Skip to content

Complete FFmpeg Audio Visualization & Video Processing Guide.md

Latest commit

 

History

History
1047 lines (794 loc) · 35.4 KB

Complete FFmpeg Audio Visualization & Video Processing Guide.md

File metadata and controls

1047 lines (794 loc) · 35.4 KB
Raw

Complete FFmpeg Audio Visualization & Video Processing Guide

A comprehensive reference covering waveform generation, circular visualizations, stereo effects, text overlays, logo integration, screen recording, video rotation, and advanced compositing techniques.

Table of Contents

  1. Waveform Basics
  2. Waveform Modes & Styles
  3. Background Integration
  4. Stereo Visualizations
  5. Circular & Radial Visualizations
  6. VU Meters & Volume Displays
  7. Spectrum Analyzers
  8. Text Overlays & Title Animations
  9. Logo & Image Overlays
  10. Glow Effects
  11. Screen Recording
  12. Video Rotation
  13. Scrolling Text
  14. Static Waveform Images
  15. Scale Modes
  16. Color Reference Palette
  17. Troubleshooting & Tips

Waveform Basics

Simplest Waveform (Line Mode)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=line:colors=white,format=yuv420p[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy output.mp4

Parameters:

  • showwaves: Converts audio into video waveform stream
  • s=1280x720: Sets resolution to 720p HD
  • mode=line: Draws continuous line (sharp, no blur)
  • format=yuv420p: Ensures compatibility with most players
  • -c:a copy: Preserves original audio quality without re-encoding

Solid Bar Waveform

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=solid:colors=white,format=yuv420p[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy output.mp4

Changing Frame Rate (60fps)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=line:rate=60:colors=cyan,format=yuv420p[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy output.mp4

Oscilloscope Style

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=point:rate=25:colors=white[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest oscilloscope.mp4 -y

Waveform at Bottom of Video

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex "[0:a]showwaves=s=1280x202:mode=line[waveform]; [0:v][waveform]overlay=0:H-h" -c:a copy output.mp4

Positioning Options:

  • overlay=0:H-h - Perfectly at bottom
  • overlay=0:H-h-20 - Slightly above bottom
  • overlay=(W-w)/2:(H-h)/2 - Center of frame

Waveform Modes & Styles

Mode Comparison

Mode Description
line Sharp single-pixel line (no blur)
cline Continuous line (smooth)
solid Filled area under waveform
p2p Point-to-point (connected dots)
point Individual points only
filled Filled curve
intensity Intensity-based display

Line Mode (Sharpest)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -r 25 -filter_complex "[0:a]compand,showwaves=size=854x480:colors=white:draw=full:mode=line,format=yuv420p[vout]" -map "[vout]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy output.mp4

CLine Mode (Smooth Continuous)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -r 25 -filter_complex "[0:a]compand,showwaves=size=854x480:colors=white:draw=full:mode=cline,format=yuv420p[vout]" -map "[vout]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy output.mp4

Point-to-Point Mode (Dots)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -r 25 -filter_complex "[0:a]compand,showwaves=size=854x480:colors=white:draw=full:mode=p2p,format=yuv420p[vout]" -map "[vout]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy output.mp4

Filled Curve

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=filled[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest filled_black.mp4

ECG/Heartbeat Style

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=cline:r=25[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest waveform_ecg.mp4

Symmetrical Waveform

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=cline:colors=white:rate=30[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy -pix_fmt yuv420p -shortest symmetrical.mp4

Split Channels (Double Wave)

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:split_channels=1:colors=white|red,format=yuv420p[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy double_wave.mp4

3D Wave (avectorscope)

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]avectorscope=s=1280x720:m=ascope[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest output_3dwave.mp4

Vector Scope

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]avectorscope=s=480x480:zoom=1.5[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 output_vector.mp4

Background Integration

Black Background (Default)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -f lavfi -i color=c=black:s=1280x720 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]showwaves=size=1280x720:colors=#15F4EE:draw=full:mode=line[wave]; \
 [1:v][wave]overlay=format=auto:shortest=1[v]" \
-map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy output_neon.mp4

Alternative with explicit color filter:

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"color=c=black:s=1280x720:r=30[bg]; \
 [0:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=line:colors=white[wave]; \
 [bg][wave]overlay=(W-w)/2:(H-h)/2:shortest=1,format=yuv420p[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy -shortest output.mp4

Custom Color Background

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -f lavfi -i color=c=#f0f8ff:s=854x480 -r 25 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]compand,showwaves=size=854x480:colors=#25d3d0:draw=full:mode=line[vout]; \
 [1:v][vout]overlay=format=auto:shortest=1,format=yuv420p[v]" \
-map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy output.mp4

Background Image (Static)

ffmpeg -loop 1 -i background.jpg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[1:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=line:colors=white:draw=full[fg]; \
 [0:v][fg]overlay=format=auto,format=yuv420p[v]" \
-map "[v]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy -shortest output.mp4

Waveform Centered on Image

ffmpeg -loop 1 -i background.jpg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[1:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=cline:colors=white[wave]; \
 [0:v]scale=1280:720[bg]; [bg][wave]overlay=shortest=1[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 output.mp4

Bottom-Aligned Waveform with Image

ffmpeg -loop 1 -i background.jpg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[1:a]showwaves=s=1280x200:mode=cline:colors=white[wave]; \
 [0:v][wave]overlay=x=0:y=H-h:shortest=1[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 output.mp4

Top-Aligned Waveform

ffmpeg -loop 1 -i background.jpg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[1:a]showwaves=s=1280x200:mode=cline:colors=white[wave]; \
 [0:v][wave]overlay=x=0:y=0:shortest=1[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 output.mp4

Waveform with Transparency

ffmpeg -loop 1 -i image.jpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[1:a]showwaves=s=1280x200:mode=cline:colors=white:rate=25[sw]; \
 [sw]format=rgba,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.8[v]; \
 [0:v][v]overlay=x=0:y=H-h:eval=init[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest output.mp4

Converting Any Background to Black

# Original with image
ffmpeg -loop 1 -i background.jpg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[1:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=line:colors=white[v]; \
 [0:v][v]overlay=(W-w)/2:(H-h)/2:shortest=1[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 -shortest output.mp4

# Converted to black background
ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"color=c=black:s=1280x720:r=30[bg]; \
 [0:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=line:colors=white[wave]; \
 [bg][wave]overlay=(W-w)/2:(H-h)/2:shortest=1,format=yuv420p[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy -shortest output.mp4

Stereo Visualizations

Basic Stereo Split (Left/Right Separate)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]channelsplit=channel_layout=stereo[l][r]; \
 [l]showwaves=s=640x200:mode=cline:rate=25:colors=red[left]; \
 [r]showwaves=s=640x200:mode=cline:rate=25:colors=blue[right]; \
 [left][right]hstack[waves]; \
 color=c=black:s=1280x720[bg]; \
 [bg][waves]overlay=0:(H-h)/2:format=auto" \
-c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 -c:a copy -shortest output_stereo_viz.mp4

Mirrored Stereo (Centered Growth)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]channelsplit=channel_layout=stereo[l][r]; \
 [l]showwaves=s=640x200:mode=cline:colors=red[l_wave]; \
 [r]showwaves=s=640x200:mode=cline:colors=blue[r_raw]; \
 [r_raw]hflip[r_flipped]; \
 [l_wave][r_flipped]hstack[waves]; \
 color=c=black:s=1280x720[bg]; \
 [bg][waves]overlay=0:H-h" \
-c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 -c:a copy -shortest output_sides_to_center.mp4

Stereo with Gap (Separated Display)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]channelsplit=channel_layout=stereo[l][r]; \
 [l]showwaves=s=640x300:mode=cline:colors=red,format=rgba,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.5[l_wave]; \
 [r]showwaves=s=640x300:mode=cline:colors=blue,format=rgba[r_raw]; \
 [r_raw]hflip,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.5[r_flipped]; \
 color=c=black:s=1280x720[bg]; \
 [bg][l_wave]overlay=x=20:y=(H-h)/2:format=auto[bg_l]; \
 [bg_l][r_flipped]overlay=x=660:y=(H-h)/2:format=auto" \
-c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 23 -c:a copy -shortest output_transparent_gapped.mp4

Split Channels Stereo Colors

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "showwaves=s=1280x720:split_channels=1:colors=blue|red" -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

Stereo Bars (showcqt)

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showcqt=s=1280x720[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest cqt_black.mp4

Rainbow Stereo (Hue Rotation)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]channelsplit=channel_layout=stereo[l][r]; \
 [l]showwaves=s=630x300:mode=cline:colors=red:rate=25,format=rgba[l_v]; \
 [r]showwaves=s=630x300:mode=cline:colors=red:rate=25,format=rgba[r_v]; \
 [l_v]hue=h=t*100:s=1,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.6[l_wave]; \
 [r_v]hflip,hue=h=t*100+180:s=1,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.6[r_flipped]; \
 color=c=black:s=1280x720[bg]; \
 [bg][l_wave]overlay=x=5:y=(H-h)/2:format=auto[bg_l]; \
 [bg_l][r_flipped]overlay=x=645:y=(H-h)/2:format=auto" \
-c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 20 -c:a copy -shortest output_rainbow_viz.mp4

Glow Effect Stereo

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]channelsplit=channel_layout=stereo[l][r]; \
 [l]showwaves=s=630x300:mode=cline:colors=red:rate=25,format=rgba[l_v]; \
 [r]showwaves=s=630x300:mode=cline:colors=red:rate=25,format=rgba[r_v]; \
 [l_v]hue=h=t*100:s=1[l_c]; [r_v]hue=h=t*100+180:s=1[r_c]; \
 [l_c]boxblur=5:1,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.4[l_glow]; \
 [r_c]hflip,boxblur=5:1,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.4[r_glow]; \
 [l_c]colorchannelmixer=aa=0.9[l_core]; \
 [r_c]hflip,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.9[r_core]; \
 color=c=black:s=1280x720[bg]; \
 [bg][l_glow]overlay=x=5:y=(H-h)/2:format=auto[b1]; \
 [b1][r_glow]overlay=x=645:y=(H-h)/2:format=auto[b2]; \
 [b2][l_core]overlay=x=5:y=(H-h)/2:format=auto[b3]; \
 [b3][r_core]overlay=x=645:y=(H-h)/2:format=auto" \
-c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 20 -c:a copy -shortest output_glow_viz.mp4

Stereo with Reflection

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]channelsplit=channel_layout=stereo[l][r]; \
 [l]showwaves=s=630x200:mode=cline:colors=red:rate=25,format=rgba[l_v]; \
 [r]showwaves=s=630x200:mode=cline:colors=red:rate=25,format=rgba[r_v]; \
 [l_v]hue=h=t*100:s=1[l_c]; [r_v]hue=h=t*100+180:s=1[r_c]; \
 [l_c]boxblur=5:1,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.3[l_glow]; \
 [r_c]hflip,boxblur=5:1,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.3[r_glow]; \
 [l_c]colorchannelmixer=aa=0.8[l_core]; \
 [r_c]hflip,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.8[r_core]; \
 [l_c]hflip,vflip,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.2[l_refl]; \
 [r_c]hflip,vflip,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.2[r_refl]; \
 color=c=black:s=1280x720[bg]; \
 [bg][l_glow]overlay=x=5:y=(H-h)/2-10:format=auto[b1]; \
 [b1][r_glow]overlay=x=645:y=(H-h)/2-10:format=auto[b2]; \
 [b2][l_core]overlay=x=5:y=(H-h)/2-10:format=auto[b3]; \
 [b3][r_core]overlay=x=645:y=(H-h)/2-10:format=auto[b4]; \
 [b4][l_refl]overlay=x=5:y=(H-h)/2+190:format=auto[b5]; \
 [b5][r_refl]overlay=x=645:y=(H-h)/2+190:format=auto" \
-c:v libx264 -preset fast -crf 20 -c:a copy -shortest output_reflected_viz.mp4

Circular & Radial Visualizations

Basic Circular Waveform (avectorscope)

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]avectorscope=s=1280x720:m=circular:colors=white:zoom=1.5[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest circular_black.mp4

Circular Waveform with Image Background

ffmpeg -loop 1 -i image.jpg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[1:a]avectorscope=s=720x720:m=circular:colors=white:zoom=1.5[sw]; \
 [0:v][sw]overlay=x=(W-w)/2:y=(H-h)/2:format=auto[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest circular_bg.mp4

Rotating Circular Waveform

ffmpeg -loop 1 -i image.jpg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[1:a]avectorscope=s=720x720:m=circular:colors=white:zoom=1.5[sw]; \
 [sw]format=rgba,rotate=a=t*0.5:c=none:ow=rotw(a):oh=roth(a)[rot]; \
 [0:v][rot]overlay=x=(W-w)/2:y=(H-h)/2:format=auto[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest output_rotating.mp4

Advanced Circular Wave with GEQ Filter

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]showwaves=s=1280x720:colors=white:draw=full:mode=p2p,format=rgba, \
 geq='p(mod((2*W/(2*PI))*(PI+atan2(0.5*H-Y,X-W/2)),W), H-2*hypot(0.5*H-Y,X-W/2))': \
 a='1*alpha(mod((2*W/(2*PI))*(PI+atan2(0.5*H-Y,X-W/2)),W), H-2*hypot(0.5*H-Y,X-W/2))'[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 0:a -pix_fmt yuv420p waveform_circular.mp4

Circular Wave with Image Background (GEQ)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -i background.jpg -filter_complex \
"[1:v]scale=1280:720[bg]; \
 [0:a]aformat=cl=mono,showwaves=1280x720:cline:colors=red:draw=full, \
 geq='p(mod(W/PI*(PI+atan2(H/2-Y,X-W/2)),W), H-2*hypot(H/2-Y,X-W/2))': \
 a='alpha(mod(W/PI*(PI+atan2(H/2-Y,X-W/2)),W), H-2*hypot(H/2-Y,X-W/2))'[a]; \
 [bg][a]overlay=(W-w)/2:(H-h)/2" \
-c:v libx264 -c:a copy -shortest waveform_circular_image.mp4 -y

Rotating Circular Spectrum

ffmpeg -y -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]aformat=channel_layouts=mono,showfreqs=mode=bar:size=600x600:rate=25:fscale=log:colors=purple|red|green|yellow|blue,format=rgba[waves]; \
 [waves]geq=r='if(lte(sqrt((X-300)^2+(Y-300)^2),300),r(X,Y),0)':g='if(lte(sqrt((X-300)^2+(Y-300)^2),300),g(X,Y),0)':b='if(lte(sqrt((X-300)^2+(Y-300)^2),300),b(X,Y),0)':a='if(lte(sqrt((X-300)^2+(Y-300)^2),300),255,0)',rotate=angle=2*PI*t/8:fillcolor=black@0,format=rgba[circ]; \
 color=c=black:s=1920x1080[bg]; [bg][circ]overlay=(W-w)/2:(H-h)/2" \
-c:v libx264 -preset ultrafast rotating_circular.mp4

Transparent Circular Wave

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -i logo.png -filter_complex \
"[0:a]avectorscope=s=720x720:mode=circle:zoom=1.3:rc=1:gc=1:bc=1:rf=1:gf=1:bf=1[waveform]; \
 [waveform]format=rgba,rotate=5:c=none[rotated]; \
 [rotated][1:v]overlay=10:10[withlogo]; \
 [withlogo]drawtext=text='YOUR SONG TITLE':fontcolor=white:fontsize=24:x=(w-text_w)/2:y=H-60:alpha=if(lt(t,1),0,if(lt(t,4),(t-1)/3,1))[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -preset fast -c:a copy output.mp4

Circular Wave with Black Background

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -i logo.png -filter_complex \
"color=c=black:s=720x720:r=30[bg]; \
 [0:a]avectorscope=s=720x720:mode=circle:zoom=1.3:rc=0:gc=1:bc=0:rf=1:gf=1:bf=1,format=rgba[waveform]; \
 [bg][waveform]overlay=0:0[withbg]; \
 [withbg][1:v]overlay=10:10[withlogo]; \
 [withlogo]drawtext=text='YOUR SONG TITLE':fontcolor=white:fontsize=24:x=(w-text_w)/2:y=H-60[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -preset fast -c:a copy output.mp4

Combined Circular Waveform + Stereo VU (Split-Screen)

ffmpeg -loop 1 -i input.png -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[1:a]asplit=2[a_circ][a_vu]; \
 [a_circ]showwaves=s=600x600:mode=line:colors=0x00CCFF:draw=full[v_wave]; \
 [v_wave]format=rgba,geq=r='r(X,Y)':a='if(between(hypot(X-W/2,Y-H/2),W/4,W/2),alpha(X,Y),0)'[v_circle]; \
 [a_vu]channelsplit=channel_layout=stereo[l][r]; \
 [l]showvolume=b=4:w=500:h=30:c=0x29FF14[l_v]; \
 [r]showvolume=b=4:w=500:h=30:c=0x29FF14[r_raw]; \
 [r_raw]hflip[r_v]; \
 [l_v][r_v]hstack=inputs=2[v_meter]; \
 [0:v][v_circle]overlay=x=(W-w)/2:y=(H-h)/2-100:shortest=1[bg_circ]; \
 [bg_circ][v_meter]overlay=x=(W-w)/2:y=H-100[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest combined_cyber_viz.mp4

Technical Breakdown:

  • asplit=2: Creates two audio copies (one for circle, one for VU)
  • hypot(X-W/2,Y-H/2): Calculates pixel distance from center
  • between(..., W/4, W/2): Restricts waveform to ring area
  • channelsplit: Separates left/right for stereo response
  • hflip: Mirrors right channel for symmetric growth

VU Meters & Volume Displays

Basic VU Meter

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showvolume=b=4:w=1280:h=50[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest waveform_vu.mp4

VU Meter with Fade (Arc Style)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showvolume=f=0.5:w=1280:h=50[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest waveform_arc.mp4

Stereo VU Meter (Mirrored)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]channelsplit=channel_layout=stereo[l][r]; \
 [l]showvolume=b=4:w=960:h=50[l_wave]; \
 [r]showvolume=b=4:w=960:h=50[r_raw]; \
 [r_raw]hflip[r_flipped]; \
 [l_wave][r_flipped]hstack[v]" \
-map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest stereo_vu.mp4

Clean Stereo VU with Image Background

ffmpeg -loop 1 -i input.png -i input.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[1:a]channelsplit=channel_layout=stereo[l][r]; \
 [l]showvolume=b=4:w=600:h=40:c=0x29FF14[l_wave]; \
 [r]showvolume=b=4:w=600:h=40:c=0x15F4EE[r_raw]; \
 [r_raw]hflip[r_flipped]; \
 [l_wave][r_flipped]hstack=inputs=2[v_meter]; \
 [0:v][v_meter]overlay=x=(W-w)/2:y=H-150:shortest=1[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest clean_stereo_vu.mp4

Animated VU Meter

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showvolume=b=5:w=1280:h=60:o=h:v=1:p=0.5:t=0:f=0" -c:v libx264 output_vumeter.mp4

Spectrum Analyzers

Classic Bars Spectrum (Black Background)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showspectrum=s=1280x720:mode=combined[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest waveform_spectrum_black.mp4

Fire Spectrum

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showspectrum=s=1920x1080:mode=combined:color=fire:scale=log[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 waveform_spectrum_fire.mp4

Spectrum with Image Background

ffmpeg -loop 1 -i image.jpg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[1:a]showspectrum=s=1280x400:mode=combined[v]; \
 [0:v][v]overlay=y=H-h:shortest=1[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest spectrum_bg.mp4

Frequency Spectrum

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "[0:a]showfrequency=s=1280x720[v]" -map "[v]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a copy -shortest freq_black.mp4

Scrolling Spectrum

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]showspectrum=s=1280x720:mode=line:color=intensity:slide=scroll:fps=30[v]" \
-map "[v]" output_video.mp4

Text Overlays & Title Animations

Centered Title with Shadow

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex \
"drawtext=text='VIDEO TITLE':fontcolor=white:fontsize=48:fontweight=bold:x=(w-text_w)/2:y=(h-text_h)/2-30:shadowcolor=black@0.7:shadowx=3:shadowy=3" \
-c:a copy output.mp4

Title with Subtitle

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex \
"drawtext=text='VIDEO TITLE':fontcolor=white:fontsize=48:x=(w-text_w)/2:y=(h-text_h)/2-100:shadowcolor=black@0.7:shadowx=3:shadowy=3, \
 drawtext=text='Subtitle or Description':fontcolor=#CCCCCC:fontsize=24:x=(w-text_w)/2:y=(h-text_h)/2-40" \
-c:a copy output.mp4

Fading Text Animation

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"color=c=black:s=1280x720:r=30[bg]; \
 [bg]drawtext=text='YOUR SONG TITLE':fontcolor=white:fontsize=40:x=(W-text_w)/2:y=H-120: \
 alpha='if(lt(t,1),0,if(lt(t,4),(t-1)/3,1))', \
 drawtext=text='%{pts\:gmtime\:0\:%M\\\:%S}':fontcolor=white:fontsize=30:x=(W-text_w)/2:y=H-70: \
 alpha='if(lt(t,1),0,if(lt(t,4),(t-1)/3,1))'[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -preset fast -c:a copy -shortest output.mp4

Timestamp Display

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex \
"drawtext=text='%{pts\:hms}':fontcolor=cyan:fontsize=16:x=10:y=10, \
 drawtext=text='Duration: 00:02:30':fontcolor=yellow:fontsize=16:x=w-180:y=10" \
-c:a copy output.mp4

Text with Background Box

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex \
"drawtext=text='Subtitle or Description':fontcolor=white:fontsize=28:x=(w-text_w)/2:y=(h-text_h)/2-40:box=1:boxcolor=black@0.5:boxborderw=10" \
-c:a copy output.mp4

Multiple Text Overlays

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter_complex \
"drawtext=fontfile=KGTeacherJordan.ttf:text='The Best Darso':fontsize=48:fontcolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=h-th-2, \
 drawtext=fontfile=RitualoftheWitch.ttf:text='Mawar Bodas':fontsize=50:fontcolor=white:x=(w-text_w)/2:y=(h-text_h)/2, \
 drawtext=fontfile=SuperWonder.ttf:text='%{pts\:hms}':x=(w-text_w-10):y=(h-text_h-10):fontsize=24:fontcolor=white:box=1:boxcolor=black@0.5" \
-y output.mp4

Logo & Image Overlays

Basic Logo Overlay (Top Right)

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -i logo.png -filter_complex \
"[1:v]scale=100:-1[logo_small]; [0:v][logo_small]overlay=W-w-20:20" \
-c:a copy output.mp4

Logo with Transparency

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -i logo.png -filter_complex \
"[1:v]format=rgba,colorchannelmixer=aa=0.8[logo_trans]; [0:v][logo_trans]overlay=10:10" \
-c:a copy output.mp4

Logo Position Reference

# Top Left
overlay=20:20

# Top Right
overlay=W-w-20:20

# Bottom Left
overlay=20:H-h-20

# Bottom Right
overlay=W-w-20:H-h-20

# Center
overlay=(W-w)/2:(H-h)/2

Animated Logo (Fade In)

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -i logo.png -filter_complex \
"[1:v]scale=100:-1,format=rgba,colorchannelmixer=aa='if(lt(t,2),t/2,1)'[logo_fade]; \
 [0:v][logo_fade]overlay=W-w-20:20" \
-c:a copy output.mp4

Glow Effects

Waveform with Glow

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -loop 1 -i image.jpg -filter_complex \
"[1:a]aformat=channel_layouts=mono,showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=cline:colors=white[v]; \
 [v]split[top][bottom]; [bottom]gblur=sigma=10[blurred]; \
 [top][blurred]blend=all_mode=addition[glow]; \
 [0:v][glow]overlay=y=H-h:shortest=1[final]" \
-map "[final]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p output_glow.mp4

Glow with Black Background

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"color=c=black:s=1280x720:r=30[bg]; \
 [0:a]aformat=channel_layouts=mono,showwaves=s=1280x720:mode=cline:colors=white[v]; \
 [v]split[top][bottom]; [bottom]gblur=sigma=10[blurred]; \
 [top][blurred]blend=all_mode=addition[glow]; \
 [bg][glow]overlay=y=(H-h)/2:shortest=1,format=yuv420p[final]" \
-map "[final]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy -shortest output_glow.mp4

Circular Waveform with Complete Glow + Logo + Text

ffmpeg -loop 1 -i image.jpg -i audio.mp3 -i logo.png -filter_complex \
"[1:a]avectorscope=s=720x720:m=circular:colors=cyan|purple:zoom=1.3[sw]; \
 [sw]format=rgba,rotate=a=t*0.5:c=none:ow=rotw(a):oh=roth(a)[rot]; \
 [rot]split[main][glow]; [glow]boxblur=10:5[glow_blurred]; \
 [main][glow_blurred]mergeplanes=0x00010203:0x00010203[final_sw]; \
 [0:v][final_sw]overlay=x=(W-w)/2:y=(H-h)/2:format=auto[bg_wave]; \
 [bg_wave][2:v]overlay=W-w-20:20[bg_logo]; \
 [bg_logo]drawtext=text='YOUR SONG TITLE':fontcolor=white:fontsize=45:x=(W-text_w)/2:y=H-120: \
 alpha='if(lt(t,1),0,if(lt(t,4),(t-1)/3,1))', \
 drawtext=text='%{pts\:gmtime\:0\:%M\\\:%S}':fontcolor=white:fontsize=30:x=(W-text_w)/2:y=H-70: \
 alpha='if(lt(t,1),0,if(lt(t,4),(t-1)/3,1))'[outv]" \
-map "[outv]" -map 1:a -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -preset fast -c:a copy -shortest output_pro.mp4

Screen Recording

List Available Devices

ffmpeg -list_devices true -f dshow -i dummy

Basic Screen Recording

ffmpeg -f gdigrab -framerate 30 -i desktop -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

Screen Recording with Audio

ffmpeg -f gdigrab -framerate 30 -i desktop -i music.mp3 \
-c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p -preset ultrafast -c:a aac -map 0:v -map 1:a -shortest output.mp4

Screen Recording with Webcam

ffmpeg -f gdigrab -framerate 30 -i desktop -f dshow -i video="USB2.0 VGA UVC WebCam" \
-c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

Screen Recording with System Audio

ffmpeg -f gdigrab -framerate 30 -i desktop -f dshow -i audio="Stereo Mix (Realtek High Definition Audio)" \
-c:v libx264 -preset ultrafast -c:a aac -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

Find Correct Audio Device Name

ffmpeg -list_devices true -f dshow -i dummy
# Look for DirectShow audio devices section

Video Rotation

Transpose Filter (90° Increments - Recommended)

# 90° Clockwise
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "transpose=1" -c:a copy output.mp4

# 90° Counter-Clockwise
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "transpose=2" -c:a copy output.mp4

# 180° Rotation
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "transpose=2,transpose=2" -c:a copy output.mp4

# 90° Clockwise + Vertical Flip
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "transpose=3" -c:a copy output.mp4

Transpose Options:

  • 0 = 90° CCW and vertical flip (default)
  • 1 = 90° Clockwise
  • 2 = 90° Counter-clockwise
  • 3 = 90° Clockwise and vertical flip

Rotate Filter (Arbitrary Angles)

# 45 degrees
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "rotate=45*PI/180" output.mp4

# 30 degrees counter-clockwise
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "rotate=-30*PI/180" output.mp4

Rotation Metadata (No Re-encoding)

# Rotate 90 degrees
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -display_rotation 90 -c:v copy output.mp4

# Rotate 180 degrees
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -display_rotation 180 -c:v copy output.mp4

# Rotate 270 degrees
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -display_rotation 270 -c:v copy output.mp4

Batch Rotate (Windows PowerShell)

foreach ($i in Get-ChildItem *.mp4) { ffmpeg -i $i -vf "transpose=1" ("rot_" + $i.Name) }

Batch Rotate (Linux/Mac)

for f in *.mp4; do ffmpeg -i "$f" -vf "transpose=1" "rotated_$f"; done

Scrolling Text

Basic Bottom Scroll

ffmpeg -y -f lavfi -i color=c=black:s=1280x720:d=30 -vf \
"drawtext=fontfile=arial.ttf:fontsize=40:fontcolor=white:x=w-t*(w+tw)/10:y=h-th-20:textfile=live.txt" \
-codec:a copy live-txt.mp4

Right to Left Scroll (Continuous)

ffmpeg -y -f lavfi -i color=c=black:s=1280x720:d=30 -vf \
"drawtext=fontfile=arial.ttf:fontsize=40:fontcolor=white:x=w-mod(t*100\,w+tw):y=h-80:textfile=live.txt" \
-c:a copy output.mp4

Scroll and Stop at Center (Left to Right)

ffmpeg -y -f lavfi -i color=c=black:s=1280x720:d=30 -vf \
"drawtext=fontfile=arial.ttf:fontsize=40:fontcolor=white:x='min((w-tw)/2, -tw+t*400)':y=h-100:textfile=live.txt" \
-c:a copy output.mp4

Scroll and Stop at Center (Right to Left)

ffmpeg -y -f lavfi -i color=c=black:s=1280x720:d=30 -vf \
"drawtext=fontfile=arial.ttf:fontsize=40:fontcolor=white:x='max((w-tw)/2, w-t*200)':y=h-100:textfile=live.txt" \
-c:a copy output.mp4

Loop-Pause-Reset Scroll Animation

ffmpeg -y -f lavfi -i color=c=black:s=1280x720:d=30 -vf \
"drawtext=fontfile=arial.ttf:fontsize=40:fontcolor=white@'min(1, mod(t,15)*2)':x='min((w-tw)/2, -tw+(mod(t,15)*600))':y=(h-th)/2:textfile=live.txt" \
-c:a copy outputCredits.mp4

Scrolling Text Variables Reference

Position X Expression
Bottom Right x=w-t*(w+tw)/10:y=h-th-20
Bottom Right (continuous) x=w-mod(t*100\,w+tw):y=h-80
Bottom Right Pause x='max((w-tw)/2, w-t*200)':y=h-100
Bottom Left Pause x='min((w-tw)/2, -tw+t*400)'
Top Right x=w-mod(t*100\,w-tw-50):y=50
Center Right Pause x='max((w-tw)/2+20)':y=h-20*t
Center x='max((w-tw)/2, w-t*200)':y=(h-th)/2

Static Waveform Images

Basic Waveform Image

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "showwavespic=s=640x120" -frames:v 1 output.png

Double Waveform Image

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "showwavespic=s=640x240:split_channels=1:colors=white|white" -frames:v 1 output.png

Split Channel Image

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "showwavespic=s=640x240:split_channels=1" -frames:v 1 output.png

Spectrogram Image

ffmpeg -i input_file.mp3 -lavfi showspectrumpic=s=800x400:mode=separate spectrogram.png

Colored Waveform Image

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "showwavespic=s=1280x720:colors=blue|yellow" -frames:v 1 output.png

Waveform with Dark Background

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "color=s=1280x240:c=black[bg];[0:a]showwavespic=s=1280x240:colors=white[fg];[bg][fg]overlay" -frames:v 1 output.png

Transparent Background Image

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex "showwavespic=s=640x120:colors=white:bg=0x00000000" -frames:v 1 output.png

Advanced Colored Waveform Image

ffmpeg -i audio.mp3 -filter_complex \
"[0:a]aformat=channel_layouts=mono,compand=gain=-6,showwavespic=s=600x120:colors=#9cf42f[fg]; \
 color=s=600x120:color=#44582c,drawgrid=width=iw/10:height=ih/5:color=#9cf42f@0.1[bg]; \
 [bg][fg]overlay=format=auto,drawbox=x=(iw-w)/2:y=(ih-h)/2:w=iw:h=1:color=#9cf42f" \
-frames:v 1 output.png

Scale Modes

Linear Scale (Default)

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -r 25 -filter_complex "[0:a]compand,showwaves=size=854x480:colors=white:draw=full:mode=p2p:scale=lin,format=yuv420p[vout]" -map "[vout]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy output.mp4

Logarithmic Scale

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -r 25 -filter_complex "[0:a]compand,showwaves=size=854x480:colors=white:draw=full:mode=p2p:scale=log,format=yuv420p[vout]" -map "[vout]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy output.mp4

Square Root Scale

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -r 25 -filter_complex "[0:a]compand,showwaves=size=854x480:colors=white:draw=full:mode=p2p:scale=sqrt,format=yuv420p[vout]" -map "[vout]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy waveform_scale_sqrt.mp4

Cube Root Scale

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -r 25 -filter_complex "[0:a]compand,showwaves=size=854x480:colors=white:draw=full:mode=p2p:scale=cbrt,format=yuv420p[vout]" -map "[vout]" -map 0:a -c:v libx264 -c:a copy output.mp4

Color Reference Palette

Visual Style Hex Code FFmpeg Format
Aquamarine 7fffd4 0x7fffd4
Blue 4666FF 0x4666FF
Cyan 00CCFF 0x00CCFF
Deep Azure Blue 007FFF 0x007FFF
Deep Sky Blue 00bfff 0x00bfff
Electric Cyan 00ffff 0x00ffff
Emerald Green 50C878 0x50C878
Ice White/Blue f0f8ff 0xf0f8ff
Electric Yellow FFF01F 0xFFF01F
Silver B0B0B0 0xB0B0B0
Spring 00FF7F 0x00FF7F
Gold FFD700 0xFFD700
Goldenrod daa520 0xdaa520
Orange FF4500 0xFF4500
Neon Green #29FF14 0x29FF14
Neon Blue #15F4EE 0x15F4EE
Neon Purple #BC13FE 0xBC13FE
Neon Pink ff00ff 0xff00ff
Neon Red Vibrant E30303 0xE30303
Neon Red E60000 0xE60000
Neon Lime 66FF00 0x66FF00
Neon Yellow CFFF04 0xCFFF04
Electric Green 0FFF50 0x0FFF50
Electric Yellow F8FF00 0xF8FF00
Electric Lime 89F336 0x89F336
Electric Purple BF00FE 0xBF00FE
Electric Red #FF073A 0xFF073A

Troubleshooting & Tips

Performance Optimization

# Fast encoding (larger file)
ffmpeg -i input.mp3 ... -preset veryfast output.mp4

# Ultra fast (largest file)
ffmpeg -i input.mp3 ... -preset ultrafast output.mp4

# Best quality (slower)
ffmpeg -i input.mp3 ... -preset slow -crf 18 output.mp4

Common Issues & Solutions

Issue Solution
Dimensions not divisible by 2 Use even dimensions like 1280x720 or 1920x1080
Slow encoding Add -preset veryfast or -preset ultrafast
Blurry waveform Use mode=line or mode=point instead of mode=solid
Audio/video sync issues Add -shortest flag
No video output Ensure format=yuv420p for compatibility
Font errors Specify valid font path or use font='Sans'
Stereo Mix not found Check device name with ffmpeg -list_devices true -f dshow -i dummy

YCgCo Color Space Fix

ffmpeg -i YCgCo.mp4 -vf "colorspace=all=bt709:irange=tv:ispace=bt709:itp=bt709,format=yuv420p" -c:v libx264 -crf 18 -c:a copy anime_loop_fixed.mp4

# Alternative
ffmpeg -i YCgCo.mp4 -vf "setparams=color_primaries=bt709:color_trc=bt709:colorspace=bt709,format=yuv420p" -c:v libx264 -crf 18 -c:a copy anime_loop_fixed.mp4

Useful Filters Quick Reference

Filter Purpose
showwaves Audio waveform visualization
showvolume VU meter display
showspectrum Frequency spectrum analyzer
avectorscope Vector/3D audio visualization
showcqt Constant Q transform (stereo bars)
showfreqs Frequency bars visualization
drawtext Text overlays
overlay Image/video compositing
rotate Video rotation
transpose 90° rotation increments
hflip / vflip Mirror horizontally/vertically
channelsplit Separate stereo channels
geq Pixel-level manipulation
gblur / boxblur Blur effects
colorchannelmixer Alpha/color adjustments
hstack / vstack Stack videos horizontally/vertically

Pro Tips

  1. YouTube Shorts (9:16): Change size to 1080x1920 and adjust overlay coordinates
  2. Color Format: Use 0x prefix for hex colors in FFmpeg
  3. Transparency: Use format=rgba or format=argb with appropriate codec (qtrle, prores)
  4. Background Scaling: Ensure background image matches output resolution to avoid scaling overhead
  5. Audio Quality: Use -c:a copy to preserve original audio without re-encoding
  6. Duration Control: Always add -shortest when using -loop 1 with images
  7. No Blur: Use mode=line or mode=point in showwaves to avoid piled-up look
  8. Batch Processing: Use loops to process multiple files with same settings