FFmpeg¶
FFmpeg is an open-source tool for converting and encoding video. In the lab we mostly use it to turn image sequences exported from a simulation (for example, one PNG per time step from STAR-CCM+) into MP4 videos and GIFs for presentations and papers.
Guides¶
| Guide | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Building FFmpeg on Vega | Compiling FFmpeg with H.264 support into your home directory, for when Vega's installed FFmpeg can't write .mp4 files |
| Image Sequences to Video | Using the lab's scripts to turn a folder of PNG frames into an MP4 and a GIF |
Scripts¶
| Script | What it does |
|---|---|
generate_video_ffmpeg.py |
Converts a folder of PNG frames into an H.264 MP4 |
mp4_to_gif_converter.py |
Converts an MP4 into an optimized GIF |
animate.sh |
Runs both scripts in a row: PNG frames in, MP4 and GIF out |
The scripts work anywhere FFmpeg is installed with H.264 support, including your own computer. On Vega, check Building FFmpeg on Vega first.