# video-editor

> Video editing via FFmpeg with git-like staging workflow and platform presets.
Use when the user asks to: (1) cut/trim/edit videos, (2) convert formats or codecs,
(3) optimize for platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Telegram),
(4) extract audio or create GIFs, (5) get video info/metadata, (6) rotate/resize/crop,
(7) speed up/slow down videos, (8) compress videos, (9) concatenate multiple videos.
All operations go to staging before final approval. Supports operation history,
replay, batch processing, and undo/redo.

- Author: arthurbm
- Repository: arthurbm/creator-hub
- Version: 20260104163016
- Stars: 0
- Forks: 0
- Last Updated: 2026-02-06
- Source: https://github.com/arthurbm/creator-hub
- Web: https://mule.run/skillshub/@@arthurbm/creator-hub~video-editor:20260104163016

---

---
name: video-editor
description: |
  Video editing via FFmpeg with git-like staging workflow and platform presets.
  Use when the user asks to: (1) cut/trim/edit videos, (2) convert formats or codecs,
  (3) optimize for platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Telegram),
  (4) extract audio or create GIFs, (5) get video info/metadata, (6) rotate/resize/crop,
  (7) speed up/slow down videos, (8) compress videos, (9) concatenate multiple videos.
  All operations go to staging before final approval. Supports operation history,
  replay, batch processing, and undo/redo.
---

# Video Editor

FFmpeg-based video editing with a git-like staging workflow. All operations generate a preview in staging that must be approved before the final file is created.

## Workflow

1. Execute FFmpeg with output to `~/.video-editor/staging/{id}/output.{ext}`
2. Save metadata: `python scripts/staging_save.py {id} --original {file} --operation {op} --command "{cmd}" --params '{json}'`
3. Open preview: `python scripts/staging_preview.py {id}`
4. Wait for user approval
5. If approved: `python scripts/staging_approve.py {id} --output {destination}`
6. If rejected: `python scripts/staging_discard.py {id}`

## Staging Scripts

All scripts are in the `scripts/` directory. Always use full path from skill base directory.

| Script | Purpose |
|--------|---------|
| `staging_save.py` | Save operation metadata after FFmpeg execution |
| `staging_approve.py` | Move staged file to final destination, record in history |
| `staging_discard.py` | Remove staged file and metadata |
| `staging_preview.py` | Open staged file in configured player (mpv/vlc) |
| `staging_status.py` | List all pending staged files |

## History & Advanced Workflow

| Script | Purpose |
|--------|---------|
| `history.py` | List/show past operations |
| `history_replay.py` | Re-apply an operation to a different file |
| `batch_run.py` | Execute FFmpeg command on multiple files |
| `backup_create.py` | Create backup before destructive operation |
| `backup_restore.py` | Restore from backup (undo/redo) |

## FFmpeg Commands

For FFmpeg command patterns and best practices, see `references/operations.md`.

## Platform Presets

For platform-specific encoding settings (WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), see `references/presets.md`.

## Troubleshooting

For common issues and solutions, see `references/troubleshooting.md`.

## Logs

All operations are logged to `~/.video-editor/logs/video-editor.log`.

Configure logging in `~/.video-editor/config.json`:
```json
{
  "log_level": "INFO",
  "log_max_size_mb": 10,
  "log_backup_count": 3
}
```

## Directory Structure

```
~/.video-editor/
├── staging/{id}/          # Preview files pending approval
│   ├── output.{ext}       # The generated file
│   └── metadata.json      # Operation details
├── backups/{id}/          # Backups for undo/redo
│   └── original.{ext}
├── logs/                  # Operation logs
│   └── video-editor.log   # Rotating log file
├── history.json           # All completed operations
├── undo_stack.json        # Operations available for redo
└── config.json            # User preferences
```

## Config Options

The `~/.video-editor/config.json` file supports:

```json
{
  "player": "mpv",           // Preview player: mpv, vlc, xdg-open
  "default_output_dir": ".", // Default output directory
  "auto_preview": true,      // Auto-open preview after staging
  "keep_original": true      // Never overwrite original files
}
```