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ffmpeg Node

n8n Node for some Ffmpeg functionality

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Overview

This node provides functionality to add filters and effects to media files (video or audio) using ffmpeg capabilities. It is useful in scenarios where you want to programmatically apply transformations such as scaling, grayscale, or other filter chains to media content within an n8n workflow.

Practical examples include:

  • Adding visual effects like resizing or color adjustments to videos.
  • Applying audio filters such as volume normalization or equalization.
  • Automating media processing pipelines that require consistent filter application.

Properties

Name Meaning
Media File Input A valid media URL or the name of the input binary field containing the media file.
Media File Output The name of the output binary field that will contain the processed media file.
Media File Selects the type of media to process: Video or Audio.
Filter and Effects For Video: a comma-separated list of video filters/effects to apply (e.g., scale=640:480, grayscale).
Filter and Effects For Audio: a comma-separated list of audio filters/effects to apply.

Output

The node outputs the processed media file in a binary field named as specified by the "Media File Output" property. The json output field typically contains metadata about the operation or the processed file, but the main output is the transformed media binary data.

If the media is video, the output binary contains the filtered video stream; if audio, it contains the filtered audio stream.

Dependencies

  • Requires an API key credential for accessing the underlying ffmpeg service.
  • The node depends on an external ffmpeg processing backend accessible via this credential.
  • No additional environment variables are explicitly required beyond the API authentication.

Troubleshooting

  • Common issues:

    • Invalid media input URL or missing binary input field can cause failures.
    • Incorrectly formatted filter strings may lead to ffmpeg errors.
    • Specifying incompatible filters for the selected media type (e.g., video filters on audio) will cause errors.

  • Error messages:

    • Errors related to "invalid filter" usually mean the filter syntax is incorrect or unsupported.
    • "Input file not found" indicates the input media was not correctly provided or accessible.
    • Authentication errors suggest problems with the API key credential configuration.

  • Resolutions:

    • Verify the input media source is correct and accessible.
    • Double-check filter syntax against ffmpeg documentation.
    • Ensure the API key credential is properly set up in n8n.

Links and References

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