Detailed Introduction
ButterCut is an open-source toolchain for automating video editing workflows. It pairs a Ruby library with Claude Code skills to extract frames, transcribe audio via WhisperX, and generate visual transcripts and YAML-format roughcuts. The system builds editorial suggestions from transcripts and visual analysis, then exports FCPXML or xmeml files that can be imported into Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere to speed up editing.
Main Features
- Claude Code-driven footage analysis and narrative generation with interactive preference prompts.
- WhisperX integration for word-level transcription with precise timestamps.
- Ruby library for assembling selected clips and exporting editor-compatible XML (FCPXML / xmeml).
- Library management and batch processing for indexing and reusing large media collections.
Use Cases
- Rapid rough-cut generation for documentary and event editing projects.
- Workflow automation and media indexing for editorial teams.
- Prototyping video semantic analysis in educational and research settings.
Technical Features
- Runtime dependencies include FFmpeg, WhisperX, Ruby 3.3, and Python 3.12.
- Roughcuts are stored as YAML for easy review, parametrization, and re-editing.
- Outputs are compatible with Final Cut Pro X, FCP7, and Adobe Premiere XML formats.
- Extensible Claude Code skills and parallel processing support large-scale media workflows.