ffmpeg Node

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

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 with the applied filters and effects.

Dependencies

• Requires an API key credential for accessing the underlying ffmpeg service.
• Depends on ffmpeg functionality exposed via an external API or service configured in n8n.
• 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.
  • Incorrect filter syntax may lead to errors from ffmpeg.
  • Specifying incompatible filters for the selected media type (e.g., video filters on audio) will not work.

• Error messages:

  • Errors related to media loading usually indicate invalid input references.
  • Filter parsing errors suggest malformed filter strings; verify filter syntax according to ffmpeg documentation.
  • Authentication errors imply missing or incorrect API credentials.

Links and References

• FFmpeg Filters Documentation
• FFmpeg Official Website
• n8n Documentation on Working with Binary Data