# Transcode Video

> Convert video codec, quality, and resolution.

## Overview

The Transcode Video node re-encodes video with different codec, quality, resolution, and audio settings. Use it to optimize file size, change compatibility, or standardize format across clips. Settings are in a collapsible advanced panel.

## Configuration (Advanced Settings)

| Field | Type | Default | Description |
|-------|------|---------|-------------|
| Codec | Select | h264 | Video codec: h264 (recommended), h265 (HEVC) |
| Quality (CRF) | Number | 23 | Constant Rate Factor: 0 (best) to 51 (worst) |
| Resolution | Select | original | Target: original, 1080p, 720p, 480p |
| Audio Bitrate | Select | 128k | Audio quality: 128k, 192k, 256k, 320k |

### Codec Notes

- **h264** — Universal compatibility, recommended for web and social media
- **h265 (HEVC)** — Better compression (smaller files), but less compatible with older devices

### Quality Guide

| CRF | Quality | Use Case |
|-----|---------|----------|
| 18 | Visually lossless | Archival, master copies |
| 23 | Good (default) | General purpose |
| 28 | Acceptable | Smaller file size, web delivery |
| 35+ | Low | Previews, thumbnails |

## Inputs & Outputs

**Inputs:** Video (required)
**Outputs:** Transcoded video
## Best Practices

- CRF 23 with h264 is the best default for most purposes
- Use h265 only when file size is a priority and target devices support it
- Downscale to 720p for social media previews to save processing time
- Higher audio bitrate (256k+) only matters for music-heavy content

## Common Use Cases

- Convert h265 video to h264 for wider compatibility
- Reduce file size of large AI-generated videos
- Standardize resolution before combining clips
- Optimize for specific platform requirements

## Tips

- Lower CRF = higher quality = larger file. Each 6-point increase roughly halves file size
- Transcoding to the same codec at the same quality still re-encodes — avoid unnecessary passes