clever FFmpeg-GUI, small FFmpeg UI, fully portable, no installation.

[Findu]

@ ProWo

You have PM

[ProWo]

@ ProWo

You have PM

Thx.

[videoAI]

@ProWo
v3.4.7.12

Although 'Clever' includes '-dn' (no data streams) during export, this parameter
does not remove a time code (TMCD) data stream.

I need 'Clever' to have the ability to properly remove TMCD; that's all.
It is as simple as adding '-write_tmcd 0' to your ffmpeg cmd.
Is that too much to ask?

post 2786330
Batch Remove tmcd stream

I will not make these changes.

To know why this is extremely important, please read on ...

| Stream Type | Code | Description |
|------------|------|-------------|
| Video | 'v' or 'V' | Video streams. 'v' matches all video streams,
while 'V' only matches video streams that are not attached pictures, thumbnails, or cover arts|
| Audio | 'a' | Audio streams. Includes all types of audio tracks in the media file|
| Subtitle | 's' | Subtitle streams. Contains text-based subtitle tracks|
| Data | 'd' | Data streams. Can include various types of non-media data embedded in the file|
| Attachments | 't' | Attachment streams. Used for embedded files like fonts, images, or
other supplementary content|

TMCD (Timecode) is a specialized Data stream type that carries timing metadata for video files,
primarily used in professional video production and editing workflows.

Characteristics
---------------

| Attribute | Description |
|-----------|-------------|
| Stream Type | Data stream ('d') |
| Codec | 'tmcd' (timecode) |
| Purpose | Stores precise frame-level timing information |
| Common Containers | QuickTime (.mov), professional video formats |

Usage
------
A timecode stream provides frame-accurate timing information that helps synchronize video
frames, in professional video editing and production environments.

It contains:
- Starting timecode
- Frame rate
- Frame count
- Precise temporal references

Typical Use Cases
- Professional video editing
- Broadcast and film production
- Maintaining frame-level synchronization
- Precise video navigation and editing

Issues
-------
Some applications (ex: mobile platforms) have compatibility problems with files containing TMCD streams.

Detection
----------
When inspecting a file with a timecode stream, you'll see an entry like:

Stream 0:2(und): Data: none (tmcd / 0x64636D74), 0 kb/s (default)

Removal
---------
You can remove a TMCD stream using FFmpeg:

ffmpeg -i input.mov -c:a copy -c:v copy -write_tmcd 0 output.mov

[ProWo]

I need 'Clever' to have the ability to properly remove TMCD; that's all.
It is as simple as adding '-write_tmcd 0' to your ffmpeg cmd.
Is that too much to ask?

Will add it to the multiplex commandlines.

[videoAI]

Thank you ..

Note: I am hoping you will add it to both multiplex commands lines (reg, simple),
simple allows batch jobs.

As always keep up the great work, much appreciated.
and don't stress yourself too much.

I need 'Clever' to have the ability to properly remove TMCD; that's all.
It is as simple as adding '-write_tmcd 0' to your ffmpeg cmd.

Will add it to the multiplex command lines.

[Findu]

@ ProWo

v3.4.7.13 feedback

All lossless crop "preview" issues have been fixed.

The numerous recent changes to the GUI are as expected. Thank you very much.

But I noticed that at Batch tasks, you use two times the word files instead of tasks "To reorder the file,... Swap files."

Extract streams page:
The None/All button need to fit in size of the other grid pages.
And perhaps add some centered text below the grid: "Only selected streams will be extracted."
Minor text change in the Video extraction pop-up window: "Should the video stream be saved in a container or as a raw stream?"

Tooltip of Multiplex, Chapters:
A space is missing between the words "activate,deactivate"

[Findu]

@ ProWo

v3.4.7.13 feedback

You can not use "To batch" at the Convert subtitle stream page any longer, cause of the new zero byte file check.


[Attachment 89853 - Click to enlarge]

When you cut, it could happen that a sub stream does not have any content any longer. Could such empty streams cause problems at later usage?

Could the "Convert to" selection store its setting?
As I remember, we had that in the past.

[sam12345]

@ProWo

Please fix the bug in 3.4.7.13,On muxing .mp4 to mkv with subs in clever.. the output mkv contains two lines subs (small and big .srt) but when muxing with mkvtool nix gui it's perfect with sub .srt all in big which is genuine.

Test > Fast10_Sample

Files attached herewith > https://limewire.com/d/JxJwb#2sUrDZ5q5e

[ProWo]

On muxing .mp4 to mkv with subs in clever.. the output mkv contains two lines subs (small and big .srt) but when muxing with mkvtool nix gui it's perfect with sub .srt all in big which is genuine.

Where can you see:
1) two lines subs (small and big .srt)
2) with sub .srt all in big
Who says that's genuine?

[ProWo]

You can not use "To batch" at the Convert subtitle stream page any longer, cause of the new zero byte file check.
Could the "Convert to" selection store its setting?

Should be fixed now.

When you cut, it could happen that a sub stream does not have any content any longer. Could such empty streams cause problems at later usage?

No. If you g.e. want to convert this empty subtitle stream, you'll get the zero file message. That's all.

[sam12345]

On muxing .mp4 to mkv with subs in clever.. the output mkv contains two lines subs (small and big .srt) but when muxing with mkvtool nix gui it's perfect with sub .srt all in big which is genuine.

Where can you see:
1) two lines subs (small and big .srt)
2) with sub .srt all in big
Who says that's genuine?

@ProWo

It's 100% genuine. Enclosing live coverage for you. Why would I unnecessary disturb you ? See yourself !

https://limewire.com/d/qdEG6#ayXB8sNzQG

[ProWo]

[QUOTE=sam12345;2786993][QUOTE=ProWo;2786986]

On muxing .mp4 to mkv with subs in clever.. the output mkv contains two lines subs (small and big .srt) but when muxing with mkvtool nix gui it's perfect with sub .srt all in big which is genuine.

Tested, no issue.
It's your player to show this difference.
Check with vlc or another player.

[sam12345]

[QUOTE=ProWo;2787000][QUOTE=sam12345;2786993]

On muxing .mp4 to mkv with subs in clever.. the output mkv contains two lines subs (small and big .srt) but when muxing with mkvtool nix gui it's perfect with sub .srt all in big which is genuine.

Tested, no issue.
It's your player to show this difference.
Check with vlc or another player.

Ofcource it's the player. Changed the player to potplayer and mkv file is playing well with subs. Happens somtimes

[videoAI]

@ProWo
v3.4.7.14

Edit#1
-------
Q: Any plans to support these two formats?
1- SubViewer (SBV) is YouTube's simplified subtitle format
2- MicroDVD (SUB) is an older subtitle format that uses frame numbers instead of timestamps.
While less common today, it's still used by some video players and editing software.
-------------------------------------------

Terminology streamline
------------------------
I noticed that the subtitle dropdown mixes names and extensions.

Name...........Ext
------------------
ass...............ass
ssa...............ssa
webvtt..........vtt [why not 'vtt' in dropdown]
subrip............srt [why not 'srt' in dropdown]
text...............srt [!! why not 'txt' in ext]

It may be clearer if you use extensions in dropdown & differentiate 'srt' from text,
by using txt as extension for text.

Please note that text and subrip produce different outputs but with same ext.

SRT

1
00:00:54,317 --> 00:00:57,779
<font face="Serif" size="18">
There is nothing a father
wouldn't do for his son.</font>

TEXT

1
00:00:54,317 --> 00:00:57,779
There is nothing a father
wouldn't do for his son.

[Attachment 89875 - Click to enlarge]

It happens with Stay open checked.
Will be fixed.

[Findu]

@ ProWo

v3.4.7.14 feedback

"To batch" for Convert subtitle stream is working again.
And thanks for the other changes to the GUI.

About Crop detection:
Sometimes, when you click “Detect” for the first time, only the value of “Actual crop at” changes, nothing else.
So a minor text change at the page could help: "Automatic Crop: Clicking Detect..."
More infos are on the tooltip of the Detect button.

Proposal for Closed captions and Convert subtitle stream:


[Attachment 89876 - Click to enlarge]


[Attachment 89877 - Click to enlarge]

[dave11]

A little question over here. Does this GUI do movflags+faststart of mp4 files without reencoding or muxing.

[ProWo]

A little question over here. Does this GUI do movflags+faststart of mp4 files without reencoding or muxing.

Only with muxing.

[ProWo]

-------
Q: Any plans to support these two formats?
1- SubViewer (SBV) is YouTube's simplified subtitle format
2- MicroDVD (SUB) is an older subtitle format that uses frame numbers instead of timestamps.
While less common today, it's still used by some video players and editing software.
-------------------------------------------

There are no encoders for both in ffmpeg.

Terminology streamline
------------------------
I noticed that the subtitle dropdown mixes names and extensions.

Name...........Ext
------------------
ass...............ass
ssa...............ssa
webvtt..........vtt [why not 'vtt' in dropdown]
subrip............srt [why not 'srt' in dropdown]
text...............srt [!! why not 'txt' in ext]

It may be clearer if you use extensions in dropdown & differentiate 'srt' from text,
by using txt as extension for text.

No mixes, the dropdown get the codec names.
The extension .txt for text encoded subs is not allowed.

Please note that text and subrip produce different outputs but with same ext.

This is aspected, because "subrip" can contain the font/size info, but "text" not.

[videoAI]

Subtitle Formats: ASS and SSA

| Format | Full Name | Key Characteristics | Similarities |
|--------|-----------|---------------------|--------------|
| SSA (SubStation Alpha) | SubStation Alpha | Original format developed in the late 1990s | Both are text-based subtitle formats for advanced styling |
| ASS (Advanced SubStation Alpha) | Advanced SubStation Alpha | Enhanced version of SSA | Support complex text formatting and positioning |

Detailed Comparison

SSA (SubStation Alpha)
- Older subtitle format
- Basic advanced styling capabilities
- Limited feature set
- Developed initially for anime subtitles
- Less comprehensive styling options

ASS (Advanced SubStation Alpha)
- Improved and extended version of SSA
- More advanced styling and formatting features
- Supports:
- More complex text animations
- Detailed positioning controls
- Enhanced color and font options
- More sophisticated styling capabilities

Key Differences
- ASS is essentially an upgraded version of SSA
- ASS offers more advanced styling and formatting options
- Most modern subtitle tools prefer ASS format
- ASS is backwards compatible with SSA

Practical Implication
When working with subtitles, ASS is recommended as it provides more
flexibility and features compared to the older SSA format.

[videoAI]

Thanks for the replies ..

-------
Q: Any plans to support these two formats?
A: There are no encoders for both in ffmpeg. [thx]
Q: ...
A: "subrip" can contain the font/size info, but "text" not.[thx]

[ProWo]

Proposal for Closed captions

Will be done.

and Convert subtitle stream:

Cannot be done, because the "Stream index" groupbox cannot be moved.

[videoAI]

FFmpeg does support MicroDVD (SUB) subtitles:

1. FFmpeg has a dedicated `microdvd` format in its documentation,
indicating native support for this subtitle format.

2. The subtitle support includes:
- Reading MicroDVD subtitles
- Extracting MicroDVD subtitles from video files
- Potential conversion to/from this format

Typical FFmpeg commands for MicroDVD subtitles might look like:
# Extract MicroDVD subtitles

ffmpeg -i input_video.avi -map 0:s:0 output.sub

# Convert between subtitle formats

ffmpeg -i input.sub -c:s srt output.srt

Key points:
- The `.sub` extension is commonly associated with MicroDVD subtitles
- FFmpeg can handle these subtitles with its built-in demuxer
- You can extract, copy, or convert these subtitles using standard FFmpeg commands

Q: Any plans to support these two formats?
1- SubViewer (SBV) is YouTube's simplified subtitle format
2- MicroDVD (SUB) is an older subtitle format that uses frame numbers instead of timestamps.
While less common today, it's still used by some video players and editing software.

There are no encoders for both in ffmpeg.

[Findu]

@ ProWo

Thanks for the info!

By the way, when you open the app and click Select source button and Abort, then the lower text is missing.


[Attachment 89882 - Click to enlarge]

Two additional text changes:


[Attachment 89883 - Click to enlarge]
EDIT: Error! Select should be capitalized, not source.


[Attachment 89884 - Click to enlarge]

[videoAI]

How to install and run 'Clever FFmpeg-GUI' using Wine, on Linux and macOS.

Detailed Installation Guide for Clever FFmpeg-GUI using Wine
------------------------------------------------------------
Prerequisites
- Minimum System Requirements:
- Linux or macOS
- Wine 8.0 or later
- Minimum 2 GB RAM
- 500 MB free disk space

Installation Steps for Linux:
-----------------------------
1. Install Wine
For Ubuntu/Debian-based systems

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
wget -O- https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/winehq.key | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/winehq.gpg

Add repository (adjust for your specific Linux distribution)

sudo add-apt-repository 'deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/winehq.gpg] https://dl.winehq.org/wine-builds/ubuntu/ jammy main'

Update and install Wine

sudo apt update
sudo apt install --install-recommends winehq-stable

2. Install Winetricks (Recommended)
Install winetricks

sudo apt install winetricks

Configure Wine environment

winetricks vcrun2019
winetricks dotnet48

Installation Steps for macOS:
------------------------------
1. Install Homebrew (if not already installed)

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

2. Install Wine via Homebrew
Install Wine

brew install --cask wine-stable

Install Winetricks

brew install winetricks

Running Clever FFmpeg-GUI:
--------------------------
Preparation
1. Download Clever FFmpeg-GUI Windows executable
2. Open Terminal/Command Prompt

Launch Commands:
----------------
For Linux and macOS

wine /path/to/clever-ffmpeg-gui.exe

Common Issues
- Missing .NET Framework: Use Winetricks to install
- Performance Problems: Adjust Wine configuration
- Compatibility: Try different Wine versions

[ProWo]

FFmpeg does support MicroDVD (SUB) subtitles:

2. The subtitle support includes:
- Reading MicroDVD subtitles
- Extracting MicroDVD subtitles from video files
- Potential conversion to/from this format

This type of support is already implemented.
The conversion TO doesn't work.

[videoAI]

Thx

FFmpeg does support MicroDVD (SUB) subtitles

This type of support is already implemented.
The conversion TO doesn't work.

[videoAI]

Homebrew Overview
Homebrew is a package management system for macOS (and Linux) that simplifies the installation of software.

Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| Easy Installation | Allows installing packages with simple terminal commands |
| Package Management | Helps install, update, and manage software packages |
| Flexibility | Works with command-line tools and many open-source applications |

Basic Homebrew Commands

- `brew install [package]`: Installs a specific package
- `brew update`: Updates Homebrew itself and package lists
- `brew upgrade`: Upgrades all outdated packages
- `brew list`: Shows installed packages
- `brew search [package]`: Searches for available packages

Installation
To install Homebrew, you typically use this command in Terminal:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

[OFLU]

@ProWo

Request developer to add this command in GUI for bit perfect MP4 output.


ffmpeg -i input.file ^
-map 0 ^
-c copy ^
-movflags use_metadata_tags ^
-movflags +faststart ^
-bsf:a aac_adtstoasc ^
-avoid_negative_ts make_zero ^
-fflags +bitexact ^
output.file

What it does :


1. -map 0

Copy ALL streams from input #0 (video, audio, subtitles, attachments, chapter metadata).

FFmpeg otherwise might:

drop some streams

reorder track numbers

skip subtitles

-map 0 ensures you get everything exactly as the source — same as MP4Box.

2. -c copy

Bit-perfect copying. No re-encoding.

Video stays bit-for-bit identical

Audio stays bit-for-bit identical

Zero quality loss

Zero DSP changes

Zero pitch/tempo shift

This is the single most important part for “perfect audio”.

3. -movflags use_metadata_tags

This forces FFmpeg to preserve existing MP4 metadata instead of rewriting it.

Without this, FFmpeg often:

changes major_brand, compatible_brands

adds its own encoder tags

writes extra fields in moov atom

changes creation_time

MP4Box is very strict about metadata, so this flag makes FFmpeg behave similarly.

4. -movflags +faststart

Moves the moov box to the beginning of the MP4.

Why?

Makes MP4 play instantly on web players

Allows streaming without downloading whole file

MP4Box also does this unless you disable interleaving.

This does not alter the audio/video data.

5. -bsf:a aac_adtstoasc

This is a bitstream filter for AAC audio.

It converts:
�� ADTS AAC → MP4 AudioSpecificConfig (ASC)

This is required when your input is:

MKV containing AAC

TS files

raw .aac

radio/stream captures

Why?
ADTS AAC has headers that are not valid inside MP4.

MP4Box automatically fixes this.
FFmpeg does not unless you include this filter.

If input is MP4 already → it does nothing (safe).

6. -avoid_negative_ts make_zero

Fixes timestamp issues.

FFmpeg sometimes creates:

negative timestamps

small audio/video sync shifts

a 1–5ms offset in MP4 files

This option forces all timestamps to start at 0.

MP4Box also avoids negative timestamps.

This gives smoother seeking and cleaner audio/video alignment.

7. -fflags +bitexact

Makes FFmpeg’s muxing deterministic, meaning:

No extra muxer randomness

No tool tags

No unnecessary metadata written

No timestamp jitter

This mimics MP4Box, which produces very deterministic MP4s.

It helps when you want consistent, clean MP4 structure with no hidden noise.

[ProWo]

-map 0 ^
-c copy ^
-movflags +faststart ^

Already implemented

-bsf:a aac_adtstoasc ^

Autoinserted by ffmpeg itself.

-avoid_negative_ts make_zero ^

Unnecessary, because the timestamps are rewritten.

-movflags use_metadata_tags ^
-fflags +bitexact ^

Undesirable because it conflicts with other metadata.

[OFLU]

-map 0 ^
-c copy ^
-movflags +faststart ^

Already implemented

-bsf:a aac_adtstoasc ^

Autoinserted by ffmpeg itself.

-avoid_negative_ts make_zero ^

Unnecessary, because the timestamps are rewritten.

-movflags use_metadata_tags ^
-fflags +bitexact ^

Undesirable because it conflicts with other metadata.

But I am using this command for last 3 years and I get bit perfect output with FFmpeg matching to MP4box which is considered to be the best for MP4.
Will try your GUI and will update you. Thanks.