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2.6: Using ffmpeg to convert a PNG Image Sequence into a MP4 file - 3D Cinema

Education

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of converting a sequence of PNG images generated from a 3D film using Unreal Engine into an MP4 video file using a command-line tool called ffmpeg. Follow these steps to stitch your images together into a cohesive film.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open the Command Line: Access the command line interface on your computer. This could be the Terminal on macOS or Linux, or Command Prompt/PowerShell on Windows.

  2. Change Directory: Use the cd command to navigate to the folder containing your image sequence. Make sure to include a space between cd and your path. For example, if your images are located in C:\Users\YourName\Videos\Sequencer, you would input:

    cd C:\Users\YourName\Videos\Sequencer

  3. Install ffmpeg: If you haven't already installed ffmpeg, you can download it from the ffmpeg official website. Instructions for installation will vary based on your operating system.

  4. Convert Image Sequence to MP4:

    • Use the following command to convert your PNG image sequence into an MP4 file:
    ffmpeg -r 30 -i sequencer%04d.png -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p my_first_film.mp4

    Here:

    • -r 30 specifies the frame rate (30 frames per second).
    • -i sequencer%04d.png indicates the input files. %04d is a placeholder that denotes a four-digit sequential number for each image.
    • -c:v libx264 sets the video codec.
    • -pix_fmt yuv420p specifies the pixel format, which ensures compatibility with most players.
    • my_first_film.mp4 is the name of the output file.

  5. Review Your Film: Once the command executes successfully, check your folder for the newly created my_first_film.mp4. You can open this file in any video player to view your stitched film.

By following these steps, you’ve successfully used ffmpeg to transform an image sequence into a video file, encapsulating your cinematic creation into a playable format.

Keywords

FAQ

Q1: What is ffmpeg?
A1: ffmpeg is a command-line tool that allows users to convert multimedia files, including audio and video formats, as well as manipulate video streams.

Q2: How do I install ffmpeg?
A2: You can download ffmpeg from its official website ffmpeg.org where installation instructions are provided for various operating systems.

Q3: What are the required parameters to convert an image sequence?
A3: The required parameters typically include the frame rate (-r), input file pattern (-i), video codec (-c:v), and output file name.

Q4: Can I use file formats other than PNG?
A4: Yes, ffmpeg supports a wide variety of image formats including JPEG, BMP, and more. Just ensure you adjust the input file pattern accordingly.

Q5: What should I do if I encounter errors during conversion?
A5: Check the command syntax, ensure you have the correct file paths, and confirm that ffmpeg is properly installed. You can also refer to ffmpeg documentation for troubleshooting tips.