Palmier

Overview

Palmier is a video editor built from the ground up for AI workflows. Instead of bouncing between generation tools and editing software, you generate video, images, audio, and music directly inside the timeline using models like Seedance and Kling. AI agents from Claude, Codex, or Cursor can operate the editor through a built-in MCP server, trimming clips, reordering scenes, and generating new footage. The storyboard-first approach lets you plan your entire video visually before generating anything, with style-locking controls that keep characters and color palettes consistent across scenes. The editor is open source and free. You only pay for AI generation credits.

Key Features

In-Timeline AI Generation: Generate video clips, images, sound effects, voiceovers, and music using models like Seedance, Kling, and Nano Banana Pro without leaving the editor.
MCP Server for AI Agents: A built-in Model Context Protocol server lets Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Codex read your project and make edits directly on the timeline.
Prompt Traceability: Double-click any AI-generated clip to view its original prompt, reference frames, and generation history.
Multi-Track Timeline Editor: A full non-linear editor built with Swift and AVFoundation, supporting trimming, splitting, speed adjustments, and multi-track composition.
Pro Export Options: Export finished cuts in MP4 (H.264, H.265, ProRes) and NLE XML for Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
Open Source Editor: The editor and MCP server are open source under GPLv3. No account needed for editing and exporting.

Pros

All-in-One AI Video Workflow: Generate and edit in the same project, eliminating the constant export-import loop between generation tools and editors.
AI Agent Integration: Let Claude, Codex, or Cursor automate repetitive editing tasks like finding key moments, organizing files, and creating first-draft cuts.
Free and Open Source Editor: The core video editor requires no account or payment. You only pay credits when using AI generation features.
Native macOS Performance: Built from scratch in Swift with AVFoundation, delivering fast playback and smooth editing on Apple Silicon.
Prompt Traceability: Every AI-generated clip keeps its prompt, model, and reference data, making it easy to review or regenerate results consistently.

Cons

macOS 26 Only: Requires macOS 26 (Tahoe) on Apple Silicon. No Windows, Linux, or older Mac support, which excludes a large portion of potential users.
Not a Full Premiere Pro Replacement: Lacks the depth of effects, plugins, and resources available in established professional editors. Better suited as a specialized AI video tool.
AI Generation Costs Add Up: The editor is free, but AI generation uses credits. Heavy generation users (Pro at $29/mo for 5,000 credits, Max at $69/mo for 12,000 credits) may find costs accumulate quickly.
Limited Community and Ecosystem: As a newly launched product, it lacks the plugin ecosystem, tutorials, and community resources that mature editors offer.

Use Cases

AI Product Launch Videos: Create polished cinematic videos for product launches without hiring a video production team. Palmier was used to produce 15+ launch videos for YC companies, demonstrating its ability to handle professional marketing content from storyboard to final cut.
YouTube and Social Media Content Creation: Plan your video in the storyboard editor, generate AI b-roll and sound effects, and edit everything on one timeline. The style consistency controls keep your brand look uniform across all generated scenes.
Rapid Prototyping for Video Concepts: Quickly storyboard and generate draft footage to test video concepts before investing in full production. The storyboard-first approach lets you iterate on narrative structure without wasting generation credits.
AI-Assisted Editing Workflows: Connect Claude or Cursor via MCP to automate grunt work like organizing footage, creating rough cuts from long recordings, adding captions, and managing files, freeing you to focus on creative decisions.
Educational and Explainer Videos: Build structured visual narratives using the storyboard editor, generate consistent characters and scenes, and export professional-quality videos for courses, tutorials, or presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palmier?

Palmier is an open-source macOS video editor built for AI workflows. It combines a full multi-track timeline editor with built-in AI generation, so you can create video, images, and audio directly inside your project. AI agents like Claude and Codex can also operate the editor through a built-in MCP server.

Is Palmier free to use?

The video editor itself is completely free and open source under GPLv3. No account is required for editing and exporting. You only pay for credits when you use AI generation features like creating video clips, images, or audio. Pro starts at $29/month with 5,000 credits, and Max is $69/month with 12,000 credits.

What platforms does Palmier support?

Palmier currently runs only on macOS 26 (Tahoe) or later on Apple Silicon Macs. There is no Windows or Linux version available at this time.

What AI models does Palmier use for generation?

Palmier integrates multiple AI generation models including Seedance, Kling, and Nano Banana Pro for video and image generation. You can generate footage, b-roll, sound effects, voiceovers, and music directly on the timeline.

How does the MCP integration work?

Palmier runs a local MCP server when the app is open. You can connect Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Codex to it with a one-click install from the app's Help menu. Once connected, AI agents can read your project, generate content, trim and reorder clips, and make edits on the timeline.

Can Palmier replace Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve?

Palmier includes core editing features like multi-track timelines, trimming, and speed adjustments, but it does not yet match the full feature depth of established professional editors. It works best as a specialized tool for AI-driven video creation and can export NLE XML for finishing in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.

What export formats does Palmier support?

You can export finished videos in MP4 (H.264, H.265, ProRes) and NLE XML format compatible with Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.