CartCut for MAC
Free, open-source video editor for Mac with unlimited layers, keyframe animation, chroma key, AI auto captions, screen recording and FFmpeg rendering.
CartCut Overview
CartCut is a video editor designed for motion effects and versatility. It was formerly called Nugget, and its GitHub repository still uses the name nugget-app. Alongside cut editing, it offers animation, sound mixing, text, external extensions and project files. It uses layer-based editing instead of traditional tracks, which makes it easier to apply several effects to a single asset. Its makers say their goal is to let creators produce motion graphics without relying on heavy software like After Effects.
CartCut works with the standard formats, such as mp4, mov, mp3 and wav, renders with FFmpeg and can edit at 4K, 8K and other resolutions. AI auto captions use Whisper. CartCut also exposes its live timeline over MCP, so AI coding tools such as Claude Code can edit the open project, and those edits land in your own undo history. CartCut is free and open source under the MIT license and is made by cartesiancs. There are separate downloads for Apple Silicon and Intel, each close to 400 MB, and the project does not state a minimum macOS version. A limited demo also runs in the browser. Version 0.6.1 mainly concerns that browser build.
Key Features
CartCut combines everyday editing with tools for motion graphics.
- Layers: unlimited layers, with layer-based editing rather than tracks.
- Animation: keyframes for position, scale, opacity and rotation.
- Audio: sound mixing and audio recording.
- Text and shapes: add titles and draw shapes.
- Effects: transitions, chroma key and WebGL blur.
- Recording: capture your screen from within the app.
- AI captions: automatic captions with Whisper.
- MCP control: AI tools can edit the live timeline, with undo.
What’s New in Version 0.6.1
CartCut 0.6.1 focuses on the browser build, with exports that run entirely in the browser.
- Browser build exports run with WebCodecs and Mediabunny, with no render server
- Local files and fonts can be used directly in the browser build
- Example templates can be opened from a link in the browser build
- HTML graphics support extended, with a notice where it is unavailable
- Timeline state handling now reflects the current data on render
CartCut FAQ
Is CartCut free?
Yes. CartCut is free and open source under the MIT license.
Which macOS version does CartCut need?
The project does not state a minimum macOS version.
Does CartCut run on Apple Silicon?
Yes. There are separate downloads for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Is CartCut the same app as Nugget?
Yes. CartCut was formerly called Nugget, and its GitHub repository still uses the name nugget-app.
Which file formats does CartCut support?
The project lists the standard formats, such as mp4, mov, mp3 and wav.
How is CartCut different from a track-based editor?
It uses layer-based editing, which makes it easier to apply several effects to a single asset.
Can CartCut create captions automatically?
Yes. AI auto captions use Whisper.
Can AI tools edit a CartCut project?
Yes. CartCut exposes its live timeline over MCP, so tools such as Claude Code can edit the open project. Those edits land in your own undo history.
Can I try CartCut in a browser?
Yes. The project offers a limited demo that runs on its website.
Where does the CartCut download on cartcut.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official CartCut release page at https://github.com/cartesiancs/nugget-app/releases/latest. cartcut.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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FULLMAC.app does not host this app. Download buttons lead to the developer’s own pages.