barefootford/buttercut

Edit Video with Claude Code

What it solves

ButterCut is an AI-powered video editing agent that automates the process of creating selects, scenes, and rough cuts from raw footage. It removes the manual labor of organizing footage and generating the initial edit, allowing editors to export their work to professional software like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and DaVinci Resolve.

How it works

The tool operates as an agent that manages "libraries" (where footage is stored) and "cuts" (the editing process). It uses a combination of Ruby, Python, FFmpeg, and WhisperX for processing. The agent can generate XML files that are compatible with major professional video editing software, enabling a seamless transition from AI-generated cuts to a manual polish.

Who it’s for

It is primarily designed for video editors and content creators who use professional NLEs (Non-Linear Editors) and want to leverage AI to speed up the initial assembly of their videos.

Highlights

  • Multi-Editor Export: Supports exporting to Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and DaVinci Resolve.
  • Agentic Workflow: Uses an agent-based approach to build selects and rough cuts.
  • Customizable: Allows users to create their own custom "skills" using Ruby or Python scripts to build personalized workflows.
  • Apple Silicon Optimized: Specifically targets Macs with M-series chips for optimal performance.

Related

  • Project
    0xsline/OpenChatCut

    An open-source, local-first AI video editor that combines a professional multitrack timeline with conversational agents for editable, agent-driven video production.

  • Project
    diffusionstudio/editor

    An open-source video editor that uses JSX as its document source, enabling AI agents to edit video, create motion graphics, and analyze media via a dedicated CLI.

  • Project
    octimot/StoryToolkitAI

    An AI-powered film editing assistant that transcribes, indexes, and searches video footage, allowing editors to use LLMs to automatically create story selections for export to editing software.

  • Project
    browser-use/video-use

    An open-source AI video editing tool that allows users to edit raw footage via chat by converting video into structured text and on-demand visuals for an LLM to process.

  • Project
    ronak-create/FableCut

    A browser-based non-linear video editor that exposes its timeline as a JSON document, allowing AI agents to perform edits and collaborate with humans in real-time.