AVE is a local-first AI video editor for Mac with a real timeline, reviewable edit plans, and local export for creators, marketers, editors, and teams.

AVE

Local-first AI video editing for Mac

AVE is a local-first AI video editor for Mac built around a real non-linear timeline. It is designed to help editors and teams go from raw footage to a finished cut while keeping project files, media, analysis, and exports on the local machine by default.

The product combines Ask and Plan modes with reviewable edit plans, so AI can search footage, propose multi-step edits, and execute supported timeline actions only after approval. The app also supports local export, Apple Silicon Macs, and a controlled MCP bridge for Codex CLI or Claude Code.

What AVE can do

Real timeline edits

AVE supports supported AI-driven timeline actions such as trim, split, ripple, move, duplicate, delete, retime, close gaps, add transitions, add captions, adjust volume, and apply motion on an editable timeline.

Footage-aware planning

Plans can use imported assets, transcripts, visual notes, clip metadata, and current timeline context, which helps keep suggestions grounded in the project instead of in a generic prompt.

Multi-format editing

Create deliverables in 16:9, 4:5, 1:1, 9:16, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Shorts, YouTube, websites, and custom formats.

Graphics and polish

Use titles, lower thirds, shapes, brand-aware styling, camera presets, color correction, opacity, masking, and motion actions when the edit needs finishing.

Local-first by default

Project files, imported media, local analysis, timeline execution, and exports stay on the Mac by default, with encrypted storage for BYO provider keys in the desktop app.

Ask, Plan, and local assistant workflows

AVE supports Ask mode for questions and smaller edits, Plan mode for approval-gated edit plans, and local assistant connections for Codex CLI or Claude Code through AVE MCP.

Where AVE fits

  • Short-form clips from long footage

    Turn podcasts, launch footage, interviews, and event recordings into vertical clips without manually hunting every usable moment. The site’s example request emphasizes finding a 30-second segment, keeping the punchline intact, removing dead air, and adding captions.

  • Launch videos and campaign variants

    Build launch cuts, ads, founder clips, feature explainers, and social variants from one footage pool while keeping timeline control. AVE is positioned for teams that need website, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Shorts versions from the same source material.

  • YouTube, podcast, and interview editing

    Use transcript search, visual search, and plan previews to tighten episodes, highlights, and promotional clips from talking-head footage. This fits YouTube, podcast, and interview editing where finding the right section is often the hardest part.

  • Private client and internal video work

    Edit sensitive footage on your Mac by default, then choose whether to connect external assistants, APIs, or generation providers. This use case is aimed at agencies, consultants, and internal teams working with private projects.

  • Generated footage assembly

    Import generated clips, search the assets, assemble a sequence, and leave the edit ready for manual polish. AVE serves as the editing layer around generated footage rather than replacing the editor’s final pass.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Real timeline editing is supported, rather than only prompt-based generation.
  • Ask and Plan modes let you review multi-step edits before they touch the timeline.
  • Local-first workflow keeps projects, media, analysis, and exports on the Mac by default.
  • The app includes footage search, visual search, transcript-aware planning, and multi-format output options.
  • AVE MCP extends the workflow to Codex CLI and Claude Code through a local authenticated bridge.

Cons

  • Pricing details are limited on the site beyond a $79 lifetime Pro offer mentioned in the FAQ.
  • The published feature set is focused on Mac and Apple Silicon, so it is not a cross-platform editor.

FAQ

What is AVE?

AVE is a local-first AI video editor for Mac. It combines a non-linear timeline with Ask and Plan modes, so you can search, review, and approve edits before they are applied to the timeline.

Is AVE available to download?

Yes. The site says AVE 1.0.21 is available for Apple Silicon Macs, and the current download is a DMG that you install by dragging AVE into Applications.

What Mac does AVE support?

AVE requires macOS 14.0 or later and Apple Silicon, M1 or later.

Does AVE actually edit the timeline?

AVE performs real timeline edits. Supported actions include trimming, cutting, moving, splitting, transitions, captions, search, rough cuts, sequence creation, and export preparation.

Can Codex CLI or Claude Code work with AVE?

Yes. AVE MCP connects local Codex CLI or Claude Code installations to a controlled set of AVE project, search, edit, review, and export tools through a local authenticated bridge.

Quick Facts

Category
Video Editing
Platform
macOS 14.0+; Apple Silicon M1 or later
Primary users
Creators, marketers, editors, and Mac teams
Workflow
Ask, Plan, review, edit on timeline, export locally
Source domain
aivideoeditor.app
Integration note
AVE MCP supports Codex CLI and Claude Code