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Workspace Layouts

Kdenlive lets you save and switch between named workspace layouts. Use different layouts for different editing phases — they dramatically speed up your workflow.

Core Idea

Different editing tasks need different panel arrangements. Import needs a big Project Bin. Cutting needs a wide timeline. Color grading needs the Effect Stack. Audio mixing needs the Audio Mixer. Save one layout per task and switch between them instantly.

Built-In Layouts​

Kdenlive ships with several preset layouts:

Menu → View → Layout
  → Editing      (default, balanced)
  → Effects      (larger effect panels)
  → Audio        (larger audio mixer)
  → Logging      (larger monitors for reviewing footage)

Switch layouts: Menu → View → Layout → [name]
Tip: Assign keyboard shortcuts to each layout via Ctrl+Alt+, → search "layout"

Layout 1: Import & Review​

Use when: Importing raw screen recordings, reviewing footage

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Menu Bar                                    │
├──────────────────┬──────────────────────────┤
│                  │                          │
│  Project Bin     │    Clip Monitor          │
│  (full height)   │    (large)               │
│                  │                          │
├──────────────────┴──────────────────────────┤
│               Timeline (narrow)             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Save as: "01 Import"

Layout 2: Cut & Assemble​

Use when: Cutting, trimming, assembling the screencast

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Menu Bar            Timeline Toolbar        │
├──────────────┬──────────────────────────────┤
│ Project Bin  │ Clip Monitor │ Project Monitor│
│ (narrow)     │              │               │
├──────────────┴──────────────────────────────┤
│                                             │
│          Timeline (tall, full width)        │
│                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Save as: "02 Cut"

Layout 3: Effects & Color​

Use when: Applying effects, color correction, keyframing

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Menu Bar                                    │
├──────────────┬──────────────┬───────────────┤
│ Project Bin  │ Proj Monitor │ Effect Stack  │
│ (narrow)     │              │ (large)       │
├──────────────┴──────────────┴───────────────┤
│          Timeline                           │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Save as: "03 Effects"

Layout 4: Audio Mix​

Use when: Balancing audio levels, adding music, normalizing

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Menu Bar                                    │
├──────────────┬──────────────────────────────┤
│ Project Bin  │      Project Monitor         │
│ (narrow)     │                              │
├──────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ Audio Mixer  │          Timeline            │
│ (left)       │                              │
└──────────────┴──────────────────────────────┘

Save as: "04 Audio"

Saving a Custom Layout​

1. Arrange panels as desired (drag, resize, detach)
2. Menu → View → Layout → Save Current Layout…
3. Enter a name (e.g., "02 Cut")
4. Click OK

To restore: Menu → View → Layout → [your name]
To delete:  Menu → View → Layout → Manage Layouts…

Assigning Layout Keyboard Shortcuts​

1. Ctrl+Alt+,  (Configure Keyboard Shortcuts)
2. Search: "layout"
3. Find: "Load Layout 1", "Load Layout 2", etc.
4. Assign: Ctrl+F1, Ctrl+F2, Ctrl+F3, Ctrl+F4

Then:
  Ctrl+F1   → Import layout
  Ctrl+F2   → Cut layout
  Ctrl+F3   → Effects layout
  Ctrl+F4   → Audio layout
tip

This is one of the highest-leverage investments you can make. A single keypress to switch editing context is faster than any menu navigation.

Panel Management​

Moving Panels​

Drag the panel tab header → float the panel (detach from dock)
Drag floating panel back → dock it in a new position

Resizing Panels​

Drag the splitter between panels → resize
All panels resize simultaneously

Hiding / Showing Panels​

Menu → View → (panel name)  → toggle

Undocking to Second Monitor​

If you have a dual-monitor setup:

1. Drag Clip Monitor or Project Monitor to second screen
2. Place them separately for wider view
3. Work in the main monitor with timeline + bins
4. Save as a custom dual-monitor layout

Customizing Toolbars​

Right-click any toolbar → "Configure Toolbars…"
→ Add/remove buttons
→ Reorder buttons
→ Add separator
→ OK to apply

For screencasters, the Timeline Toolbar should prominently show:

  • Selection Tool (S)
  • Razor Tool (X)
  • Spacer Tool (M)
  • Mix Clips button
  • Preview Render controls

Hands-On Practice​

1. Open Kdenlive with a project that has clips on the timeline

2. Create "Cut" layout:
   → Maximize the timeline height (drag its top border up)
   → Narrow the Project Bin
   → Show both monitors side by side
   → Menu → View → Layout → Save → name "02 Cut"

3. Switch back to default:
   → Menu → View → Layout → Editing

4. Assign shortcuts:
   → Ctrl+Alt+, → search "Load Layout"
   → Set Ctrl+F1 → Layout 1
   → Set Ctrl+F2 → Layout 2

5. Press Ctrl+F1 → F2 → note instant layout switch

What's Next​