Variable Frame-Rate video clips import with choppy video

29.97 is actually a standard frame-rate (it’s a NTSC (North American TV) Standard, to be exact). If it exports just fine, you should be ok. If you are referring to choppy video playback while editing, that’s actually a performance issue. It’s no secret that video editing can be resource intensive, so you can’t really do much with that (barring an upgrade to your existing hardware), but there are a few things you can do to mitigate the issue.

  • Use a lower project resolution. The Shotcut FAQ suggests that users with 4GB of RAM stick with Standard Definition (480p) project formats, and users with 8GB can go up to High Definition (1080p). You can change your Project format at anytime by using Settings > Video Mode, but it’s best to do so before starting a new project, as doing this with an existing project will irreversibly mess up video timings, and possibly, how they display.

  • Keep it simple. Try to use a limited amount of video filters and overlays. If you are using multiple video clips and pictures, make sure that each picture/clip is at or below the project’s video resolution.

  • If all else fails, turn on Real-Time mode, and work through it. Real-time mode, available under Settings > Realtime (frame dropping), deliberately drops frames of video during playback (i.e: causing that choppy video during editing, but not in the final export), to make sure that one second of video plays for each second of real time. With Real-time off, the video/project plays back as fast as your computer can process it, meaning that playback will be slowed down if it cannot process the video in time.