How To Convert FFmpeg Image Sequence to Video

Converting a sequence of images into a video is a reliable way to create time-lapses, slideshows, or animations. One of the most versatile tools for this task is FFmpeg.

FFmpeg (Fast Forward Moving Picture Experts Group) is an open-source command-line utility that has various libraries and programs for handling multimedia data. And it offers a range of customizable options to convert image sequence to high-quality video.

So, if you’re wondering how to convert ffmpeg image sequence to video, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to execute the task regardless of your skill level.

Part 1. What Image Sequence Format Does FFmpeg Support?

Fortunately, ffmpeg supports a wide variety of image sequence formats. Below are some of the image sequence formats ffmpeg can handle:

• JPEG: .jpeg, .jpg
• PNG: .png
• TIFF: .tiff, .tif
• BMP: .bmp
• GIF: .gif
• PPM: .ppm
• PGM: .pgm
• PBM: .pbm
• PNM: .pnm
• WebP: .webp

Part 2. How To Convert FFmpeg Image Sequence to Video

To convert an image sequence into a video using FFmpeg, you'll need to follow a series of steps. While these steps might be tricky for users with no technical background, we’ve explained it in the simplest way possible to help you understand how it works.

Step 1. Preparing Your Image Sequence

1. Naming Convention: Ensure your images are named in a sequential order. For example, image-001.png, image-002.png, image-003.png, etc. This helps FFmpeg recognize the order of images.
2. Consistent Format: Make sure all images are of the same format (e.g., all .pngor .jpg) and have the same dimensions.

Step 2. Installing FFmpeg

Before you proceed, make sure to install the FFmpeg tool on your system. You can check this by running the command:

On Windows: Press Windows + R on your keyboard. Then, enter ffmpeg.exe -version and click enter.

On Mac: Open the “Terminal Window” and type “ffmpeg-version”.

If FFmpeg is not installed, download and install it from the official FFmpeg website.

Step 3. Convert Image Sequence to Video

If you have a series of images named sequentially, (e.g., image-0001.png, image-0002.png, etc.), enter the following command into ffmpeg tool;

ffmpeg -framerate 25 -i image-%03d.png-c:v libx264 -r 30 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

This is what the above command means;

• -framerate 25: Sets the input frame rate to 25 frames per second. Adjust this value based on how fast you want the video to play.
• -i image-%03d.png: Specifies the input file pattern. %03d is a placeholder for sequential numbers with zero padding (e.g., 001, 002).
• -c:v libx264: Uses the H.264 codec for video compression, which is widely supported and provides good quality.
• -r 30: Sets the output frame rate to 30 frames per second. This can be adjusted as needed.
• -pix_fmt yuv420p: Sets the pixel format to yuv420p, which ensures compatibility with most players.
• output.mp4: The name of the output video file.

However, if your images are not sequentially numbered but have a consistent extension (e.g., .png), you can use a glob pattern to convert them to videos. The command for using “Glob Pttern” is;

ffmpeg -framerate 30 -pattern_type glob -i ".png" -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

Step 4. Advanced Options

• Specifying Start Frame: Use -start_number if your sequence starts from a number other than 001.

ffmpeg -framerate 25 -start_number 100 -i image-%03d.png-c:v libx264 -r 30 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

• Adding Audio: Adding audio to your video is a great way to make it more interesting to watch. You can add an audio track with the -i option. Here is the command;

ffmpeg -framerate 25 -i image-%03d.png-i audio.mp3 -c:v libx264 -c:a aac -r 30 -pix_fmt yuv420p output_with_audio.mp4

• Looping Images

To loop each image for a specific duration, use the -loop and -t options:

ffmpeg -loop 1 -t 5 -i image1.png-loop 1 -t 5 -i image2.png-loop 1 -t 5 -i image3.png-filter_complex "[0:v][1:v][2:v]concat=n=3:v=1:a=0" -c:v libx264 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

• Adding Transition Effects

To add fade-in and fade-out effects between images:

ffmpeg -i image1.png-i image2.png-i image3.png-filter_complex "[0:v]fade=t=in:st=0:d=1,fade=t=out:st=4:d=1[v0]; [1:v]fade=t=in:st=0:d=1,fade=t=out:st=4:d=1[v1]; [2:v]fade=t=in:st=0:d=1,fade=t=out:st=4:d=1[v2]; [v0][v1][v2]concat=n=3:v=1:a=0,format=yuv420p[v]" -map "[v]" output_with_fades.mp4

Tips for FFmpeg Sequence of Images to Videos

• Ensure all images are in the same directory where you run the FFmpeg command.
• Adjust the -framerate and -roptions to control the speed and smoothness of the video.
• If you encounter issues with playback on certain devices, ensure the pixel format is set to yuv420p.

Part 3. Why Do I Fail To Convert Image Sequence to Video in FFmpeg?

There are several reasons that you may fail to convert image sequence to video in FFmpeg. In this part, we’ve highlighted some of the common reasons for this problem and the best solution to fix it.

• Incorrect images file size

This is one of the main reason you might fail to convert image sequence to video on ffmpeg. Perhaps the images in the image sequence are too small or too big, ffmpeg will be unable to accurately calculate and determine how the images are related.

Solution: What you can do in this type of situation is to resize the images using the following command:

cat jpg2mp4.sh test -d "$1" || exit tmpdir=$(mktemp -d -p .) counter=0 find $1 -iname '.jpg' | while read.jpgdo convert -resize 1440x1080 .jpg$tmpdir/IMG_$(printf "%04d" $counter).JPG counter=$((counter + 1)) done echo ffmpeg -i $tmpdir/IMG_%4d.JPG test.mp4

• Non-Sequential File Naming

Ffmpeg may also fail to convert an image sequence to to video if the images are not sequentially numbered or there are gaps in the numbering.

Solution: Ensure the images are sequentially numbered without gaps (we recommend starring the image sequence with 01.

Also, if there are gaps, you can rename the files or use a glob pattern to include all files.

• Empty or Corrupted Input Files

If some of the image files are empty or corrupted, it can also cause ffmpeg to not convert image sequence to video.

Solution: Verify the integrity of the input files and ensure they are not empty or corrupted.

• Incorrect Command Syntax

There might be a syntax error in the FFmpeg command.

Solution: Double-check the command syntax for errors. For example, ensure all options and their values are correctly specified.

Here is a corrected example command incorporating some of the solutions mentioned:

• ffmpeg -framerate 25 -start_number 100 -i image-%03d.png-c:v libx264 -r 30 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.mp4

This command sets the input framerate to 25 fps, starts from image-100.png, uses the H.264 codec, sets the output framerate to 30 fps, and uses the yuv420p pixel form

Part 4. An Easier Way to Convert Image Sequence Without using FFMPEG

As mentioned earlier, users with no technical background might find it difficult to use ffmpeg to convert image sequences to video. This is why we recommend using the Wondershare Filmora video editing software for the conversion.

Filmora Video Editor is an advanced video editing software that’s designed to facilitate various video editing tasks, including the conversion of image sequence to video. This tool boasts many interesting features, including ready-made templates, green screen, motion tracking, and more.

Also, Filmora has built-in AI tools, such as AI video interpolation, AI Music Generator, AI Portrait Cutout, AI Thumbnail Maker, and lots more that can help you enhance video editing tasks.

Key features of the image sequence to video feature in Filmora

• Direct Import: Easily import a folder of sequentially numbered image files (e.g., JPG) directly into the project timeline without complex conversion processes.
• Speed Control: Adjust the playback speed of the image sequence to create time-lapse or slow-motion effects.
• Cloud Integration: Import images directly from cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox, simplifying the workflow.
• Export Options: Export the final video in multiple formats (e.g., MP4, MOV, AVI) and resolutions to suit different project needs.

Step 1: Install the Filmora Video Editor app on your Mac or PC and launch the app.

• Click on “Create New Project” and Click the "Import" button and navigate to your image folder. Then, you can import the “Image sequence” that you want to convert to video. Select the first image of your sequence and check the "Image Sequence" box.

Step 2. Once you’ve successfully imported the image sequence, drag-and-drop them to the “Timeline”. Then, start adjusting the settings according to your requirements.

• You can add effects, titles, and lots more to enhance the quality of the video output.

Step 3. After the customization, click on “Export” and select the video output format.

• You can also adjust the frame rate of the video. Then, choose the oath you want to save the file and select “Export”.

Conclusion

Converting an image sequence to a video using FFmpeg is not difficult if you understand the steps to operate. All you need is to follow the steps we’ve shared.

However, if you want a simpler way to convert image sequence to video without ffmpeg, the Filmora Video Editor iw what you need.