FrameTrellis v1.1.0: Clip Duplication, Title Overlays, and Headless Rendering

I'm excited to announce FrameTrellis v1.1.0, the latest release of my open-source, local-first desktop video editor.

The goal of FrameTrellis is to provide a native video editing experience where your footage stays on your computer, your projects remain under your control, and editing doesn't depend on cloud services.

This release focuses on making everyday editing more convenient while continuing to strengthen the project's technical foundations.

What's New in v1.1.0?

1. Timeline Clip Duplication

One of the most useful additions is the ability to duplicate an existing timeline clip.

Users can duplicate a selected clip through:

• The Ctrl+D keyboard shortcut
• The Edit menu
• The timeline toolbar

The duplicated clip retains its source trims and adjustments, eliminating the need to recreate the same settings manually.

Duplication is also integrated with the undo system.

2. Transparent PNG Title Overlays

FrameTrellis can now generate title graphics directly inside the application.

You can:

• Enter custom title text.
• Choose text colors.
• Adjust font size.
• Generate transparent PNG titles.
• Place and trim titles on the timeline.

These titles behave like normal image clips.

This is an initial implementation rather than a complete native text-layer system. More advanced editable titles remain on the project's roadmap.

3. Headless Rendering

Version 1.1.0 introduces a container-based headless rendering workflow.

This enables rendering compatible projects without relying on the graphical editor interface.

It's a useful foundation for automated rendering, testing, and other developer-oriented workflows.

4. Improved Testing and Reliability

A video editor needs more than new features. It also needs predictable project handling and reliable exports.

This release expands test coverage for:

• Timeline duplication
• Title creation
• Project reopening
• Transparent image compositing

The release also passed Windows and Linux CI, static analysis, sanitizer testing, and Windows package verification.

Existing FrameTrellis v1.0.0 projects remain compatible.

Technology Stack

FrameTrellis is primarily built using:

• C++20 for the native application.
• Qt 6 and QML for the desktop interface.
• MLT for multimedia compositing and playback.
• FFmpeg for media decoding and encoding.
• CMake for the build system.

The project is designed around non-destructive editing, multi-track timelines, and local media processing.

Privacy and Local-First Design

FrameTrellis does not require a user account or a cloud connection.

The application processes media locally, does not include telemetry or advertising, and never intentionally uploads your footage.

Its project format is documented and versioned, allowing projects to remain separate from their original media files.

Downloads and Platform Support

Windows 10/11 (x64): Installer and portable ZIP are available.

Linux (x86-64): Build from source.

macOS: Official support is planned but not currently available.

MP4 (H.264/AAC) remains the supported export format.

What's Next?

The project's roadmap includes several additional capabilities:

• Native editable title layers
• Keyframe animation
• Subtitle support
• Proxy media
• Additional export formats
• Broader platform packaging

These are future goals rather than features included in v1.1.0.

Get Involved

FrameTrellis is free and open source under GPL-3.0-or-later.

If you're interested in desktop application development, C++, Qt, FFmpeg, or video editing tools, I would appreciate your feedback.

GitHub repository:
https://github.com/sanskarIN/frametrellis

Download v1.1.0:
https://github.com/sanskarIN/frametrellis/releases/tag/v1.1.0

Project website:
https://sanskarin.github.io/frametrellis/

If you find the project useful, consider starring the repository, reporting issues, or contributing.

Thanks for following the development of FrameTrellis!

— Sanskar