avidemux
Edit and convert video files
SYNOPSIS
avidemux [options] [input-files]
PARAMETERS
--load
Load input video file(s)
--save
Save output to specified file
--output-format
Set output format (e.g., AVI, MP4, MKV, PS)
--begin
Start processing at time (HH:MM:SS.mmm)
--end
End processing at time (HH:MM:SS.mmm)
--video-stream
Select video stream index (0-based)
--audio-streams
Select audio streams (comma-separated)
--first-frame
Start at frame number
--last-frame
End at frame number
--info
Display file information only
--nogui
Run in CLI mode (no GUI)
--quiet
Suppress console output
--rebuild-index
Rebuild video index
--auto-script
Run automatic job script
--folder
Process all videos in directory
--add
Append additional input file
--audio-filter
Apply audio filter (e.g., downmix)
--video-filter
Apply video filter (e.g., crop, resize)
--postproc-type
Set post-processing strength
DESCRIPTION
Avidemux is an open-source, cross-platform video processing tool designed for simple tasks like cutting, filtering, and re-encoding videos. On Linux, the avidemux command provides a powerful CLI mode alongside its GUI, enabling batch operations, automation via scripts, and headless processing. It leverages FFmpeg libraries for broad format support, including AVI, MP4, MKV, MPEG, and more, handling video, audio, and subtitle streams independently.
Ideal for users needing quick trims without re-encoding entire files (via copy mode), applying filters (crop, resize, denoise), or converting codecs (H.264, MPEG-4, VP9). The CLI excels in server environments or scripts, specifying inputs, outputs, streams, and jobs precisely. It's lightweight, fast, and free, with no watermarks or subscriptions.
Usage involves loading media, configuring process chain (video/audio filters), selecting output format/codec, and saving. CLI automates this via flags, supporting multi-pass encoding, index rebuilding, and marker-based cuts. Community-maintained, it prioritizes stability over advanced effects like transitions or multi-track editing.
CAVEATS
CLI mode may lack some GUI previews; not for complex edits; requires rebuilt indexes for VFR videos; FFmpeg backend limits some proprietary formats.
CLI VS GUI
Invoke avidemux --nogui for pure CLI; GUI launches by default without options; use --console for verbose logging.
JOB SCRIPTS
Save/load jobs via --save-jobs jobs.xml --load-jobs jobs.xml for batch re-use; ideal for repetitive encodes.
FORMATS/CODECS
Outputs: AVI(MPEG4), MP4(x264), MKV(x265); inputs auto-detected; copy mode (--output-format copy) avoids re-encoding for cuts.
HISTORY
Originated in 2001 as a fork of VirtualDub for Linux; rewritten by developer 'Mean' around 2004-2005; reached version 2.x in 2006 with Qt GUI; version 3.x (2020s) added modern codecs, HEVC, AV1 support via FFmpeg 4+; actively maintained on SourceForge with Linux packages in major distros.


