How to apply filters in specific frames only in VirtualDub2

[spapakons]

Hello!

The default of a video filter in VirtualDub2 is to apply for the whole video (from first to last frame). However, not all scenes need always the same filter. One workaround it to render each section as a separate AVI file with the appropriate filters and then merge them. Not really convenient. Thankfully I recently found out how to apply filters on specific frame range only and I want to share to save others Googling without relevant results.

One major drawback is that the range applies to the whole file, even if you remove some sections. This in plain English means that you first must define the desired frame range for the filter and then cut out the undesired scenes. To do it, you find go to Video -> Filters and insert the desired filter as usual. You then configure it exactly the way you want it. Then you find out exactly which is the first frame and the last frame of the range you want it to apply. In the Filters window click on the Blending button. Unless you want the filter applied on a specific rectangular area of the image, leave top-bottom-left-right values to 0 (no crop, so apply on the whole frame). Then check the box "Apply Timeline range" and type the Start frame (first of the range) and the End frame (last of the range) numbers. I remind you these are absolute frame numbers. That means, if you have cropped 1000 frames, say, before the start of the movie and you want the filter applied from frame 12500 to 22600 (for example), the correct values are 13500 and 23600. That's why I recommended to first apply the desired filters and then remove unwanted scenes, so it is easier to set the correct frame range.

Do a small test and you can confirm that the filter is only applied to the specific range and not before or after it. So you can brighten a dark scene only without affecting the whole movie. You can correct the colors on the desired scene, not in the whole movie.

[manono]

This is easier in AviSynth. Anyone serious about video editing had best learn how to use AviSynth.

One reason (of many) is if you trim earlier, you already know the correct frame range to apply the filter and don't have to adjust any frame numbers.

[spapakons]

This is easier in AviSynth. Anyone serious about video editing had best learn how to use AviSynth.

One reason (of many) is if you trim earlier, you already know the correct frame range to apply the filter and don't have to adjust any frame numbers.

It is easier if you want to mess with commands. Me like many other PC users prefer to use a GUI application which is much easier than memorizing commands. I did that in the 80's and early '90s when the only option available was to use MS-DOS. My humble 8088 system back then would not run Windows 3.1. It could run Windows 3.0 in real mode, but by the time I found out I had already replaced it with my Pentium I system running Windows 95. Since Windows 95 I always prefer a GUI solution when available, not fond of typing lengthy and prone to errors commands. That's one of the reasons I hate Linux. I hate using the Terminal for very simple tasks. An average PC user should never need the Terminal. He should use it only if he really wants to experiment with it, not for everyday simple tasks.

[lollo]

How to apply filters in specific frames only in VirtualDub2

Almost useless. The filters available in VirtualDub are limited and poor (except ColorMill).

That's one of the reasons I hate Linux.

Which explains a lot of your aptitude. Do you know that CADs for Electronic Engineering (ie designing ICs) only runs on Linux (just as example)?

An average PC user should never need the Terminal. He should use it only if he really wants to experiment with it, not for everyday simple tasks.

Complete non-sense. It is just your preference, not a rule.

[spapakons]

Just because you have no problem typing commands, that's not what the average user likes. As you said, "It is just your preference, not a rule". Most Windows users don't even know how to open a Command Prompt. Telling them to use CLI tools they will just freak out and Google for a GUI alternative. We are in 2025 for Goodness sake! Not in the 80's. I use CLI as a LAST resort, not for everything.

[lollo]

We are in 2025 for Goodness sake! Not in the 80's. I use CLI as a LAST resort, not for everything.

Complete non-sense.

Usage of command line has nothing to do with the year. If you do not like it just do not use it, but avoid to say that GUI is better, because it is not in general.

Here in the VideoHelp forums you can find many many many examples of useless GUIs usage being much less efficient tha CLIs, and yes, this is true despite being in 2025, close to 2026!

[ctsdh0]

update : sorry, i just read you already know this ;[
After adding filter - > "Blending..." and you will see "Apply timeline range" then you could choose specific ranger to be filtered.

[Attachment 90204 - Click to enlarge]

[hech54]

I have this video bookmarked. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MWoVY9mYbk