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

[videoAI]

@ProWo

Running your previous command in my batch file:

\\\\
set /p fname="Enter filename: "
for %%f in ("%fname%") do
(
ffmpeg -hide_banner -i %%f -analyzeduration 100M -probesize 50M -map 0 -c copy "%%~nf_out.mkv"
)
Pause
\\\\

gives this output, and creates a non-playable mkv file:
===
Input #0, png_pipe, from 'test.ts':
Duration: N/A, bitrate: N/A
Stream #0:0: Video: png, rgba(pc, gbr/bt709/iec61966-2-1), 1x1 [SAR 4724:4724 DAR 1:1], 25 fps, 25 tbr, 25 tbn
Stream mapping:
Stream #0:0 -> #0:0 (copy)
Output #0, matroska, to 'test_out.mkv':
Metadata:
encoder : Lavf61.7.100
Stream #0:0: Video: png (MPNG / 0x474E504D), rgba(pc, gbr/bt709/iec61966-2-1), 1x1 [SAR 4724:4724 DAR 1:1], q=2-31, 25 fps, 25 tbr, 1k tbn
Press [q] to stop, [?] for help
[out#0/matroska @ 000001591c0f1740] video:745788KiB audio:0KiB subtitle:0KiB other streams:0KiB global headers:0KiB muxing overhead: 0.004440%
frame= 743 fps=205 q=-1.0 Lsize= 745821KiB time=00:00:29.72 bitrate=205577.5kbits/s speed=8.19x
Press any key to continue . . .
===

@VideoAI

Could you post the full messages from this command?

ffmpeg - i test.ts

[ProWo]

@VideoAI

This

Video: png, rgba(pc, gbr/bt709/iec61966-2-1)

has probably been deliberately manipulated in a hex editor.
If you say that the MPC player can play it as a video (not as a still image), then probably only the first avc header has been manipulated.
It could be restored in a hex editor, but that's not worth the effort to me.

[videoAI]

@ProWo

Thanks for your input & help.

This was a tough one to crack for sure. I'll consider this issue closed.

In the rare instance clever encounters a video file like this it crashes with an error, which is technically a bug.
I'll leave it up to you to determine if additional validation is needed to avoid such a crash.

clever is very stable now & getting better all the time. Keep up the good work.

@VideoAI

This

Video: png, rgba(pc, gbr/bt709/iec61966-2-1)

has probably been deliberately manipulated in a hex editor.
If you say that the MPC player can play it as a video (not as a still image), then probably only the first avc header has been manipulated.
It could be restored in a hex editor, but that's not worth the effort to me.

[Findu]

@ ProWo

Although these are unusual values, it is possible to create negative cut sizes. The cut end is ignored and the end of the video is used.

[Attachment 87401 - Click to enlarge]

Stream cut: ?C:\Users\Findu\input.mkv?299958?-hide_banner -loglevel error -stats -y -ss:0:0 64 -i "C:\Users\Findu\input.mkv" -frames:v -23 -map 0 -map_metadata 0 -movflags use_metadata_tags -c copy -dn -metadata:g encoding_tool="clever FFmpeg-GUI" ?C:\Users\Findu\input#1.mkv?61 - 63

[ProWo]

Although these are unusual values, it is possible to create negative cut sizes. The cut end is ignored and the end of the video is used.

This is an interesting bug.
It happens when the end time is <= the time of the start keyframe. I will fix this with a check.

[Findu]

Okay!
I noticed that while making a typo.

Another thing is that if I enter a start time of 1:01, the real cut is automatically found at the keyframe at 63:958. If I enter an end time between 1:01 and 1:05, the real cut at keyframe at 63:958 is never found, only the exact value I enter. It's as if there's no automatic search for the keyframe for the end time/cut.

[Findu]

@ ProWo

If your source file has created or imported chapters from a file and you drop another file into the multiplex grid and then for example multiplex the source video stream, you'll be asked after muxing whether you want to keep the chapters. If you say yes, the chapters remain activated for muxing, even if they do not fit the remaining video stream.

As chapters are treated like streams, this is basically fine. But chapters are associated with one dedicated video stream as well.

So it would be good if you could turn on/off all three types of chapters (E C F) directly on the multiplex page.

[Attachment 87420 - Click to enlarge]

[ProWo]

Newest beta (v3.4.2.02), online now.
(Changelog will follow in the next full release).
With this version changes the update function.

[ProWo]

@ ProWo

If your source file has created or imported chapters from a file and you drop another file into the multiplex grid and then for example multiplex the source video stream, you'll be asked after muxing whether you want to keep the chapters. If you say yes, the chapters remain activated for muxing, even if they do not fit the remaining video stream.

As chapters are treated like streams, this is basically fine. But chapters are associated with one dedicated video stream as well.

So it would be good if you could turn on/off all three types of chapters (E C F) directly on the multiplex page.

Will try to find a solution for this problem.

[videoAI]

Positive Feedback .. my 2c

# Comprehensive Guide to Developing a GUI for ffmpeg

## 1. Introduction

ffmpeg is a powerful multimedia framework that can decode, encode, transcode, mux, demux, stream, filter, and play almost anything that humans and machines have created. However, its command-line interface (CLI) can be daunting for users who are not familiar with its syntax and options. Developing a graphical user interface (GUI) for ffmpeg can significantly enhance its accessibility and usability, making it more approachable for a broader audience, including non-technical users.

## 2. Overview of ffmpeg GUI Development

### Importance of a GUI for ffmpeg

A GUI for ffmpeg can provide several benefits:
- **Ease of Use**: Simplifies complex command-line operations through intuitive visual elements.
- **Error Reduction**: Reduces the likelihood of syntax errors and incorrect parameter usage.
- **Accessibility**: Makes ffmpeg accessible to users who are not comfortable with command-line interfaces.
- **Productivity**: Allows users to perform tasks more efficiently by providing quick access to commonly used features.

### Steps for Planning and Initiating ffmpeg GUI Development

1. **Requirement Analysis**:
- Identify the target audience (e.g., video editors, developers, casual users).
- Determine the key features and functionalities that need to be included.
- Identify rules governing the GUI workflow

2. **Design Phase**:
- Create wireframes and mockups to visualize the layout and flow of the GUI.
- Define interface elements and user interactions.
- Define & include rules into a separate module.

3. **Development Phase**:
- Choose a suitable programming language and framework.
- Implement the core functionalities and integrate them with ffmpeg.

4. **Testing Phase**:
- Conduct thorough testing to ensure the GUI is user-friendly and bug-free.
- Gather feedback from beta testers and make necessary adjustments.

5. **Deployment Phase**:
- Package the application for distribution.
- Provide documentation and support for users.

## 3. Design Recommendations

### Design Principles

- **Simplicity**: Keep the interface clean and uncluttered. Use a minimalistic design to avoid overwhelming users.
- **Consistency**: Maintain a consistent look and feel throughout the application. Use standard UI elements and conventions.
- **Feedback**: Provide immediate feedback for user actions, such as progress bars, notifications, and error messages.
- **Accessibility**: Ensure the GUI is accessible to users with disabilities by following accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG).

### Layout and Structure

- **Main Window**: Include a main window with tabs or sections for different functionalities (e.g., Conversion, Streaming, Filtering).
- **Input/Output Panels**: Provide panels for selecting input files and specifying output settings.
- **Presets and Profiles**: Offer pre-defined presets and profiles for common tasks to simplify the process.
- **Preview and Playback**: Include a preview window for users to see the results of their operations before finalizing.

## 4. User Experience Tips

### Intuitive Navigation

- **Clear Labels**: Use clear and descriptive labels for all UI elements.
- **Tooltips**: Provide tooltips for less obvious features to help users understand their purpose.
- **Contextual Help**: Offer contextual help and documentation within the application.

### Efficient Workflow

- **Drag and Drop**: Implement drag-and-drop functionality for file selection.
- **Batch Processing**: Allow users to process multiple files in a single operation.
- **Undo/Redo**: Provide undo and redo functionality for recent actions.
- **Rules**: Include workflow rules in a separate module for easy access and update.

### Visual Feedback

- **Progress Indicators**: Use progress bars and spinners to indicate the status of long-running tasks.
- **Notifications**: Display notifications for successful operations and errors.
- **Real-time Preview**: Offer real-time previews of the output.

## 5. Functionality Enhancements

### Advanced Features

- **Custom Filters**: Allow users to apply custom filters and effects to their media files.
- **Batch Conversion**: Enable batch conversion with customizable settings for each file.

### Performance Optimization

- **Efficient Resource Management**: Optimize

[mannequin80]

Newest beta (v3.4.2.02), online now.

Multiplex is very confusing with this version for some reason.

[Findu]

@ ProWo

3.4.2.02 (20250615) Feedback

The new update function is working. You can update to the actual release and update to the last nightly when you rename this last nightly before.

---

Also working is:
All/None only affects the visible streams.
Remove old tooltip.
Add check if end time is <= the time of the start keyframe.

---

If no stream is selected, you can still multiplex or mux a sample. A check would help (hide the Multiplex button till one stream is selected), otherwise this error occurs and the Main page button disappears:

System.ArgumentOutOfRangeException: StartIndex darf nicht kleiner als Null sein.
Parametername: startIndex
bei System.String.Substring(Int32 startIndex, Int32 length)
bei clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form7.Define_muxmaps()
bei clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form7.VB$StateMachine_392_Do_it. MoveNext()

[davidt1]

I agree that the program is stable now and such a pleasure to use.

This is not a big deal at all, but I think ProWo might appreciate a challenge. When I extract a bluray sub either with Clever or directly with ffmpeg the file size is 3 x that of one extracted with MKVToolnix. For example if a bluray sub extracted with Clever or ffmpeg is 30MB, the same file extracted with MKVToolnix is only 10MB. The next step is converting this file into a text file by using SubtitleEdit. This software does not like anything over 10MB and takes a long time to open it.

I use this ffmpeg command:

for %f in (*.*) do ffmpeg -i "%f" -map 0 -c copy -f matroska "%~nf.sup"

I have been pulling my hairs out trying to figure out how the folks at MKVToolnix do it.

[Findu]

@ ProWo

> Another thing is that if I enter a start time of 1:01, the real cut is automatically found at the keyframe at 63:958. If I enter an end time between 1:01 and 1:05, the real cut at keyframe at 63:958 is never found, only the exact value I enter. It's as if there's no automatic search for the keyframe for the end time/cut.

I thought about it and realized that a keyframe isn't needed for the end cut. You only need this frame for the start cut in terms of video compression.

---

Info:
> Newest beta (v3.4.2.02), online now.

This version is only available via https://files.videohelp.com/u/292773/clever_ffmpeg_gui_newest_beta.zip
So far, I am not able to update to the latest nightly with the update function like in 3.4.2 or beta .01 and.02

---

And please don't forget to take a look that hidden streams stay hidden when you mux a sample.
Maybe they should remain hidden even after multiplexing?
There was a reason to hide them, and if you need the hidden streams, you can make them visible with one click.

---

Perhaps the information text should be expanded?

[Attachment 87434 - Click to enlarge]

Thank you very much for the many changes, but please don't stress yourself!

[davidt1]

After the extraction of a bluray sub, the latest version now asks the user to choose to keep or discard the files. This pop-up message is unnecessary. If I extract a bluray sub, it's obvious that I want to keep it. Just automatically keep the extracted sub and delete the extra file, please. Previous versions did not have this unnecessary step. Thanks for your hard work.


[Attachment 87449 - Click to enlarge]

[videoAI]

I second this motion.

This added step of cleanup always delete the wrong files, and does not list what it is going to delete or give you a clear choice.
if you choose, keep, the next time you run it asks if you want to use whatever it didn't delete.

I have to go and manually clean up at the disk level. so what is the use.

I hate this "feature".

Findu !!
was this your idea?

[Attachment 87449 - Click to enlarge]
Previous versions did not have this unnecessary step.

[videoAI]

@ProWo
The Newest beta (v3.4.2.02) is not available via clever update.
Is this intentional?
Are you updating to final releases only and not betas anymore?

Please clarify ..

Thank you .. and keep up the good work.

As always .. there is nothing wrong with my environment

Newest beta (v3.4.2.02), online now.
(Changelog will follow in the next full release).
With this version changes the update function.

[ProWo]

Newest beta (v3.4.2.03), online now.
(Changelog will follow in the next full release).

[ProWo]

[QUOTE=Findu;2776660]

This version is only available via https://files.videohelp.com/u/292773/clever_ffmpeg_gui_newest_beta.zip
So far, I am not able to update to the latest nightly with the update function like in 3.4.2 or beta.01

fixed

and.02

with 3.4.2.02 it should work.

And please don't forget to take a look that hidden streams stay hidden when you mux a sample.
Maybe they should remain hidden even after multiplexing?
There was a reason to hide them, and if you need the hidden streams, you can make them visible with one click.

fixed

[ProWo]

@ProWo
The Newest beta (v3.4.2.02) is not available via clever update.
Is this intentional?
Are you updating to final releases only and not betas anymore?

fixed.

[ProWo]

@davidt1
@VideoAI

After the extraction of a bluray sub, the latest version now asks the user to choose to keep or discard the files. This pop-up message is unnecessary. If I extract a bluray sub, it's obvious that I want to keep it.

Extracted streams are processed further in the vast majority of cases, e.g. muxed. For this reason, they are kept available. I will remove the reminder at the end of the program. If you have continued to use the file in the meantime and deleted/renamed it, you will no longer be notified of this. Otherwise you will be reminded the next time you start the program.

[Findu]

@ ProWo

3.4.2.03 Feedback

I can confirm that the update process to version 3.4.2.03 is working now for 3.4.2, beta .01 & .02

Good idea to use a Chapters button utilize the Chapter page for all tasks including a Return.
And hidden streams stay hidden when you mux a sample.
And you can't mux without a selected stream.
Very good!

Two things:
- After multiplexing, all streams are hidden now. Wouldn't it be better to kepp remaining unselected visable and hidden hidden?
- Nothing happens when you select Simple remux and click on Remux or To batch.

[ProWo]

Two things:
- After multiplexing, all streams are hidden now. Wouldn't it be better to kepp remaining unselected visable and hidden hidden?

Hidden is actually invisible; I will handle this so that after muxing all remaining streams are visible again and not checked, except for the top file, which will be checked.

- Nothing happens when you select Simple remux and click on Remux or To batch.

Bug, already fixed.
Use the update function (nightly).

[Findu]

Simple remux get processed now! Thanks for fixing!

---

> Hidden is actually invisible; I will handle this so that after muxing all remaining streams are visible again and not checked, except for the top file, which will be checked.

Is woking as discribed!

---

INFO:
Since you always get the latest version (actual/nightly), the update window basically no longer needs to display the available versions.

You can currently update the nightly version again and again. But why would you do that?

[ProWo]

Since you always get the latest version (actual/nightly), the update window basically no longer needs to display the available versions.

Yes, correct.

You can currently update the nightly version again and again. But why would you do that?

It only makes sense if you have discovered a bug that bothers you; then you can check whether it has already been fixed.

[Findu]

Wouldn't it make sense to keep the Chapters button on the main page as well because of the well known easy access to it?

The notification of available updates works perfectly as before!

[ProWo]

Wouldn't it make sense to keep the Chapters button on the main page as well because of the well known easy access to it?

No I'll leave it on the mux page now.

The notification of available updates works perfectly as before!

With >= 3.4.2.02 there is no more update notification.

[Findu]

> With >= 3.4.2.02 there is no more update notification.

That's right! The latest version of 3.4.2.02 (I had four versions) doesn't have that any longer.
It was useful, especially for those who don't follow the forum or videohelp.com.
But you can always check the changelog or the forum via the "info & help" weblink in your app when you have discovered a bug or something bothers you.

[davidt1]

I second this motion.

This added step of cleanup always delete the wrong files, and does not list what it is going to delete or give you a clear choice.
if you choose, keep, the next time you run it asks if you want to use whatever it didn't delete.

I have to go and manually clean up at the disk level. so what is the use.

I hate this "feature".

Findu !!
was this your idea?

[Attachment 87449 - Click to enlarge]
Previous versions did not have this unnecessary step.

A workaround for me is using the mux function instead of extract. No more pop-up message and an extra text file.

[davidt1]

The latest version does not clear muxed streams like the previous one, which I, once again, did not make a copy before updating.

If anyone has copy of the one that:

1. displays the language codes (not totally necessary, as I can type in the sub language codes).

2. clear all the streams after muxing and keeps the muxing page open with an empty screen so I can continue to drag and drop.

3. the mux page stays open by default. Toggling on/off is good too.

This version fits my need the best, but as I have stated, I lost it.

Please let me have it. I really appreciate it.