CRITICAL GUIDELINES
Windows File Path Requirements
MANDATORY: Always Use Backslashes on Windows for File Paths
When using Edit or Write tools on Windows, you MUST use backslashes (\) in file paths, NOT forward slashes (/).
Quick Reference
| Effect | Command |
|--------|---------|
| Scrolling credits | -vf "drawtext=textfile=credits.txt:y=h-80*t" |
| Typewriter | -vf "drawtext=text='Hello':enable='gte(t,n*0.1)'" |
| Fade in text | -vf "drawtext=text='Title':alpha='min(1,t/2)'" |
| Bouncing text | -vf "drawtext=text='Bounce':y='h/2+50*sin(t*5)'" |
| Karaoke ASS | Use ASS format with \k timing tags |
| Moving text | -vf "drawtext=text='Move':x='w-mod(t*100,w+tw)'" |
When to Use This Skill
Use for animated text and karaoke:
- Music video lyrics with karaoke highlighting
- Movie-style scrolling credits
- Animated titles and lower thirds
- Typewriter text reveal
- Kinetic typography
- Countdown timers
FFmpeg Karaoke & Animated Text (2025)
Complete guide to karaoke subtitles, kinetic typography, scrolling credits, and advanced text animation with FFmpeg.
Karaoke Subtitles (ASS/SSA Format)
ASS Karaoke Basics
ASS (Advanced SubStation Alpha) supports karaoke timing with \k tags.
[Script Info]
Title: Karaoke Example
ScriptType: v4.00+
PlayResX: 1920
PlayResY: 1080
[V4+ Styles]
Format: Name, Fontname, Fontsize, PrimaryColour, SecondaryColour, OutlineColour, BackColour, Bold, Italic, Underline, StrikeOut, ScaleX, ScaleY, Spacing, Angle, BorderStyle, Outline, Shadow, Alignment, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Encoding
Style: Karaoke,Arial,72,&H00FFFFFF,&H000000FF,&H00000000,&H80000000,1,0,0,0,100,100,0,0,1,3,2,2,10,10,50,1
[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,0:00:01.00,0:00:05.00,Karaoke,,0,0,0,,{\k50}Twinkle {\k50}twinkle {\k50}little {\k50}star
Dialogue: 0,0:00:05.00,0:00:09.00,Karaoke,,0,0,0,,{\k50}How {\k50}I {\k50}wonder {\k50}what {\k50}you {\k50}are
Karaoke Timing Tags
| Tag | Effect | Example |
|-----|--------|---------|
| \k | Fill from left | {\k100}Word = 1 second fill |
| \kf or \K | Smooth fill (fade) | {\kf100}Word |
| \ko | Outline highlight | {\ko100}Word |
Duration is in centiseconds (100 = 1 second).
CRITICAL: ASS Time Unit Reference
ASS uses TWO DIFFERENT time unit systems - this is a common source of bugs!
Karaoke Tags = CENTISECONDS (1/100 second)
| Tag | Unit | Example | Duration |
|-----|------|---------|----------|
| \k | centiseconds | {\k50} | 0.5 seconds |
| \kf | centiseconds | {\kf100} | 1.0 second |
| \ko | centiseconds | {\ko25} | 0.25 seconds |
Conversion: seconds × 100 = centiseconds
Animation Tags = MILLISECONDS (1/1000 second)
| Tag | Unit | Example | Duration |
|-----|------|---------|----------|
| \t(t1,t2,...) | milliseconds | \t(0,500,...) | 0-500ms animation |
| \fad(in,out) | milliseconds | \fad(200,300) | 200ms in, 300ms out |
| \move(x1,y1,x2,y2,t1,t2) | milliseconds | \move(0,0,100,100,0,1000) | 1 second move |
Conversion: seconds × 1000 = milliseconds
FFmpeg drawtext = SECONDS (with decimals)
| Expression | Unit | Example |
|------------|------|---------|
| t | seconds | t=2.5 means 2.5 seconds |
| enable='between(t,0,3)' | seconds | 0-3 seconds |
| alpha='min(1,t/2)' | seconds | fade over 2 seconds |
Quick Conversion Table
| Seconds | Centiseconds (karaoke) | Milliseconds (animation) | |---------|------------------------|--------------------------| | 0.1s | 10 | 100 | | 0.25s | 25 | 250 | | 0.5s | 50 | 500 | | 1.0s | 100 | 1000 | | 2.0s | 200 | 2000 |
Common Mistake Example
; WRONG - mixing units!
Dialogue: 0,0:00:00.00,0:00:02.00,Style,,0,0,0,,{\k100\t(0,100,...)}Word
; {\k100} = 1 second (centiseconds)
; \t(0,100,...) = 0-100ms = 0.1 seconds (milliseconds) - NOT THE SAME!
; CORRECT - consistent timing
Dialogue: 0,0:00:00.00,0:00:02.00,Style,,0,0,0,,{\k100\t(0,1000,...)}Word
; {\k100} = 1 second
; \t(0,1000,...) = 1 second - NOW THEY MATCH!
Advanced Karaoke Timing Parameters (2026 Research)
Optimal Karaoke Timing by Song Tempo
| BPM Range | Syllable Duration | Tag Value | Notes |
|-----------|-------------------|-----------|-------|
| 60-80 (Slow ballad) | 600-800ms | \kf60-80 | Long, emotional |
| 80-100 (Moderate) | 400-600ms | \kf40-60 | Standard pop |
| 100-120 (Upbeat) | 300-500ms | \kf30-50 | Most common |
| 120-140 (Fast) | 250-400ms | \kf25-40 | Energetic |
| 140+ (Rapid) | 200-300ms | \kf20-30 | Rap, EDM |
Karaoke Tag Selection Guide
Based on syllable/word duration and desired effect:
\k (Instant Fill) - Best For:
- Very short syllables: <120 centiseconds (1.2s)
- Rap/hip-hop: Fast lyric delivery
- Staccato rhythm: Percussive, sharp delivery
; Rap example (fast succession):
{\k25}Yo {\k20}this {\k15}is {\k30}rapid {\k25}fire {\k35}flow
\kf (Progressive Fill) - Best For:
- Long syllables: >120 centiseconds (1.2s)
- Ballads: Drawn-out emotional delivery
- Smooth transitions: Clean visual sweep
; Ballad example (sustained notes):
{\kf150}Loooooove {\kf120}yoooou {\kf180}foreeeever
Recommended: Use \kf for any syllable >100 centiseconds for smoothest visual effect.
\ko (Outline Reveal) - Best For:
- High contrast: Text that needs to "pop"
- Neon/glow styles: Outline-heavy fonts
- Special emphasis: Chorus, key phrases
; Neon karaoke style:
[V4+ Styles]
Style: NeonKaraoke,Arial,80,&H00000000,&H0000FF00,&H0000FF00,&H00000000,1,0,0,0,100,100,0,0,3,6,0,2,10,10,50,1
[Events]
Dialogue: 0,0:00:01.00,0:00:05.00,NeonKaraoke,,0,0,0,,{\ko50}Electric {\ko60}neon {\ko40}glow
Multi-Color Karaoke Transitions
Create dynamic color changes during karaoke fill:
; Gradient karaoke: Yellow → Orange → Red
[V4+ Styles]
Style: GradientKaraoke,Impact,80,&H0000FFFF,&H000000FF,&H00000000,&H00000000,1,0,0,0,100,100,0,0,1,5,0,2,10,10,50,1
; Primary^ Secondary^
; Yellow(start) Red(filled)
; Add intermediate color transition with \t tags:
[Events]
Dialogue: 0,0:00:01.00,0:00:05.00,GradientKaraoke,,0,0,0,,{\kf80\t(0,400,\2c&H0000A5FF&)}Word1 {\kf100\t(0,500,\2c&H0000A5FF&)}Word2
; ↑ Orange midpoint
Color progression formula:
Start: &H0000FFFF (Yellow)
Mid: &H0000A5FF (Orange) - 50% through karaoke fill
End: &H000000FF (Red)
Per-Character Karaoke (Fine-Grained Control)
For very precise timing (character-by-character):
; Each character gets individual timing (manual, tedious)
{\k10}H{\k8}e{\k12}l{\k10}l{\k15}o {\k20}w{\k18}o{\k15}r{\k12}l{\k10}d
; Best practice: Use tools like Aegisub Karaoke Timer
; Manual character timing only for special effects
When to use character-level karaoke:
- Slow-motion word reveal
- Dramatic emphasis
- Non-linear character highlighting (e.g., every other letter)
Advanced Text Animation Formulas (FFmpeg Drawtext)
Spring Physics Implementation
Create natural bounce effects with exponential decay:
# Vertical spring bounce (decaying oscillation)
# Formula: y_offset = amplitude * e^(-decay*t) * sin(frequency*t)
-vf "drawtext=text='BOUNCE':fontsize=80:fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:\
y='(h-th)/2-30*exp(-t*2.5)*sin(t*15)'"
# Breakdown:
# -30*exp(-t*2.5) = amplitude decays from 30px to 0
# sin(t*15) = oscillates at 15 rad/s (≈2.4 Hz)
# Combines: bounces 2-3 times over ~1 second, settling at center
Parameter tuning:
- Decay rate (2.5): Higher = faster settling (3-4 for quick, 1-2 for slow)
- Frequency (15): Higher = more bounces (10-12 slow, 15-20 fast)
- Amplitude (30): Bounce height in pixels
Elastic Overshoot Effect
Simulate elastic material with multiple overshoots:
# Elastic scale effect (rubber band)
# Overshoots target size multiple times before settling
-vf "drawtext=text='ELASTIC':fontsize='72*(1+0.4*exp(-t*3)*sin(t*20))':\
fontcolor=yellow:x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2"
# Scale oscillates: 72px → 101px → 65px → 80px → 70px → 72px (settled)
# Mathematical basis: e^(-3t) * sin(20t) creates damped oscillation
Elastic parameters:
- Base fontsize: 72 (target)
- Overshoot: 0.4 (40% maximum deviation) → 72 * 1.4 = 101px peak
- Decay: 3 (settles in ~1.5 seconds)
- Frequency: 20 (multiple small bounces)
Bezier Curve Approximation (Ease-In-Out)
FFmpeg doesn't support bezier directly, but we can approximate with piecewise functions:
# Ease-out approximation (fast start, slow end)
# Cubic bezier (0, 0, 0.2, 1) approximation
-vf "drawtext=text='EASE OUT':\
alpha='if(lt(t,0.5),1-exp(-t*6),1)':\
fontsize=80:fontcolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2:\
enable='lt(t,1)'"
# Ease-in approximation (slow start, fast end)
# Cubic bezier (0.8, 0, 1, 1) approximation
-vf "drawtext=text='EASE IN':\
alpha='if(lt(t,0.5),exp(-(1-t)*6),0)':\
fontsize=80:fontcolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2:\
enable='between(t,1,2)'"
# Ease-in-out (S-curve) using sigmoid approximation
-vf "drawtext=text='SMOOTH':\
alpha='1/(1+exp(-10*(t-0.5)))':\
fontsize=80:fontcolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2:\
enable='lt(t,1)'"
Mathematical reasoning:
- Exponential ease:
1 - e^(-kt)creates natural deceleration - Sigmoid curve:
1/(1+e^(-k(t-0.5)))creates smooth S-curve (ease-in-out) - k parameter: Controls transition sharpness (6-10 for subtle, 15-20 for pronounced)
Wobble/Wiggle Effects
Create organic, unpredictable motion:
# Dual-frequency wobble (complex motion)
# Combines two sine waves at different frequencies for organic feel
-vf "drawtext=text='WOBBLE':fontsize=80:fontcolor=white:\
x='(w-tw)/2+8*sin(t*7)+4*sin(t*17)':\
y='(h-th)/2+6*cos(t*7)+3*cos(t*13)'"
# Breakdown:
# Primary wobble: 8*sin(t*7) = 8px amplitude, 7 rad/s (1.1 Hz)
# Secondary wobble: 4*sin(t*17) = 4px amplitude, 17 rad/s (2.7 Hz)
# Result: Complex, organic motion pattern
# Drunk/unstable effect (low frequency, large amplitude)
-vf "drawtext=text='UNSTABLE':fontsize=80:fontcolor=white:\
x='(w-tw)/2+20*sin(t*2.5)+10*sin(t*6.3)':\
y='(h-th)/2+15*cos(t*3.1)+8*cos(t*7.2)'"
Wobble design principles:
- Use two frequencies (primary + secondary) for natural randomness
- Prime number ratios (e.g., 7 and 17) prevent pattern repetition
- Amplitude ratio 2:1 (primary twice the secondary) for balanced motion
Pulse with Variable Intensity
Create heartbeat or alarm-style pulsing:
# Heartbeat pulse (two quick beats, pause)
# Pattern: THUMP-thump ... pause ... THUMP-thump
-vf "drawtext=text='♥ HEARTBEAT ♥':\
fontsize='80+25*max(0,sin(t*15)*exp(-mod(t,1.2)*10))':\
fontcolor=red:x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2"
# Breakdown:
# sin(t*15) = rapid oscillation
# exp(-mod(t,1.2)*10) = decay envelope every 1.2 seconds
# max(0, ...) = only positive pulses
# Result: Pulse decays quickly, resets every 1.2s
# Alarm pulse (constant urgent rhythm)
-vf "drawtext=text='⚠ ALERT ⚠':\
fontsize='80+20*abs(sin(t*8))':\
fontcolor=yellow:x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2"
# abs(sin(t*8)) creates continuous pulsing at 8 rad/s (1.3 Hz)
Text Reveal Animations (Wipe Effects)
Horizontal Wipe (Left to Right)
# Clip text progressively from left
# Uses drawbox mask to reveal text over time
-filter_complex "\
[0:v]drawtext=text='REVEALED':fontsize=100:fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2[txt];\
[txt]drawbox=x=0:y=0:w='min(w,t*500)':h=h:c=black@0:t=fill:replace=1[v]" \
-map "[v]"
# Breakdown:
# w='min(w,t*500)' = width grows at 500 pixels/second
# Creates left-to-right reveal effect
Vertical Wipe (Bottom to Top)
# Text rises from bottom
-vf "drawtext=text='RISING':fontsize=100:fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:\
y='if(lt(t,1),h-t*h,0)'"
# y position: starts at h (bottom), moves to 0 (top) over 1 second
Countdown Timer Variations
Animated Countdown with Anticipation
# Countdown that pulses on each second change
-vf "drawtext=text='%{eif\\:10-floor(t)\\:d}':\
fontsize='200+50*abs(sin(floor(t)*50))*exp(-(t-floor(t))*8)':\
fontcolor=white:x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2"
# Breakdown:
# %{eif\\:10-floor(t)\\:d} = countdown number (10, 9, 8, ...)
# abs(sin(floor(t)*50)) = trigger pulse on integer seconds
# exp(-(t-floor(t))*8) = decay within each second
# Result: Number "pops" at each second change
Split-Flap Display (Mechanical)
# Simulates old-school flip counter with vertical offset
-vf "drawtext=text='%{eif\\:10-floor(t)\\:d}':\
fontsize=200:fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:\
y='(h-th)/2-(t-floor(t))*100*step(t-floor(t))'"
# y offset creates "flipping" motion at second boundaries
Optimal Animation Timing by Content Type
Music Video Karaoke
| Genre | Syllable Timing | Animation Style | Color Scheme |
|-------|----------------|-----------------|--------------|
| Ballad | 100-200 centiseconds | \kf smooth fill | White → Soft Blue |
| Pop | 40-80 centiseconds | \kf with bounce | White → Bright Pink |
| Rap | 15-40 centiseconds | \k instant | White → Red |
| Rock | 50-100 centiseconds | \k with shake | White → Orange |
| EDM | 30-60 centiseconds | \ko outline | Neon colors |
Educational Content
# Slow, clear typewriter for learning
# 80ms per character = comfortable reading pace
-vf "drawtext=textfile=lesson.txt:\
fontsize=48:fontcolor=white:\
x=50:y=100:\
enable='gte(n,eif(n/24,80))'"
# Each character appears every 80/24 ≈ 3.3 frames at 24fps
Scrolling Credits Optimization
# Professional credits scroll
# Speed: 60-80 pixels/second for comfortable reading
-vf "drawtext=textfile=credits.txt:\
fontsize=42:fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:\
y='h-60*t':\
line_spacing=25"
# Calculation:
# 60 px/s at 42px font = ~1.4 lines/second
# For 50 lines: 50/1.4 = ~36 seconds total duration
Credits readability formula:
scroll_speed = font_size * 1.2 to 1.5 (pixels/second)
total_duration = (line_count * line_height) / scroll_speed
Example:
font_size = 42px
line_height = 42 + 25 (spacing) = 67px
scroll_speed = 42 * 1.4 = 59 px/s
50 lines = 50 * 67 = 3350 pixels
duration = 3350 / 59 = 56.8 seconds
Sources
Enhanced with research from:
- FFmpeg Drawtext Animation Exploration
- ASS Karaoke Tags Documentation
- Advanced Aegisub Karaoke
- Spring Physics for Animations
- Easing Functions Mathematical Reference
- FFmpeg Expression Evaluation
Apply Karaoke ASS to Video
# Burn karaoke subtitles into video
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "ass=karaoke.ass" \
-c:v libx264 -crf 18 -c:a copy \
output_karaoke.mp4
# With specific fonts directory
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "ass=karaoke.ass:fontsdir=/path/to/fonts" \
output.mp4
Advanced ASS Karaoke Styles
[V4+ Styles]
; Gradient karaoke (yellow to red)
Style: KaraokeGradient,Impact,80,&H0000FFFF,&H000000FF,&H00000000,&H80000000,1,0,0,0,100,100,0,0,1,4,2,2,10,10,60,1
; Glow effect karaoke
Style: KaraokeGlow,Arial Black,72,&H00FFFFFF,&H00FF00FF,&H00FF00FF,&H00000000,1,0,0,0,100,100,0,0,4,0,20,2,10,10,50,1
; Outline only (neon style)
Style: KaraokeNeon,Arial,80,&H00000000,&H0000FF00,&H0000FF00,&H00000000,1,0,0,0,100,100,0,0,3,4,0,2,10,10,50,1
[Events]
; Word-by-word with effects
Dialogue: 0,0:00:01.00,0:00:05.00,KaraokeGradient,,0,0,0,,{\k50\fad(200,0)}Never {\k50}gonna {\k50}give {\k50}you {\k50}up
; With positioning
Dialogue: 0,0:00:05.00,0:00:09.00,KaraokeGlow,,0,0,0,,{\pos(960,900)\k50}Never {\k50}gonna {\k50}let {\k50}you {\k50}down
ASS Color Format
ASS uses &HAABBGGRR format (Alpha, Blue, Green, Red):
&H00FFFFFF= White (fully opaque)&H000000FF= Red&H0000FF00= Green&H00FF0000= Blue&H80000000= 50% transparent black
Karaoke with Animation Effects
[Events]
; Bounce effect per word
Dialogue: 0,0:00:01.00,0:00:05.00,Karaoke,,0,0,0,,{\k50\t(0,500,\fry360)}Word1 {\k50\t(0,500,\fry360)}Word2
; Scale pop on highlight
Dialogue: 0,0:00:01.00,0:00:05.00,Karaoke,,0,0,0,,{\k50\t(0,100,\fscx120\fscy120)\t(100,200,\fscx100\fscy100)}Pop
; Color transition
Dialogue: 0,0:00:01.00,0:00:05.00,Karaoke,,0,0,0,,{\k100\t(0,1000,\c&H0000FF&)}Red {\k100\t(0,1000,\c&H00FF00&)}Green
ASS Animation Tags Reference
| Tag | Effect |
|-----|--------|
| \t(t1,t2,tags) | Animate tags from t1 to t2 |
| \move(x1,y1,x2,y2) | Move text from point to point |
| \fad(fadein,fadeout) | Fade in/out (milliseconds) |
| \fscx, \fscy | Scale X/Y percentage |
| \frx, \fry, \frz | Rotate on axis |
| \pos(x,y) | Position text |
| \an1-9 | Alignment (numpad positions) |
Scrolling Credits
Vertical Scroll (Bottom to Top)
# Basic scrolling credits
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=textfile=credits.txt:\
fontfile=/path/to/font.ttf:\
fontsize=48:\
fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:\
y=h-80*t" \
-c:v libx264 -crf 18 output.mp4
# y=h-80*t: Start at bottom (h), move up at 80 pixels/second
credits.txt Format
DIRECTED BY
John Smith
PRODUCED BY
Jane Doe
STARRING
Actor One
Actor Two
Actor Three
MUSIC BY
Composer Name
SPECIAL THANKS
Everyone
Scrolling Credits with Sections
# Multi-speed credits (slower for names)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=textfile=credits.txt:\
fontsize=48:\
fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:\
y='h-60*t':\
line_spacing=20" \
output.mp4
Horizontal Scrolling (News Ticker)
# Right to left scroll
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='BREAKING NEWS... This is a scrolling ticker message':\
fontsize=36:\
fontcolor=white:\
y=h-50:\
x='w-mod(t*150,w+tw)'" \
ticker.mp4
# x='w-mod(t*150,w+tw)': Continuous scroll at 150 pixels/second
Looping Horizontal Scroll
# Seamless looping ticker
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text=' LIVE NEWS BREAKING STORY UPDATES ':\
fontsize=40:\
fontcolor=yellow:\
y=h-60:\
x='w-mod(t*200\\,w+tw)':\
box=1:boxcolor=red@0.8:boxborderw=10" \
news_ticker.mp4
Typewriter Effect
Character-by-Character Reveal
# Typewriter effect using enable
ffmpeg -f lavfi -i "color=c=black:s=1920x1080:d=10" \
-vf "\
drawtext=text='H':x=100:y=500:fontsize=72:fontcolor=white:enable='gte(t,0.0)',\
drawtext=text='e':x=150:y=500:fontsize=72:fontcolor=white:enable='gte(t,0.1)',\
drawtext=text='l':x=200:y=500:fontsize=72:fontcolor=white:enable='gte(t,0.2)',\
drawtext=text='l':x=250:y=500:fontsize=72:fontcolor=white:enable='gte(t,0.3)',\
drawtext=text='o':x=300:y=500:fontsize=72:fontcolor=white:enable='gte(t,0.4)'" \
typewriter.mp4
Typewriter with Cursor
# Blinking cursor during typing
ffmpeg -f lavfi -i "color=c=black:s=1920x1080:d=5" \
-vf "\
drawtext=text='Hello':fontsize=72:fontcolor=white:x=100:y=500:\
enable='gte(t,0)':alpha='min(1,(t-0)/0.5)',\
drawtext=text='|':fontsize=72:fontcolor=white:\
x='100+72*min(5,floor(t/0.1))':y=500:\
alpha='lt(mod(t,0.5),0.25)'" \
typewriter_cursor.mp4
Text Fade Effects
Fade In
# Simple fade in
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='Title':fontsize=100:fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2:\
alpha='if(lt(t,2),t/2,1)'" \
fade_in.mp4
# Explanation: alpha goes from 0 to 1 over 2 seconds
Fade Out
# Fade out (assuming 10 second video)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='Goodbye':fontsize=100:fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2:\
alpha='if(gt(t,8),1-(t-8)/2,1)'" \
fade_out.mp4
Fade In and Out
# Title card with fade in/out
ffmpeg -f lavfi -i "color=c=black:s=1920x1080:d=6" \
-vf "drawtext=text='Chapter One':fontsize=120:fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2:\
alpha='if(lt(t,1),t,if(gt(t,5),1-(t-5),1))'" \
title_card.mp4
Moving Text
Bouncing Text
# Vertical bounce
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='BOUNCE':fontsize=80:fontcolor=yellow:\
x=(w-tw)/2:\
y='(h-th)/2+50*sin(t*5)'" \
bounce.mp4
# Horizontal bounce
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='PING PONG':fontsize=60:fontcolor=cyan:\
x='(w-tw)/2+200*sin(t*3)':\
y=(h-th)/2" \
horizontal_bounce.mp4
Circular Motion
# Text moving in circle
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='ORBIT':fontsize=60:fontcolor=white:\
x='(w/2)+200*cos(t*2)-tw/2':\
y='(h/2)+200*sin(t*2)-th/2'" \
orbit.mp4
Enter from Side
# Slide in from right
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='SLIDE IN':fontsize=80:fontcolor=white:\
x='if(lt(t,1),w-tw*(t),w-tw)':\
y=(h-th)/2" \
slide_in.mp4
# Slide in from left
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='FROM LEFT':fontsize=80:fontcolor=white:\
x='if(lt(t,1),-tw+tw*t,0)':\
y=(h-th)/2" \
slide_left.mp4
Kinetic Typography
Word Pop Effect
# Words appearing with scale
ffmpeg -f lavfi -i "color=c=black:s=1920x1080:d=8" \
-vf "\
drawtext=text='THIS':fontsize='72*(1+0.3*exp(-3*(t-1)))':fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:y=h/2-100:enable='gte(t,1)',\
drawtext=text='IS':fontsize='72*(1+0.3*exp(-3*(t-2)))':fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:y=h/2:enable='gte(t,2)',\
drawtext=text='KINETIC':fontsize='72*(1+0.3*exp(-3*(t-3)))':fontcolor=red:\
x=(w-tw)/2:y=h/2+100:enable='gte(t,3)'" \
kinetic_pop.mp4
Shake Effect
# Shaking text (impact effect)
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='IMPACT':fontsize=120:fontcolor=white:\
x='(w-tw)/2+10*sin(t*50)*exp(-t*2)':\
y='(h-th)/2+10*cos(t*50)*exp(-t*2)'" \
shake.mp4
Rotation Animation
# Spinning text (requires recent FFmpeg)
# Note: drawtext doesn't support rotation natively
# Use ASS subtitles for rotation:
# Create spinning.ass
cat << 'EOF' > spinning.ass
[Script Info]
ScriptType: v4.00+
PlayResX: 1920
PlayResY: 1080
[V4+ Styles]
Style: Spin,Arial,72,&H00FFFFFF,&H00FFFFFF,&H00000000,&H00000000,0,0,0,0,100,100,0,0,1,2,0,5,0,0,0,1
[Events]
Dialogue: 0,0:00:00.00,0:00:05.00,Spin,,0,0,0,,{\an5\pos(960,540)\t(0,5000,\frz1080)}SPINNING
EOF
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "ass=spinning.ass" output.mp4
Lower Thirds
Basic Lower Third
# Name and title lower third
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "\
drawbox=x=50:y=h-150:w=500:h=100:c=blue@0.7:t=fill,\
drawtext=text='John Smith':fontsize=36:fontcolor=white:\
x=70:y=h-140,\
drawtext=text='CEO, Company Inc.':fontsize=24:fontcolor=white@0.8:\
x=70:y=h-100" \
lower_third.mp4
Animated Lower Third
# Slide-in lower third
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "\
drawbox=x='if(lt(t,0.5),-500+1000*t,50)':\
y=h-150:w=500:h=100:c=blue@0.7:t=fill:\
enable='between(t,0,8)',\
drawtext=text='John Smith':fontsize=36:fontcolor=white:\
x='if(lt(t,0.5),-430+1000*t,70)':y=h-140:\
alpha='min(1,(t-0.3)/0.3)':\
enable='between(t,0.3,8)',\
drawtext=text='CEO, Company Inc.':fontsize=24:fontcolor=white:\
x='if(lt(t,0.5),-430+1000*t,70)':y=h-100:\
alpha='min(1,(t-0.5)/0.3)':\
enable='between(t,0.5,8)'" \
animated_lower_third.mp4
Countdown Timer
Simple Countdown
# 10 second countdown
ffmpeg -f lavfi -i "color=c=black:s=1920x1080:d=10" \
-vf "drawtext=text='%{eif\\:10-t\\:d}':fontsize=200:fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2" \
countdown.mp4
Countdown with Animation
# Pulsing countdown
ffmpeg -f lavfi -i "color=c=black:s=1920x1080:d=10" \
-vf "drawtext=text='%{eif\\:10-t\\:d}':\
fontsize='200+30*sin(t*10)*exp(-mod(t,1)*3)':\
fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2" \
pulsing_countdown.mp4
Stopwatch/Timer
# Count up timer (MM:SS)
ffmpeg -f lavfi -i "color=c=black:s=1920x1080:d=120" \
-vf "drawtext=text='%{eif\\:floor(t/60)\\:d\\:2}\\:%{eif\\:mod(t,60)\\:d\\:2}':\
fontsize=100:fontcolor=green:\
x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2" \
stopwatch.mp4
Dynamic Text from Variables
Frame Number Display
# Show frame number
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='Frame\\: %{frame_num}':\
fontsize=24:fontcolor=white:\
x=10:y=10" \
frame_numbers.mp4
Timecode Display
# Show timecode
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='%{pts\\:hms}':\
fontsize=24:fontcolor=white:\
x=10:y=10" \
timecode.mp4
# With milliseconds
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='%{pts}':\
fontsize=24:fontcolor=white:\
x=10:y=10" \
timecode_ms.mp4
File Metadata Display
# Show filename
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='%{metadata\\:title}':\
fontsize=24:fontcolor=white:\
x=10:y=h-40" \
metadata.mp4
Multi-Line Text
Centered Multi-Line
# Multi-line centered text
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=text='Line One\nLine Two\nLine Three':\
fontsize=48:fontcolor=white:\
x=(w-tw)/2:y=(h-th)/2:\
line_spacing=20" \
multiline.mp4
Text File Input
# Use text file for long text
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 \
-vf "drawtext=textfile=message.txt:\
fontsize=36:fontcolor=white:\
x=50:y=50:\
line_spacing=10" \
from_file.mp4
Expression Reference
Useful Time Expressions
| Expression | Result |
|------------|--------|
| t | Current time in seconds |
| t*100 | Speed factor |
| mod(t,5) | Loop every 5 seconds |
| sin(t*3) | Oscillate 3 times/second |
| exp(-t) | Exponential decay |
| if(lt(t,2),expr1,expr2) | Conditional |
| min(a,b) / max(a,b) | Min/max |
| floor(t) / ceil(t) | Round down/up |
Useful Variables
| Variable | Meaning |
|----------|---------|
| w | Video width |
| h | Video height |
| tw | Text width |
| th | Text height |
| n | Frame number |
| frame_num | Same as n |
Common Patterns
# Appear after 2 seconds
enable='gte(t,2)'
# Visible between 2-5 seconds
enable='between(t,2,5)'
# Fade in over 1 second
alpha='min(1,t)'
# Center horizontally
x='(w-tw)/2'
# Center vertically
y='(h-th)/2'
# Loop position
x='mod(t*100,w)'
# Smooth oscillation
y='h/2+50*sin(t*3)'
# Decay animation
fontsize='100+50*exp(-t*2)'
This guide covers FFmpeg karaoke and animated text. For basic subtitles see ffmpeg-captions-subtitles, for shapes see ffmpeg-shapes-graphics.