Kdenlive import issues

Troubleshoot problems importing TakeCript projects into Kdenlive

Last updated: 2026-03-10

Kdenlive import issues

If you are having trouble opening your TakeCript export in Kdenlive, follow these steps.

Requirements

Kdenlive 24.x or later. Earlier versions may not correctly read the MLT XML format generated by TakeCript.
The exported ZIP must be extracted first -- do not try to open the .mlt file directly from inside the ZIP.

Common problems

Missing media files

If Kdenlive opens the project but shows missing clips, the media files are not where the project file expects them.

Extract the full ZIP to a single folder. The project file and the media folder must stay in the same directory.

Open the .mlt file from that folder. Do not move the .mlt file to a different location without also moving the media folder.

If clips are still missing, use Kdenlive's Clip Properties > Relocate feature to point each clip to the correct file in the media folder.

Project file does not open

Make sure you are opening the .mlt file, not another file from the ZIP.
Verify your Kdenlive version is 24.x or later. Go to Help > About Kdenlive to check.
Try opening via File > Open instead of double-clicking the file.

Timeline looks empty

This can happen if Kdenlive could not find any of the media files. Follow the "Missing media files" steps above to relink your clips.

If you continue to have issues, try creating a fresh Kdenlive project, importing the media files manually, and using TakeCript's README (included in the ZIP) as a reference for the intended timeline structure.

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