How to record a specific window using ffmpeg?

How to Record a Specific Window Using FFmpeg?

To record a specific window using FFmpeg, you must ensure that FFmpeg is installed on your system and that your operating system supports the relevant commands. Here, we use Windows as an example to demonstrate how to perform the recording.

Step 1: Installing FFmpeg

First, ensure that FFmpeg is installed on your computer. You can download the appropriate version from the FFmpeg official website and follow the installation instructions. After installation, make sure the path to the FFmpeg executable is added to your system's environment variables.

Step 2: Obtaining the Window Title

In Windows, you can use the tasklist command or other tools (such as Process Explorer) to locate the title of the window you wish to record. Ensure you note down the complete and accurate window title.

Step 3: Recording the Window with FFmpeg

Open the Command Prompt or PowerShell and enter the following command:

bash
ffmpeg -f gdigrab -framerate 30 -i title="Window Title" output.mp4

Here's the explanation of the parameters:

• -f gdigrab: Specifies using gdigrab to capture the video.
• -framerate 30: Sets the frame rate to 30; adjust as needed.
• -i title="Window Title": Specifies the window title to record. Ensure you replace "Window Title" with the correct title obtained in Step 2.
• output.mp4: The name and format of the output file.

Example

Suppose you need to record a window named "Notepad"; you would do the following:

bash
ffmpeg -f gdigrab -framerate 25 -i title="Notepad" notepad_recording.mp4

Important Notes

• Ensure the window title matches exactly, including spaces and special characters.
• Do not minimize the target window during recording, as this may cause the recording to interrupt or result in an empty recording.
• Adjust the frame rate and other parameters based on system performance to achieve optimal recording results.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully record a specific window using FFmpeg. If you encounter issues, verify that the window title is correct or consult the FFmpeg official documentation for more detailed assistance.