Nodaro DocsTranscode Video
Re-encode a video with H.264 or H.265, a quality (CRF) value, a lower resolution and an audio bitrate, to shrink files or make them play on any device.
The Transcode Video node re-encodes a video with a different codec, quality, resolution and audio bitrate. Use it to make a large file smaller, to turn a video into a format that plays everywhere, or to give several clips the same format before you join them.
When to use it
- An AI-generated video is too large to share or upload. Raise the CRF value or lower the resolution.
- A clip uses H.265 and does not play on some devices. Convert it to H.264.
- Several clips have different resolutions. Give them one resolution before Combine Videos.
Quick start
Add the node
Press Tab on the canvas and choose Video › Format & Export › Transcode Video.
Connect a video
Drag from the output of any video node to the Video input.
Keep the defaults or open Advanced Settings
With the defaults, the node makes a browser- and phone-safe MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio. To change the codec, quality, resolution or audio bitrate, open Advanced Settings in the settings panel.
Run it
Click Run on the node. The re-encoded video appears on the node.
Inputs
| Input | Accepts | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Video | Video nodes, such as Upload Video, Generate Video and Combine Videos | The video to re-encode. Required. |
The output, Video, is the re-encoded video.
Settings
All settings are under Advanced Settings. The heading says "(using defaults)" while nothing has changed.
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Codec | H.264 (recommended), the default, or H.265 (HEVC). |
| Quality (CRF) | A slider from 0 (best) to 51 (worst). The default is 23. |
| Resolution | Original (the default), 1080p, 720p or 480p. |
| Audio Bitrate | 128 kbps (the default), 192 kbps, 256 kbps or 320 kbps. |
Which codec
- H.264 plays in every browser and on every phone. Use it for the web and for social media.
- H.265 (HEVC) makes smaller files at the same quality, but some older devices cannot play it.
Which quality value
CRF stands for Constant Rate Factor. A lower value gives higher quality and a larger file. Each increase of about 6 points roughly halves the file size.
| CRF | Quality | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
18 | Visually lossless | Archives and master copies |
23 | Good (the default) | General purpose |
28 | Acceptable | Smaller files for web delivery |
35 and higher | Low | Previews and thumbnails |
Credits
Transcode Video costs 11 credits per run.
Tips
- Start from the defaults. H.264 at CRF 23 suits most purposes.
- Use 720p for previews. A smaller resolution also takes less time to process.
- Raise the audio bitrate only for music. 256 kbps and more only makes a difference when music carries the video.
- Avoid extra passes. Every run re-encodes the video, even with the same codec and quality, so transcode once at the end.
Frequently asked questions
What CRF value should I use?
Keep the default of 23 for general use. Use 18 for a visually lossless master copy, 28 for smaller files on the web, and 35 or more only for previews. A lower number means higher quality and a larger file.
Should I choose H.264 or H.265?
Choose H.264 for web and social media, because every browser and phone plays it. Choose H.265 (HEVC) only when a small file matters more than compatibility, since some older devices cannot play it.
How do I make a video file smaller?
Raise the Quality (CRF) value, lower the Resolution, or both. Each increase of about 6 CRF points roughly halves the file size.
How many credits does Transcode Video cost?
Transcode Video costs 11 credits per run. It does not use an AI model.
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