---
title: Lightworks History & Events – Timeline, Milestones & Industry Presence | Lightworks
description: Lightworks history, releases, and events. Explore key milestones, feature updates, and community moments behind the LWKS video editor
---

[**New Release.. New Features…** Get Lightworks for FREE today and start your journey!

](https://lwks.com/)

# History and Events.

Here we can explain about the new flow to be transparent and talk accessibility so it's clear to visitors what to expect.

1990

### The Year Lightworks was born.

Lightworks, a pioneering non-linear editing (NLE) system, was founded in 1989 in Sheffield, England, with its first product developed and demonstrated in 1990. While sales of the initial Lightworks product commenced in early 1991, the system made its debut appearance in 1990.

![history-placeholder-v3](https://26135965.hs-sites-eu1.com/hubfs/2026%20Lightworks%20Site/history-placeholder-v3.png)

1994

### Hollywood adoption begins.

Lightworks gained major industry recognition when it was used to edit high-profile films such as Pulp Fiction. Its intuitive, film-inspired workflow made it a powerful tool for professional editors, helping establish its reputation within Hollywood.

![film-list](https://26135965.hs-sites-eu1.com/hubfs/2026%20Lightworks%20Site/film-list.png)

2009

### Editshare acquisition.

EditShare acquired Lightworks, marking the beginning of its modern era. The focus shifted toward revitalising the platform and expanding its accessibility to a wider audience.

![editshare](https://26135965.hs-sites-eu1.com/hubfs/2026%20Lightworks%20Site/editshare.png)

2010

### Open source announcement.

At NAB Show, EditShare announced plans to make Lightworks open source. The move aimed to position it as the first professional-grade NLE with an open development model, generating significant industry attention.

![history-placeholder-v3](https://26135965.hs-sites-eu1.com/hubfs/2026%20Lightworks%20Site/history-placeholder-v3.png)

2020

### Transition to Lightworks Software Limited.

Lightworks was acquired by LWKS Software Ltd, led by James Richings. This marked a renewed focus on developing and evolving the platform under a dedicated, independent team.

![history-placeholder-v3](https://26135965.hs-sites-eu1.com/hubfs/2026%20Lightworks%20Site/history-placeholder-v3.png)

Present

### Lightworks Today.

Lightworks continues as a cross-platform NLE with free and professional tiers, supporting a global community of creators. Its focus remains on combining professional editing tools with accessible workflows.

![history-placeholder-v3](https://26135965.hs-sites-eu1.com/hubfs/2026%20Lightworks%20Site/history-placeholder-v3.png)

1990

1994

2009

2010

2020

Present

## Powerful Tools, for Every Creator.

Every Creator covers beginners, hobbyists, and professionals.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

 

 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

## Section header.

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![film-list](https://26135965.hs-sites-eu1.com/hubfs/2026%20Lightworks%20Site/film-list.png)

### Card event title.

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[Read More >](https://www.lwks.com)

![history-placeholder-v3](https://26135965.hs-sites-eu1.com/hubfs/2026%20Lightworks%20Site/history-placeholder-v3.png)

### Card event title.

 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

![destiny-light](https://26135965.hs-sites-eu1.com/hubfs/2026%20Lightworks%20Site/destiny-light.jpg)

### Card event title.

 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

![Edit Layout v2025.2](https://26135965.hs-sites-eu1.com/hubfs/2026%20Lightworks%20Site/Edit%20Layout%20v2025.2.png)

### Card event title.

 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

![placeholder-blogpost](https://26135965.hs-sites-eu1.com/hubfs/2026%20Lightworks%20Site/placeholder-blogpost.png)

### Card event title.

 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

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