FAQ
Direct answers about ShrinkCut on Windows — encoding, sharing limits, and licensing.
Does ShrinkCut work offline?
Yes for conversion. Compress, split, and join run locally with FFmpeg on your PC — videos are not uploaded to a cloud encoder. License activation and periodic validation use shrinkcut.uk; after a successful online check you keep a 14-day offline grace window.
Is ShrinkCut a subscription?
No. ShrinkCut is a one-time GBP purchase for a Windows desktop license covering the current major version line (for example all 1.x updates). Encoding is not metered as a cloud subscription.
Do I pay again for every update?
No. Updates within the same major version (1.0 → 1.1 → 1.x) are included. You only need a new license when ShrinkCut moves to a new major version (for example 1.x → 2.x). Existing customers get a discount on that upgrade — see pricing.
Is it Windows only?
Yes. ShrinkCut is a Windows desktop app. macOS and Linux are not supported as primary platforms.
Do I need a GPU?
No. ShrinkCut can encode on the CPU. If your PC has supported hardware (NVENC, QSV, or AMF HEVC), Auto/GPU modes can use it for faster encodes and fall back to CPU if GPU encode fails.
Will H.265 / HEVC play everywhere?
Not always. H.265 usually makes smaller files than H.264 at similar quality, but some phones and players prefer H.264. Use H.265 when recipients support it; choose H.264 for the widest compatibility.
How do I hit WhatsApp size limits?
Use the WhatsApp / messaging preset (about a 16MB target at 720p), or set a custom max file size in MB. ShrinkCut estimates bitrate from the video duration so the output aims under your limit.
Fast split vs accurate split — what’s the difference?
Fast uses stream copy (quick; cut points land near keyframes). Accurate re-encodes for frame-accurate cuts. Use fast for rough parts; use accurate when cut timing must be exact.
Is ShrinkCut a full video editor?
No. It is not a multi-track editor and does not do AI upscaling or cloud rendering. It focuses on compress/convert, split, and join for sharing workflows.
How does the trial and activation work?
New installs get 3 jobs (compress, split, or join). Then activate in the app with the email and license key from shrinkcut.uk. Your license covers the current major version; minor and patch updates stay free.
What if I need a refund?
See the refunds policy on shrinkcut.uk/refunds. Approved refunds revoke the license key.