What Video Edit does
Video Edit is a powerful skill for developers and designers looking to manipulate video files directly from the command line. By utilizing ffmpeg, this skill allows you to perform a variety of video editing tasks without the need for complex wrapper scripts. Whether you need to trim, concatenate, resize, or convert video formats, Video Edit provides straightforward command-line operations that streamline your workflow.
The skill supports a range of video editing functions. You can easily extract audio, overlay images, and compress videos to optimize them for different platforms. For instance, if you need to prepare videos for social media, the skill includes predefined resolutions for platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, ensuring that your content meets the required specifications.
Video Edit is particularly useful for those who prefer working in a terminal environment or need to automate video processing tasks. Its reliance on ffmpeg means that you can leverage the extensive capabilities of this tool while maintaining full control over the editing process. The skill is designed for users who are comfortable with command-line interfaces and are looking for efficient ways to handle video files.
While Video Edit is versatile, it requires users to have ffmpeg installed on their local machines. This means that if you are looking for a graphical interface for video editing, this skill may not be suitable for you. However, for users familiar with command-line operations, Video Edit offers a robust solution for local video editing needs.
When to use it
Use Video Edit when you need to perform specific video editing tasks quickly and efficiently from the command line.
When not to use it
Avoid this skill if you prefer a graphical user interface for video editing or if you require advanced features not supported by ffmpeg.
What you can build with it
Trimming Video Segments
Quickly trim unwanted parts from a video using a simple ffmpeg command.
Resizing for Social Media
Easily resize videos to meet the specific resolution requirements of platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Extracting and Replacing Audio
Extract audio from videos or replace existing audio tracks with new ones using straightforward commands.
How to install Video Edit
View source1. Install with the skills CLI
npx skills add calesthio/openmontage/video-edit --agent claude-code2. Or install it manually
Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.
Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs
Inside SKILL.md
Written by calesthioVideo Edit
Edit videos locally by running ffmpeg/ffprobe directly. No wrapper scripts needed.
Prerequisites
Install ffmpeg (includes ffprobe):
# macOS
brew install ffmpeg
# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y ffmpeg
# Verify
ffmpeg -version && ffprobe -version
Quick Reference
Get video info
ffprobe -v quiet -print_format json -show_format -show_streams video.mp4
Trim
ffmpeg -y -ss 00:00:30 -to 00:01:45 -i video.mp4 -c copy trimmed.mp4
Concatenate clips
# 1. Create a file list
printf "file '%s'\n" clip1.mp4 clip2.mp4 clip3.mp4 > list.txt
# 2. Concat with stream copy
ffmpeg -y -f concat -safe 0 -i list.txt -c copy joined.mp4
Resize for platform
ffmpeg -y -i video.mp4 \
-vf "scale=1080:1920:force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease,pad=1080:1920:(ow-iw)/2:(oh-ih)/2:black" \
-c:a copy tiktok.mp4
Change speed
# 2x faster
ffmpeg -y -i video.mp4 -filter:v "setpts=0.5*PTS" -filter:a "atempo=2.0" fast.mp4
# 0.5x (slow motion)
ffmpeg -y -i video.mp4 -filter:v "setpts=2.0*PTS" -filter:a "atempo=0.5" slow.mp4
Extract audio
ffmpeg -y -i video.mp4 -vn -acodec libmp3lame audio.mp3
Replace audio
ffmpeg -y -i video.mp4 -i audio.mp3 -c:v copy -map 0:v:0 -map 1:a:0 -shortest output.mp4
Compress
ffmpeg -y -i video.mp4 -crf 23 -preset medium -c:a copy compressed.mp4
Convert format
ffmpeg -y -i video.mov output.mp4
Add image overlay
# Logo in top-right corner
ffmpeg -y -i video.mp4 -i logo.png \
-filter_complex "overlay=W-w-10:10" -c:a copy watermarked.mp4
Platform Presets
| Platform | Resolution | Scale + pad filter |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok | 1080 x 1920 | scale=1080:1920:force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease,pad=1080:1920:(ow-iw)/2:(oh-ih)/2:black |
| YouTube | 1920 x 1080 | scale=1920:1080:force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease,pad=1920:1080:(ow-iw)/2:(oh-ih)/2:black |
| 1080 x 1350 | scale=1080:1350:force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease,pad=1080:1350:(ow-iw)/2:(oh-ih)/2:black | |
| Square | 1080 x 1080 | scale=1080:1080:force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease,pad=1080:1080:(ow-iw)/2:(oh-ih)/2:black |
| Twitter/X | 1920 x 1080 | scale=1920:1080:force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease,pad=1920:1080:(ow-iw)/2:(oh-ih)/2:black |
Use the filter with: ffmpeg -y -i input.mp4 -vf "<filter>" -c:a copy output.mp4
Tips
- Always use
-yto overwrite output without prompting. - Use
-c copywhen you only need to cut/join (no re-encoding, very fast). - Lower CRF = better quality, larger file. Range 18-28 is typical; 23 is the default.
- For detailed recipes and flag explanations, see
references/operations.md.
Frequently asked questions about Video Edit
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