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

[Findu]

@ ProWo

> Joining does not work for me. Please be patient...
The cuts are correct and vidlist.txt also. But when you click Join, the second cut file grow ~10 times and nothing else happens.

I just had time for more testing on this.
v3.4.3.06 is working fine.
v3.4.4 already has the problem.
All is fine when you drop/add files to the join grig.
But when the files get transmitted from the cut page, these propper cuts get deleted and no joined file gets processed/written.
Sometimes the app stay in "Please be patient... " while joining.

[ProWo]

Joining does not work for me. Please be patient...
The cuts are correct and vidlist.txt also. But when you click Join, the second cut file grow ~10 times and nothing else happens.

Could "Stay Open" stay visible during video encoding so that it can be checked if it is forgotten, like in audio encoding?

Fixed and done.

[ProWo]

@ProWo,
FYI, .. just a little text adjustment for Profile/Level Info.

Fixed.

[ProWo]

@VideoAI & davidt1

Good idea

In older version, ...
It doesn't hurt to display "Output to target folder" if target folder was selected.

Done.

[Findu]

v3.4.4.15

EDIT:
I get this joining error when I click on yes or no for the cut transmission:
System.IO.FileNotFoundException: Die Datei oder Assembly "Microsoft.WindowsAPICodePack.Shell, Version=1.1.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=null" oder eine Abhängigkeit davon wurde nicht gefunden. Das System kann die angegebene Datei nicht finden.

[ProWo]

Another crash ...
Bug #11 Source Page Crash

It happens from time to time. It mostly happens going back to the [Select Source] page from the [Multiplex] page.
had 4 similar crashes in the last 2 days, by just using the app.

Sorry, i can't reproduce this.

[ProWo]

1- Open or drag an mp4 file -> Main -> Multiplex .. meta data is read [ok]
2- From source page, click Multiplex, click Add file .. meta data is not read [issue].
If you add more files, their meta data isn't read as well ..
Kindly add to your issues list
Clever is not showing anything in the Mux grid title box for this file !!

[Edit #1] if I Mux the file with clever and add a title , the title shows, and is read back.
but it seems, clever is not always displaying Titles written by other Apps, to the same field,
while windows detail, in properties, can.

Does the 'Writing application' field get anything to do with this issue??

Many programs do not write to the title tag, but to the handler tag (which is incorrect).
I have made some changes to the file analysis.
Please check if it works better for you now.

BTW
I've added the progressbar progress to the taskbar icon.

[ProWo]

v3.4.4.15

EDIT:
I get this joining error when I click on yes or no for the cut transmission:
System.IO.FileNotFoundException: Die Datei oder Assembly "Microsoft.WindowsAPICodePack.Shell, Version=1.1.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=null" oder eine Abhängigkeit davon wurde nicht gefunden. Das System kann die angegebene Datei nicht finden.

Have you used the automatic update?
There must be 2 new Dll's in the program folder.
If not, extract them manually and put them in the program folder.

[Findu]

It is working with the two additional dll's.

The new update script unzip the two files as well.

Thank you

[Findu]

@ ProWo

Simple backup/restore, user-controlled

How about offering a backup for the app (can be used before an update) and the abbility to restore it?
But it's up to the user to decide whether or not to do this starting with the respective version.

[Attachment 88147 - Click to enlarge]

A backup cmd just rename the current app to .bak and overwrite an existing .bak.
copy "clever FFmpeg GUI.exe" "clever FFmpeg GUI.bak" /Y

The restore cmd rename the current .exe to .bak2, .bak to .exe and .bak2 to bak. All between closing and starting the app.

taskkill /IM "clever FFmpeg GUI.exe"
ren "clever FFmpeg GUI.exe" "clever FFmpeg GUI.bak2"
ren "clever FFmpeg GUI.bak" "clever FFmpeg GUI.exe"
ren "clever FFmpeg GUI.bak2" "clever FFmpeg GUI.bak"
start "" "clever FFmpeg GUI.exe"

So you can switch between two versions as long as they offer this new recovery dialog.

The benefit may not be great at first, since you can switch between actual and nightly versions at any time. But later, you could also switch between an old 3.4.5 and 4.0.0.

[videoAI]

@ProWo
v3.4.4.15

Please find my feedback .. thanks for all the changes.
They all work for me except one [target folder status]

From source page, click Multiplex, click Add file .. meta data is not read [issue]

I have made some changes to file analysis.
Please check if it works better for you now. [Works ]

I've added the progressbar to the taskbar icon. [Works ]

@VideoAI & davidt1

Good idea

It doesn't hurt to display "Output to target folder" if target folder was selected.

Done. [Not working ]

@ProWo,
FYI, .. just a little text adjustment for Profile/Level Info.

Fixed. [Looks better ]

[videoAI]

@ProWo
v3.4.4.15

BTW,
I had a crash during the update from v3.4.4.14 to v3.4.4.15.
Error .. something about missing DLLs. [registering issue??]
I checked the folder and the 2 new DLLs were there ..
[Microsoft.WindowsAPICodePack.dll, Microsoft.WindowsAPICodePack.Shell.dll].

Restarted Clever .. then all was fine.

v3.4.4.15

Have you used the automatic update?
There must be 2 new Dll's in the program folder.
If not, extract them manually and put them in the program folder.

[videoAI]

@ProWo
v3.4.4.15

If you decided to do this, kindly add version numbers to the backup files.
BTW, I think @davidt1 would love this feature ..

@ ProWo
Simple backup/restore

[Findu]

Automatic update information for everyone!

Starting with version 3.4.4.15, two additional libraries are required. If you use the automatic update from an older version once, these files will be missing. Therefore, simply run the automatic update again and the files will be available!
Done!

[ProWo]

I have thought about the backup/restore function and am of the opinion that the benefit is disproportionate to the effort.
The backup is not a problem, but the restore is associated with considerable effort; the backups created have to be recorded, then copied into a manipulable selection; then code is needed to select, delete, restore.
The program inevitably becomes larger and the benefit is small; the update function always provides the latest full release and the latest nightly.
That should be enough.

BTW
New nightly available.

[videoAI]

@ProWo
v3.4.4.16

May I recommend moving to an incremental update model,
where you only update components which require an update.
Is there really a need to unzip and update the DLL libraries if
they haven't changed. It slows down the update process.

As always, thank you, and keep up the good work.

[Findu]

@ ProWo

v3.4.4.15 Feedback

"Stay open" on the video page is now working during encoding.
Renewed mpeg2_qsv encoder settings (HWA support removed since Meteor Lake).
Add HWA decoding for vp9_qsv and av1_qsv encoders (x264 1080p + 10-20 % @Meteor Lake).
The transfer problem from cut to join has been fixed.
The new "success messag timer" is a real benefit if you test encoding in quick sequences.

Thank you ProWo!


v3.4.4.16 Feedback

Can you please align the new "Output folder" box.

[Attachment 88180 - Click to enlarge]

---

When you have usual batch tasks, you also see them in scan for errors. You can process them and you can delete them there. But after deletion, when you add videos, no task discription is showen and the Execute button is missing.

[Attachment 88181 - Click to enlarge]

When you go to the Main page and back to scan for errors you see the discription.
Deleing such tasks can end in an error.
System.NullReferenceException: Die Objektvariable oder die With-Blockvariable wurde nicht festgelegt.

BTW, you can add and check audio files with scan for errors as well.

[videoAI]

Detailed Comparison

Matroska (MKV) and MPEG-4 Part 14 (MP4) are both container formats that bundle video,
audio, subtitles, and metadata. They differ primarily in flexibility, compatibility, and industry
adoption.

| Feature | MKV | MP4 |
|---------------------------|------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|
| Development & Licensing| Open, royalty-free (Matroska) | ISO/IEC standard; some patented codecs |
| Codec Support | Virtually any video/audio codec | Broad, but optimized for H.264/H.265, AAC |
| Metadata & Chapters | Rich tagging, flexible chapter, subtitle tracks | Basic metadata; limited subtitle support |
| Streaming Compatibility | Limited native support in browsers/players | Ubiquitous streaming support (HTML5, mobile) |
| Editing & Tooling | Well supported by professional editors, | |
| | but some tools may need plugins | Native support in most NLEs |
| File Overhead | Slightly larger due to extensive headers | Leaner overhead |
| Error Resilience | Better error recovery and partial playability | Can fail on minor corruption |

Codec & Track Support
- MKV:
• Supports virtually any codec (VP9, AV1, FLAC, Opus).
• Multiple subtitle formats (SRT, ASS, PGS) and chapter markers in one file.
- MP4:
• Optimized for H.264/H.265 video and AAC audio.
• Subtitle support restricted to MOV text or timed text (TTXT).

Compatibility & Workflows
- MKV:
• Favored for archival and broadcast masters.
• Some NLEs require plugins or re-muxing to intermediate formats.
- MP4:
• Industry-standard for editing timelines, mobile delivery, and streaming.
• Broad native support in Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro.

File Integrity & Recovery
- MKV:
• Robust against corruption; can often play remaining data if header damaged.
- MP4:
• Simpler structure but less fault-tolerant; a scratched header can render the
entire file unplayable.

Metadata & Extensibility
- MKV:
• Highly extensible: custom tags, attachments (fonts, cover art).
- MP4:
• Standardized metadata fields (title, author, creation time) but limited custom tagging.

Pros & Cons
MKV
Pros:
- Unlimited tracks of audio, subtitles, chapters
- Open-source, royalty-free
- Superior error recovery
Cons:
- Less universal in professional NLEs without re-muxing
- Larger overhead

MP4
Pros:
- Universal compatibility in editing and delivery
- Lean container overhead
- Native streaming support
Cons:
- Limited subtitle and metadata flexibility
- Patent/licensing constraints for some codecs

Recommendation
For an editing workflow where seamless integration with industry-standard
NLEs and immediate delivery are priorities, MP4 is the better choice. It
guarantees hassle-free import into Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci
Resolve, and ensures compatibility with delivery platforms and streaming services.

If you require extensive subtitle tracks, custom metadata, or maximum fault
tolerance for archival master files, consider using MKV for your intermediate
or backup assets, then re-mux to MP4 for final editing and distribution.

[videoAI]

@ProWo
v3.4.4.16

Please find my feedback .. thanks for all the changes.

Toggle button seems broken now, no top status is shown anymore.
@davidt1, are you happy now ..

@VideoAI & davidt1

It doesn't hurt to display "Output to target folder" if target folder was selected.

[Not working ]

[davidt1]

@ProWo
v3.4.4.16

Please find my feedback .. thanks for all the changes.

Toggle button seems broken now, no top status is shown anymore.
@davidt1, are you happy now ..

@VideoAI & davidt1

It doesn't hurt to display "Output to target folder" if target folder was selected.

[Not working ]

No big deal for me. I just have to remember that no display means target folder. But from a developer's perspective, keeping your app consistent is always good.

[davidt1]

.16 ProWo moved the output folder indicator to the lower right corner. It now shows source or target folder. Works for me. Thank you.

[ProWo]

Can you please align the new "Output folder" box.

No, I like it this way and it's easy to read.

When you have usual batch tasks, you also see them in scan for errors. You can process them and you can delete them there. But after deletion, when you add videos, no task discription is showen and the Execute button is missing.

When you go to the Main page and back to scan for errors you see the discription.
Deleing such tasks can end in an error.

I rewrote the whole batch tasks thing. It should work now.

BTW
I'll be away for five days starting today.

[videoAI]

Yep .. found it.
All is good.

Let's hope @ProWo has good plans for the freed-up top space .. new status bar? !!

.16 ProWo moved the output folder indicator to the lower right corner. It now shows source or target folder. Works for me. Thank you.

[Findu]

@ ProWo

Will test 3.4.4.18 this weekend.

I wish you a pleasant time off.

[videoAI]

@ProWo
v3.4.4.18

Edit #3
[Aug 11, using v3.4.4.18 now. The index crashes seems very Rare now.
Stability has been greatly enhanced. Using clever 24 Hrs a day now.

Edit #2
[Aug 8, 8PM, another Crash .. same index error ..]

************** Exception Text **************
System.ArgumentOutOfRangeException: Index was out of range.
Must be non-negative and less than the size of the collection.
Parameter name: index
at System.Collections.ArrayList.get_Item(Int32 index)
at System.Windows.Forms.DataGridViewRowCollection.Sha redRow(Int32 rowIndex)
at System.Windows.Forms.DataGridViewRowCollection.get _Item(Int32 index)
at System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.get_Item(Int32 columnIndex, Int32 rowIndex)
at clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.Check_batch0()
at clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.Streams_selected_count()
at clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.VB$StateMachine_200_Butto n4_ClickAsync.MoveNext()
--- End of stack trace from previous location where exception was thrown ---
at System.Runtime.ExceptionServices.ExceptionDispatch Info.Throw()
************** Loaded Assemblies **************

Edit #1
[Another Crash .. this time in the scan for errors batch grid, all grids lack index validation]

************** Exception Text **************
System.ArgumentOutOfRangeException: Index was out of range.
Must be non-negative and less than the size of the collection.
Parameter name: index
at System.Collections.ArrayList.get_Item(Int32 index)
at System.Windows.Forms.DataGridViewRowCollection.Sha redRow(Int32 rowIndex)
at System.Windows.Forms.DataGridViewRowCollection.get _Item(Int32 index)
at System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.get_Item(Int32 columnIndex, Int32 rowIndex)
at clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.Check_batch0()
at clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.Streams_selected_count()
at clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.VB$StateMachine_200_Butto n4_ClickAsync.MoveNext()
--- End of stack trace from previous location where exception was thrown ---
at System.Runtime.ExceptionServices.ExceptionDispatch Info.Throw()
************** Loaded Assemblies **************

[Attachment 88199 - Click to enlarge]

Another crash ...
Bug #12 End of batch job crash

Job processed 2 mp4s, resized from 1920 -> 1280 successfully,
but clever crashed after job completion as shown below:

Common causes for this crash include:

1. Attempting to access a row/cell index that doesn't exist
2. Empty DataGridView
3. Incorrect row/column indexing
4. Asynchronous threading issues

Hope this helps .. quick fix to try:

// Before accessing rows, always check:
if (dataGridView1.Rows.Count > 0 && rowIndex >= 0 && rowIndex < dataGridView1.Rows.Count)
{
    // Your row access code here
}

************** Exception Text **************
System.ArgumentOutOfRangeException: Index was out of range.
Must be non-negative and less than the size of the collection.
Parameter name: index
at System.Collections.ArrayList.get_Item(Int32 index)
at System.Windows.Forms.DataGridViewRowCollection.Sha redRow(Int32 rowIndex)
at System.Windows.Forms.DataGridViewRowCollection.get _Item(Int32 index)
at System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.get_Item(Int32 columnIndex, Int32 rowIndex)
at clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.Check_batch0()
at clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.Streams_selected_count()
at clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.VB$StateMachine_200_Butto n4_ClickAsync.MoveNext()
--- End of stack trace from previous location where exception was thrown ---
at System.Runtime.ExceptionServices.ExceptionDispatch Info.Throw()
************** Loaded Assemblies **************

[Attachment 88192 - Click to enlarge]

[bb84000]

Hello,

I get an exception when launching the cut function (version 3.4.4.18) on a mp4 or mkv file:

[Attachment 88221 - Click to enlarge]

bb

[Findu]

@ ProWo

I found batch task thing problems!

One audio batch task get processed, but two not. A 0 kb file for the first batch is created but the encoding does not start.
Video batch tasks work normal.

When you have one audio batch task and switch to scan for errors batch scan, all is fine.
When you have two audio batch tasks and switch to scan for errors batch scan, the following exception occurs
immediately:

System.NullReferenceException: Der Objektverweis wurde nicht auf eine Objektinstanz festgelegt.
bei clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.DataGridView1_CellMouseEn ter(Object sender, DataGridViewCellEventArgs e)
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.OnCellMouseEnter (DataGridViewCellEventArgs e)
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.UpdateMouseEnter edCell(HitTestInfo hti, MouseEventArgs e)
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.OnColumnWidthCha nged(DataGridViewColumnEventArgs e)
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.AdjustFillingCol umns()
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.ComputeLayout()
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.PerformLayoutPri vate(Boolean useRowShortcut, Boolean computeVisibleRows, Boolean invalidInAdjustFillingColumns, Boolean repositionEditingControl)
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.OnColumnWidthCha nged(DataGridViewColumnEventArgs e)
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridViewBand.set_Thicknes sInternal(Int32 value)
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.AutoResizeColumn Internal(Int32 columnIndex, DataGridViewAutoSizeColumnCriteriaInternal autoSizeColumnCriteriaInternal, Boolean fixedHeight)
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.OnCellCommonChan ge(Int32 columnIndex, Int32 rowIndex)
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridView.OnCellValueChang ed(DataGridViewCellEventArgs e)
bei System.Windows.Forms.DataGridViewCell.SetValue(Int 32 rowIndex, Object value)
bei clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.Add_present_batchs()
bei clever_FFmpeg_GUI.Form38.Form38_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnLoad(EventArgs e)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnCreateControl()
bei System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl(Boolean fIgnoreVisible)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl()
bei System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmShowWindow(Message& m)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Form.WmShowWindow(Message& m)
bei System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)

[videoAI]

This is interesting ..
Check this post out https://www.videohelp.com/software/XMedia-Recode/reviews#20186

[davidt1]

When muxing, Clever now defaults to MKV again. Used to memorize the last format/container used. Please fix. Thanks.

While MKV is newer and accepts more codecs, mp4 is still very useful especially for older devices that don't play MKV files. That's why I still encode/mux to mp4.