# Transcode 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.

Source: https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/video/transcode-video

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.

- Found in: Video › Format & Export
- Output: video
- API type: `transcode-video`

## 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](https://nodaro.ai/docs/nodes/video/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.

Workflow: A generated video is re-encoded to a smaller 720p file before it is saved.

- Generate Video → Transcode Video (video)
- Transcode Video → Save to Storage

## 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 10 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 10 credits per run. It does not use an AI model.