brightness, saturation, and more), as well as special ones (blur, sharpen, and mosaic).

VSDC Free Video Editor 2

The MKV editor also includes chroma key capabilities, enabling users to remove backgrounds and replace them with custom images or videos. Text overlays, titles, and captions can be easily added using customizable tools, including a variety of fonts, colors, and animation options.

VSDC Free Video Editor 3

Advanced features such as masking and blending modes are available for users looking to create complex visual effects. The free video editor supports various video formats, ensuring compatibility with diverse multimedia content.

VSDC Free Video Editor 4

While VSDC offers a plethora of powerful tools for video editing, some users may find its interface somewhat overwhelming due to the abundance of instruments. Navigating through the icons may take some time to become accustomed to.

Interesting Features:

  • Supports multicam editing, allowing users to switch between multiple camera angles.
  • Free video editing software boasts over 20 standard color adjustments.
  • Utilizes artificial intelligence algorithms to create interpretations of videos.

OpenShot

OpenShot is a robust MKV editing program that enables effortless creation and enhancement of top-notch videos.

OpenShot 1

By utilizing this cost-free MKV editor, users can access a variety of functionalities such as organizing multiple audio and video tracks, customizable animation options, and advanced effects.

OpenShot 2

Among the remarkable aspects of the video editing software is its simplicity. You don't need to have prior experience in video editing to navigate through its tools and create stunning clips. Plus, it runs smoothly on Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems, giving users more flexibility in their choice of devices.

OpenShot 3

Advanced users can utilize keyframes to create animations and control all aspects of their videos, such as position, scale, and rotation.

OpenShot 4

If you're in search of a dependable and efficient MKV editor, OpenShot is definitely worth considering. Being open-source, it also benefits from a community of developers continually improving and expanding its instruments.

Interesting Features:

  • Built-in support for creating 3D animated titles.
  • Includes basic audio editing capabilities.
  • Has brightness, gamma, hue, grayscale, and chroma key capabilities.

Kdenlive

Editing an MKV file can be a daunting task for many, but with the right tools and instructions, it can become a smooth process. One such solution is Kdenlive, a powerful open-source video editor that supports various file formats, including MKV.

Kdenlive 1

Developed for Linux and available on other platforms, the free video editor provides users with a comprehensive set of tools for creating professional-quality videos.

Kdenlive 2

The program features a multi-track timeline that enables you to work on numerous layers and seamlessly incorporate audio and visual effects. Plus, it has a real-time preview feature, so you can see all changes as you make them.

Kdenlive 3

One of the standout features of the free video editing software is its customizable interface. You can rearrange the layout according to your preference and even add shortcuts for quick access to your frequently used tools. Additionally, it offers a diverse selection of export options, simplifying the process of sharing your videos on social media platforms.

Kdenlive 4

Kdenlive stands as a flexible option as MKV editor for video makers seeking to express their creativity and craft engaging content. However, it's worth noting that the Windows and macOS versions come with certain issues.

Interesting Features:

  • Time-lapse editing and virtually unlimited video and audio tracks.
  • Rendering without blocking, ensuring uninterrupted workflow during the process.
  • Automatically generate video clips from directories containing images.

VideoProc

VideoProc is a comprehensive MKV video editing software designed to cater to a wide range of video editing needs. It offers a suite of tools for editing, converting, resizing, adjusting, and enhancing videos.

VideoProc 1

The video file editor provides special effects, filters, and transitions. Text overlays and subtitles can be added for clarity and accessibility. Users can also adjust audio settings, add background music, and apply sound effects to create immersive experiences.

VideoProc 2

Color correction and grading tools enable users to fine-tune brightness, contrast, saturation, and color balance to achieve desired looks. Once editing is complete, videos can be exported in multiple formats and resolutions, optimized for different devices and platforms.

VideoProc 3

Overall, VideoProc is an all-in-one solution for editing and converting MKV files. The ease of use and powerful tools offered by its interface place it among the best options for those looking for a reliable video editing software.

Interesting Features:

  • Offers HSL and precise color correction tools.
  • Provides users with a graphical representation of the audio waveform.
  • Allows users to display multiple videos or images simultaneously within the same frame (video collage).

FAQ

Is it possible to edit MKV files without re-encoding?
Some MKV editors support non-destructive editing. This preserves the original quality and reduces processing time for editing tasks.
What makes MKV different from other video formats like MP4 or AVI?
MKV differs from other formats in its ability to store multiple audio, video, and subtitle tracks. It also supports advanced features like chapter markers, metadata, and menus.
Is it possible to extract individual tracks from an MKV video?
Yes, it is possible to take away audio tracks, video streams, or subtitles from files using various tools. Many multimedia players and video editing software support this feature.
What subtitle formats are supported within MKV files?
MKV extension supports SubRip (.srt), SubStation Alpha (.ssa/.ass), Advanced SubStation Alpha (.ass), and many other subtitle types.
What are some common codecs used by the format?
H.264, H.265 (HEVC), VP9, and AV1 are native for MKV compression, AAC, MP3, AC3, and DTS for audio encoding.
Is there any way to repair corrupted MKV videos?
Yes, there are several software options available for recovering MKV files. These apps use advanced algorithms to scan and repair damaged or incomplete MKVs.

Conclusion

In our exploration of MKV video editors, we meticulously examined several options, highlighting their distinctive features and functionalities. By dissecting their capabilities, readers will be empowered to make informed decisions in selecting the most suitable video editing software for their needs.

Whether you're seeking simplicity for basic edits or require advanced tools for professional projects, our article ensures that everyone can pinpoint an editor tailored to their specifications.

Rean Uehara

Expert Tech Writer

Rean is a tech enthusiast, digital marketer, operations specialist, and eCommerce coach who focuses on distributed teams. He began working remotely on web-related projects in 2010 and has never looked back. His articles published on Hongkiat, so his authoritative opinion on technology can be fully trusted.
5 min read
Related articles:
Knowing how to add subtitles to your MP4 files is a straightforward yet powerful way to enhance your videos. Subtitles not only make your ...
After Effects has long been the go-to video editing software for creating stunning motion graphics and visually enhanced video content.
Looking for a reliable program or tool to edit your WebM files? Whether you're trimming videos, adding effects, or merging clips, the right ...