video-frames

name	video-frames
description	Extract frames or short clips from videos using ffmpeg. Use when asked to capture a frame, create a thumbnail, or extract a clip from a video file.
alwaysInclude	false
requiredBins	["ffmpeg"]
platforms	["darwin","linux"]

Video Frames (ffmpeg)

Extract frames and clips from video files.

Install

brew install ffmpeg

Extract a Frame

# First frame
ffmpeg -i /path/to/video.mp4 -vframes 1 /tmp/frame.jpg

# Frame at specific timestamp
ffmpeg -ss 00:00:10 -i /path/to/video.mp4 -vframes 1 /tmp/frame-10s.jpg

# High-quality PNG
ffmpeg -ss 00:01:30 -i /path/to/video.mp4 -vframes 1 /tmp/frame.png

Extract Multiple Frames

# One frame per second
ffmpeg -i /path/to/video.mp4 -vf "fps=1" /tmp/frames/frame_%04d.jpg

# One frame every 10 seconds
ffmpeg -i /path/to/video.mp4 -vf "fps=1/10" /tmp/frames/frame_%04d.jpg

Extract a Clip

# 10-second clip starting at 30s
ffmpeg -ss 00:00:30 -i /path/to/video.mp4 -t 10 -c copy /tmp/clip.mp4

# Re-encode clip (for precise cuts)
ffmpeg -ss 00:00:30 -i /path/to/video.mp4 -t 10 -c:v libx264 -c:a aac /tmp/clip.mp4

Create Thumbnail Grid

# 3x3 grid of thumbnails
ffmpeg -i /path/to/video.mp4 -vf "select='not(mod(n\,100))',scale=320:-1,tile=3x3" -frames:v 1 /tmp/grid.jpg

Notes

• Use -ss before -i for fast seeking (keyframe-based)
• Use .jpg for quick sharing; .png for crisp UI frames
• -c copy avoids re-encoding (fast but less precise cuts)
• Check video info: ffprobe /path/to/video.mp4