How to Customize Workspace Layout in Kdenlive

Kdenlive offers a highly flexible interface that allows editors to tailor their video editing environment to their specific workflow needs. This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough on how to rearrange, resize, add, or remove interface panels, and how to save your custom workspace layouts for quick access.

Moving and Docking Panels

Every major section in Kdenlive (such as the Project Bin, Properties, Effects, and Monitors) is a widget that can be moved.

  1. Click and Hold: Left-click and hold the title bar or the tab of the panel you want to move.
  2. Drag the Panel: Drag the panel toward the area of the screen where you want to place it.
  3. Drop into Position: As you drag, blue highlighted zones will appear, indicating where the panel can be docked. Drop the panel onto one of these zones to snap it into place. You can dock panels side-by-side, stack them above each other, or group them as tabs in a single window.

Resizing Panels

To adjust the size of your panels to see more of your timeline or preview monitor:

  1. Hover your mouse cursor over the border between any two panels.
  2. The cursor will change into a double-headed arrow.
  3. Click and drag the border to resize the panels to your preferred dimensions.

Undocking Panels (Floating Windows)

If you use multiple monitors, you can undock panels to let them float freely.

  1. Double-click the title bar of the panel you want to separate, or click the small Undock icon (two overlapping squares) in the top-right corner of the panel.
  2. Drag the now-floating window to any location, including a second monitor.
  3. To redock the panel, drag it back into the main Kdenlive window until a blue docking zone appears, then release.

Adding and Removing Interface Elements

If you accidentally close a panel or want to add a new tool to your workspace:

  1. Go to the top menu bar and click on View.
  2. A dropdown list of all available widgets (such as Audio Mixer, Speech to Text, or Subtitles) will appear.
  3. Click on any item to check it (which displays the panel) or uncheck it (which hides the panel).

Saving and Managing Custom Layouts

Once you have arranged the workspace to your liking, you should save it so you do not lose your configuration.

  1. Go to View > Save Layout As…
  2. Enter a name for your custom layout in the prompt.
  3. Click OK.

To switch between your saved layouts, you can use the layout selection buttons in the top-right corner of the Kdenlive window, or go to View > Load Layout and select your saved workspace. If you ever need to return to the original look, you can select one of the default layouts (like Editing, Color, or Audio) from the same menu.