video-editor

arthurbm's avatarfrom arthurbm

Video editing via FFmpeg with git-like staging workflow and platform presets.Use when the user asks to: (1) cut/trim/edit videos, (2) convert formats or codecs,(3) optimize for platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Telegram),(4) extract audio or create GIFs, (5) get video info/metadata, (6) rotate/resize/crop,(7) speed up/slow down videos, (8) compress videos, (9) concatenate multiple videos.All operations go to staging before final approval. Supports operation history,replay, batch processing, and undo/redo.

⭐0stars🔀0forks📁View on GitHub🕐Updated Jan 4, 2026
[Visual Content Workflows]

When & Why to Use This Skill

This Claude skill provides a professional-grade video editing suite powered by FFmpeg, featuring a unique git-like staging workflow for safe and precise modifications. It enables users to trim, convert, and optimize videos for major social platforms while maintaining full control through preview approvals, history tracking, and batch processing. By integrating advanced encoding presets and a robust undo/redo system, it streamlines complex multimedia tasks directly within the AI chat interface.

Use Cases

  • Social Media Optimization: Quickly resizing, cropping, and re-encoding videos for platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok using optimized presets.
  • Safe Batch Processing: Applying consistent edits or format conversions to multiple video files simultaneously with a staging area to review results before final approval.
  • Content Repurposing: Extracting high-quality audio tracks from video clips or converting specific segments into GIFs for marketing and documentation.
  • Technical Video Management: Trimming long recordings, compressing large files for easier sharing, and managing video metadata without leaving the terminal or chat environment.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Utilizing the git-like workflow to experiment with different FFmpeg filters and commands, with the ability to undo, redo, or replay operations from history.
namevideo-editor
description|
Use when the user asks to(1) cut/trim/edit videos, (2) convert formats or codecs,

Video Editor

FFmpeg-based video editing with a git-like staging workflow. All operations generate a preview in staging that must be approved before the final file is created.

Workflow

  1. Execute FFmpeg with output to ~/.video-editor/staging/{id}/output.{ext}
  2. Save metadata: python scripts/staging_save.py {id} --original {file} --operation {op} --command "{cmd}" --params '{json}'
  3. Open preview: python scripts/staging_preview.py {id}
  4. Wait for user approval
  5. If approved: python scripts/staging_approve.py {id} --output {destination}
  6. If rejected: python scripts/staging_discard.py {id}

Staging Scripts

All scripts are in the scripts/ directory. Always use full path from skill base directory.

Script Purpose
staging_save.py Save operation metadata after FFmpeg execution
staging_approve.py Move staged file to final destination, record in history
staging_discard.py Remove staged file and metadata
staging_preview.py Open staged file in configured player (mpv/vlc)
staging_status.py List all pending staged files

History & Advanced Workflow

Script Purpose
history.py List/show past operations
history_replay.py Re-apply an operation to a different file
batch_run.py Execute FFmpeg command on multiple files
backup_create.py Create backup before destructive operation
backup_restore.py Restore from backup (undo/redo)

FFmpeg Commands

For FFmpeg command patterns and best practices, see references/operations.md.

Platform Presets

For platform-specific encoding settings (WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), see references/presets.md.

Troubleshooting

For common issues and solutions, see references/troubleshooting.md.

Logs

All operations are logged to ~/.video-editor/logs/video-editor.log.

Configure logging in ~/.video-editor/config.json:

{
  "log_level": "INFO",
  "log_max_size_mb": 10,
  "log_backup_count": 3
}

Directory Structure

~/.video-editor/
├── staging/{id}/          # Preview files pending approval
│   ├── output.{ext}       # The generated file
│   └── metadata.json      # Operation details
├── backups/{id}/          # Backups for undo/redo
│   └── original.{ext}
├── logs/                  # Operation logs
│   └── video-editor.log   # Rotating log file
├── history.json           # All completed operations
├── undo_stack.json        # Operations available for redo
└── config.json            # User preferences

Config Options

The ~/.video-editor/config.json file supports:

{
  "player": "mpv",           // Preview player: mpv, vlc, xdg-open
  "default_output_dir": ".", // Default output directory
  "auto_preview": true,      // Auto-open preview after staging
  "keep_original": true      // Never overwrite original files
}