Fundamentals
6 articles
FFmpeg Batch Convert Multiple Files — Shell Script, GNU Parallel, and Error Handling
Automate FFmpeg batch conversions: for loops, skip-already-converted logic, separate output directories, GNU parallel for multi-core processing, xargs, structured error handling with logs, Windows batch files, five error fixes, and five FAQ answers.
FFmpeg Command Basic Syntax — Input, Filter, and Output Order
Master FFmpeg command syntax: global options, -i input, -c:v/-c:a stream selection, automatic format detection, and how to avoid common ordering mistakes.
FFmpeg Installation Guide for Windows / macOS / Linux
Install FFmpeg on Windows, macOS, and Linux: gyan.dev builds, Homebrew, apt/dnf. Configure PATH and verify with ffmpeg -version. Official sources only — get started in minutes.
The Difference and Role of ffmpeg / ffprobe / ffplay
Understand the three FFmpeg CLI tools: ffprobe for media inspection, ffmpeg for conversion and encoding, ffplay for playback and testing. When to use each.
Inspecting Metadata and Stream Information with ffprobe
Inspect video/audio metadata with ffprobe: codecs, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and stream info. Covers JSON output and combining with jq for scripting.
What Is FFmpeg? Free Tool for Video Conversion, Compression, and More — Explained
Beginner's guide to FFmpeg: what it does, codec vs container differences, video conversion, compression, audio extraction, GIF creation, subtitle burning, the ffmpeg/ffprobe/ffplay tools, libav* libraries, and five FAQ answers.