Overview
A local-first AI video editor with an auditable operation engine.
OpenChatCut turns natural-language editing requests into explicit, reviewable timeline operations. The editor, daemon, Codex plugin, workers and exporters all read the same versioned project state.
What makes it different
- Local-first project truth. SQLite WAL and a content-addressed media library remain authoritative after the browser closes.
- AI cannot rewrite project JSON. Every write is a validated semantic transaction with an expected revision and idempotency key.
- Plans before mutations. Agent proposals include the diff, affected dependencies, warnings and estimated provider cost.
- Editable outputs. Captions, motion graphics, B-roll, generated media and audio derivatives remain real timeline assets.
Current topology
| Service | Default address | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Web editor | 127.0.0.1:3100 | Timeline, transcript, preview and Agent review |
openchatcutd | 127.0.0.1:3210 | Projects, revisions, jobs, providers and exports |
| MCP bridge | STDIO → daemon | Lets Codex use the same operation engine |
Start here
Continue to Installation for the local setup, then read Architecture to understand revisions and media ownership.