FFmpeg Command Options Explained Clearly

FFmpeg Command Options Explained Clearly | Generated by AI

Home 2026.02

Here’s a comprehensive introduction to FFmpeg command options, structured to help you understand and use this powerful tool effectively:

1. What is FFmpeg?

FFmpeg is a free, open-source, command-line toolkit for processing video, audio, and other multimedia files and streams. It supports a vast array of codecs, formats, and protocols, making it the go-to solution for media manipulation tasks.

2. Basic Command Structure

The general syntax for FFmpeg commands is:

ffmpeg [global_options] [input_file_options] -i input_file [output_file_options] output_file

Order matters: Options are typically applied to the next specified file. You can repeat options for different inputs/outputs.
Global options (e.g., -y to overwrite output files) apply to the entire command.

3. Key Command Options

Input/Output Options

-i input_file: Specify the input file.
-f fmt: Force input or output file format (e.g., -f mp4).
-y: Overwrite output files without asking.
-n: Never overwrite output files.

Stream Selection

-map: Select which streams (video, audio, subtitles) to include in the output.
-vn: Disable video.
-an: Disable audio.
-sn: Disable subtitles.

Encoding/Decoding

-c[:stream_specifier] codec: Set the codec for a stream (e.g., -c:v libx264 for H.264 video).
-c copy: Stream copy (no re-encoding, preserves quality and speeds up processing).
-b:v bitrate: Set video bitrate (e.g., -b:v 1M for 1 Mbps).
-r fps: Set frame rate (e.g., -r 30 for 30 fps).

Filtering

-vf filtergraph: Apply video filters (e.g., -vf "scale=640:480" to resize).
-af filtergraph: Apply audio filters (e.g., -af "volume=2" to double audio volume).

Trimming and Cutting

-ss position: Seek to a specific time (e.g., -ss 00:01:30).
-t duration: Record or transcode for a specific duration (e.g., -t 10 for 10 seconds).
-to position: Stop at a specific time.

Metadata and Miscellaneous

-metadata key=value: Set metadata (e.g., -metadata title="My Video").
-preset: Adjust encoding speed/compression tradeoff (e.g., -preset fast).

4. Examples

Convert video format:

ffmpeg -i input.avi -c:v libx264 -c:a aac output.mp4

Extract audio:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vn -c:a copy output.aac

Resize video:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "scale=1280:720" output.mp4

Trim video:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss 00:01:30 -t 10 -c copy output.mp4

5. Advanced Features

Complex filtergraphs: Chain multiple filters for advanced effects.
Streaming: Use FFmpeg to stream to platforms like YouTube or RTMP servers.
Batch processing: Script FFmpeg commands for automation.

6. Resources for Further Learning

Official FFmpeg Documentation: The most authoritative and up-to-date reference.
FFmpeg Cheat Sheet: Quick reference for common commands.
Detailed Explanation of Common FFmpeg Commands: In-depth guide with examples.

Tip: Always check the official documentation for the latest options and features, as FFmpeg is continuously updated.

Would you like a deeper dive into a specific aspect of FFmpeg, such as filtering, streaming, or batch processing?

Back Donate