FFmpeg

Software Overview

FFmpeg is a suite of libraries and command-line tools that allows users to convert, edit, and play audio and video files. The project is open-source and serves as the backbone of many media players and conversion apps, such as VLC media player.

Most notably, FFmpeg's included ffmpeg command-line tool allows users to quickly convert audio and video files to many multimedia formats. Advanced users can specify the converted file's codec(s), bitrate, and in the case of video, frame rate and resolution. Ffmpeg can also retrieve and save audio and video being streamed online.

FFmpeg's ffplay tool can play most audio and video files, and ffprobe can retrieve and show metadata about a media file. Together, these three tools allow users to examine, manipulate, and play the majority of multimedia files.

Summary

If you're comfortable using command-line tools, and you often find yourself wanting to convert or manipulate multimedia files, FFmpeg is right up your alley. If you don't want to go near the command line, a different media converter, like VLC media player or Handbrake, might be what you're looking for.

Primary File Type

.FFMFFmpeg Stream File

Supported File Types