MLT to MP4: Complete Guide to Save and Export Shotcut Videos

Open-source software is a godsend for people who are looking for free-to-use software that can perform the same services that a paid program can. Video editing software is one of the most common tools that open-source users find to edit their videos for free. In this article, we will learn how to convert the project file of Shotcut with our complete guide to save MLT to MP4 using two easy to follow methods.

Part 1. What is MLT File

MLT files are the project files of videos processed in Shotcut Video Editor. These files contain all the editing elements applied in the current video editing session conducted in the mentioned software. With the help of these files, settings applied during an editing session can be saved on a computer within the project files, making it easier for the editor to save progress.

Additionally, MLT files enable smooth collaboration for video editors, even if they cannot work in the same place or on the same computer, as these project files can be shared online through email or cloud storage.

To convert Shotcut project files to MP4, please proceed to the next section of the article, where we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to export MP4 in Shotcut and how to convert MLT files to MP4 outside the Shotcut method.

Part 2. How to Export Shotcut Video as MP4

With MLT files being an exclusive project archive for Shotcut Video Editor, the first method that we will discuss is the standard export method within the software itself. This part of the article will tackle the step-by-step guide to export files to MP4 directly from the software.

1. Find the MLT project file on your computer and then open it in the Shotcut Video Editor.

2. With the video project now added to the editor interface, find the Export button in the interface and click it.

3. If you want to export videos to MP4, you are in luck since the default export setting is set to MP4. Click the "Export File" button to initiate the process.

After clicking the export button, the video project you are working on in Shotcut Video Editor will now be exported into an easily watchable MP4 file. However, the exporting process is heavily dependent on the editing elements applied in the project file along with the duration of the video itself.

If you are exporting video with a longer duration, finding an alternative that is faster is a wise decision. Please proceed to the next part of this article to learn the best method to process files .MLT to .MP4.

Part 3. How to Convert MLT to MP4 in FFmpeg

If you are experienced with using command lines, FFmpeg might also be a viable choice for you. Unlike video editors, this option is purely terminal and command-line based, making it work much more efficient and faster than video editors.

Unfortunately, FFmpeg has a steep learning curve, requiring basic to intermediate command-line skills to convert MLT files to a viewable MP4 format.

For a quick introduction to using FFmpeg command lines, please read our guide below.

1. Open Command Prompt on your computer with an installed FFmpeg plug-in.

2. Once it has been confirmed that FFmpeg is active on your computer, enter the command line ffmpeg -i input.mlt -c:v libx264 -preset medium -crf 18 -c:a aac -b:a 192k output.mp4. Ensure that the input.mlt and output.mp4 lines are updated to reflect the MLT file being converted and the MP4 file to which it should be saved.

After entering the conversion line to your command terminal, your computer will now work on the file conversion in the background. Compared to Shotcut, it will be slightly faster, and the video quality will be lossless. However, it is still not the best option for beginner-friendly editing.

Part 4. How to Save Shotcut Video as MP4

With the original method of exporting MLT to MP4 now discussed, we can now proceed to the best third-party software that can save Shotcut projects to MP4, which is advanced screen recorder software that can record any part of the screen. In this regard, the best software to use is easily AnyMP4 Screen Recorder.

This software is packed with countless tools that can capture different parts of the screen depending on the needs of its users. In fact, it has a total of six modes that can be selected based on different purposes and uses. These seven modes are Video Recorder, Audio Recorder, Game Recorder, Window Recorder, Webcam Recorder, and Phone Recorder. By learning how these modes function, any screen recording needs can now be solved without a problem.

In terms of MLT to MP4 conversion, the standard Video Recorder is easily the best mode. Learn how to save MLT to MP4 using AnyMP4 Screen Recorder by following our detailed guide below:

1.Download AnyMP4 Screen Recorder and follow the instructions in its installation wizard.

2.Select the Video Recorder mode in its main interface. Open the Shotcut Video Editor window and then set the part of the screen that will be recorded by the tool. Click the REC button to start the screen recording.

3.After the recording process, the software will proceed to the recording editor window, where you can adjust the duration of the video by setting its start and ending or by adding more editing options using the Advanced Trimmer. Once satisfied with the result, click on Done to save the originally recorded MLT project into MP4.

Using this alternative, the long exporting process that your MLT project will go through can be bypassed with the help of the high-performance screen recording capabilities of AnyMP4 Screen Recorder. Additionally, the steps to record your screen are easy to follow, making it more convenient than using the original export process of Shotcut.

Lastly, the multiple recording modes available in the software can all be used practically in different situations. This makes AnyMP4 Screen Recorder one of the most cost-efficient software in the market on top of being a good tool to learn how to export Shotcut to MP4.

Conclusion

Now that we have discussed the two options for converting MLT to MP4, converting your video projects in Shotcut into a more easily watchable video format is now easier to do. Moreover, the screen recording modes of AnyMP4 Screen Recorder are also a viable option.