video-to-gif

Video-to-GIF Conversion Skill

This skill converts video files to optimized GIF animations using FFmpeg two-pass palette optimization.

Overview

The two-pass conversion process generates superior quality GIFs compared to single-pass approaches. Pass one analyzes the video and creates an optimized color palette. Pass two applies that palette to produce the final GIF with better color fidelity and smaller file sizes.

Response Format

After successful conversion, include a file link to the GIF in the response with the absolute file path:

/absolute/path/to/filename.gif

This allows the user to open the file and review it.

Prerequisites

FFmpeg is required and must be available in your system PATH.

macOS

brew install ffmpeg

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install ffmpeg

Windows

Using Chocolatey:

choco install ffmpeg

Using winget:

winget install FFmpeg.FFmpeg

Verify installation:

ffmpeg -version

Quick Start

Convert a video using default settings (10 FPS, 1280px width, sierra2_4a dithering):

Output saves to input.gif by default.

File Search Behavior

When a filename is provided without a full path, the script searches in this order:

1. Current working directory
2. Workspace root (if inside a project)
3. ~/Movies/ (macOS) or ~/Videos/ (Linux)
4. ~/Downloads/
5. ~/Desktop/

This allows natural commands like convert.sh demo.mov without specifying full paths.

HDR Handling

The script automatically detects HDR video content via ffprobe by checking for BT.2020 color primaries or SMPTE 2084 transfer characteristics. When HDR is detected, tonemapping is applied automatically to produce SDR-compatible GIF output with proper color preservation.

Use --tonemap to select the tonemapping algorithm:

Parameters Reference

Frame Rate (FPS)

FPS controls animation smoothness and file size. Lower values reduce file size but create choppier motion.

Width

Width sets the output horizontal resolution in pixels. Height scales proportionally to maintain aspect ratio.

Dithering Algorithms

Dithering determines how the 256-color GIF palette approximates the original colors.

Time Range Selection

Use --start and --duration to convert a specific portion of the video:

Loop Control

Use --loop to control GIF repeat behavior:

Two-Pass vs Single-Pass

Two-Pass (Default)

Two-pass conversion creates a custom palette from the source video, then applies it:

Two-pass produces better color accuracy and typically smaller files.

Single-Pass

Single-pass skips palette generation and uses FFmpeg's default 256-color palette:

Single-pass processes faster but produces lower quality output with potential color banding.

Use single-pass via --skip-palette (bash) or -SkipPalette (PowerShell).

Script Reference

convert.sh (Bash)

convert.ps1 (PowerShell)

Examples

HDR Video Conversion

HDR content is detected automatically. No special flags are needed:

The script applies hable tonemapping by default. Use --tonemap to try different algorithms:

Time Range Extraction

Extract a specific segment from a longer video:

Documentation Thumbnails

Create compact thumbnails for documentation:

Troubleshooting

FFmpeg not found

Verify FFmpeg is in your PATH:

If FFmpeg is installed but not found, add its directory to your PATH environment variable.

File not found

Ensure the file exists at the specified path. If providing only a filename, the script searches the workspace first, then common directories (~/Movies/, ~/Downloads/, ~/Desktop/). Use an absolute path if the file is in a different location.

Output file is too large

Reduce file size with these adjustments:

• Lower FPS (try 8 or 5)
• Reduce width (try 640 or 320)
• Use bayer dithering for faster processing
• Use --duration to convert only a portion of the video

Colors appear washed out

Switch to floyd_steinberg dithering for photographic content. Avoid none dithering unless a stylized look is intended.

HDR content looks wrong

Ensure FFmpeg 4.0+ is installed with zscale filter support. The script requires libzimg for HDR tonemapping. Install via:

If colors still appear off, try a different tonemapping algorithm with --tonemap. The reinhard algorithm preserves more saturation, while bt2390 provides more conservative results.

Conversion fails with filter error

Ensure FFmpeg version 4.0 or later is installed. The palettegen and paletteuse filters require this version.

ffmpeg -version

Temporary palette file remains

The scripts clean up /tmp/palette.png (or $env:TEMP\palette.png on Windows) automatically. If conversion fails mid-process, remove this file manually.