Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.MLT
File Type
Shotcut Project File
Category
Video
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .mlt file format
The Shotcut Project file, identified by the .mlt extension, is the native project format used by the Shotcut video editing software. Shotcut is a popular open-source, cross-platform video editor built on the MLT (Media Lovin' Toolkit) framework. An MLT file is essentially an XML document that conta…
File extension
.MLT
File type
Shotcut Project File
Category
Video
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .mlt file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .mlt.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .mlt file?
File extension details and usage information
The Shotcut Project file, identified by the .mlt extension, is the native project format used by the Shotcut video editing software. Shotcut is a popular open-source, cross-platform video editor built on the MLT (Media Lovin' Toolkit) framework. An MLT file is essentially an XML document that contains a detailed set of instructions for the video editor to follow. It does not store the actual video, audio, or image content; instead, it saves absolute or relative paths to the source media files and records every edit made by the user, including cuts, transitions, filters, color grading, and audio adjustments. This non-destructive editing approach ensures that the original media remains unchanged throughout the creative process. Because the file is XML-based, it is human-readable and can be opened in standard text editors for troubleshooting or manual modification of project parameters. To produce a viewable video file for platforms like YouTube or social media, the project must be processed through Shotcut's export engine, which renders the XML instructions into a standard multimedia container like MP4, MOV, or AVI.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .mlt files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Can .mlt files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .mlt file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .mlt file.
Why can't I open a .mlt file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .mlt format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .mlt files
To open a .mlt file, use software that supports this file format.
- Shotcut
- MLT Framework
- Kdenlive
- Flowblade
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .mlt file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.