mcncarl/jianying-headless

What it solves

Jianying Headless provides a way to automate video editing for the macOS version of Jianying (CapCut China). It allows users to generate editable drafts, modify multi-track projects in isolated copies, and export MP4 files using the local Jianying engine without needing to manually operate the software's user interface.

How it works

The tool operates by taking a structured editing plan (JSON) and converting it into a Jianying-compatible draft. It uses a bridge to link with the local Jianying installation to handle the actual rendering and export.

For macOS, the process follows a pipeline of: Materials + Editing Plan $\rightarrow$ Editable Draft $\rightarrow$ Native Engine Export.

For Windows, it provides a separate, limited FFmpeg-based export path that generates MP4s from editing plans without requiring a Jianying installation or creating editable drafts.

Who it’s for

This project is designed for developers building AI video workflows, those needing to automate batch draft generation, and creators using AI agents to assist in video editing.

Highlights

• Full Draft Control: Supports video segmentation, multi-track combinations, speed adjustments, volume, picture-in-picture, subtitles, and titles.
• Native Export: Leverages the local Jianying engine to export H.264/AAC MP4 files.
• Asset Integration: Imports local videos, images (PNG, JPEG, GIF), voiceovers, and music.
• Agent Ready: Includes a dedicated Agent Skill entry point for integration into larger AI-driven content creation pipelines.
• Non-Destructive Editing: Modifies projects in independent copies to avoid overwriting original drafts.