Libraries & tools
The open-source libraries and tools behind video
FFmpeg, yt-dlp, HandBrake, dav1d, libass, VideoToolbox and the other building blocks of video on a Mac: what each one does and how to use it.
FFmpeg commands every Mac user can copy
A tested FFmpeg cheat sheet for macOS: remux MKV to MP4, extract audio, cut video without re-encoding, and compress with VideoToolbox hardware.
HandBrake on a Mac: the settings that matter
Configure HandBrake on Apple Silicon: optimize VideoToolbox hardware vs x265 software, understand RF quality sliders, and set up audio passthrough.
MediaInfo on a Mac: see a video's codec, bitrate and HDR
How to use MediaInfo on macOS to inspect video codecs, bitrates, audio channels, and Dolby Vision HDR metadata. Free downloads and built-in Mac alternatives.
Core ML and Metal: how Mac apps run AI on video
Discover how Core ML, Metal, and MPSGraph power real-time AI video on Apple Silicon Macs, from neural motion interpolation to intelligent HDR expansion.
How to install FFmpeg on a Mac (Apple Silicon)
Install FFmpeg on Apple Silicon macOS in minutes using Homebrew or static builds. Fix command not found errors and configure your zsh PATH properly.
How to install yt-dlp on a Mac
Install yt-dlp on macOS in minutes using Homebrew or standalone binaries. Learn why FFmpeg is required for 4K video and how to fix terminal errors.
How to use ffprobe to see what is inside a video file
Learn how to use ffprobe on a Mac to inspect video codecs, audio streams, bitrates, and HDR transfer metadata in plain text or structured JSON.
MKVToolNix on a Mac: edit MKV files without re-encoding
Learn how to use MKVToolNix on macOS to merge video, add subtitles, and remove unwanted audio tracks in seconds without re-encoding or losing quality.
What is dav1d? The fast AV1 decoder
What is dav1d and why does it matter? Discover how VideoLAN's open-source AV1 decoder delivers smooth 4K playback on Apple Silicon M1 and M2 Macs.
What is FFmpeg? The engine inside almost every video app
FFmpeg is the open-source engine powering media players, editors, and streaming sites. Learn what it does, how it works, and why your player relies on it.
What is libass? The library behind styled ASS subtitles
libass is the open-source subtitle renderer that powers styled ASS and SSA typography in video players. Learn how it renders fonts, karaoke, and animations.
What is libplacebo? The GPU renderer behind mpv's picture
What is libplacebo? Discover the GPU video rendering library powering mpv's gpu-next, VLC 4.0, and modern HDR tone mapping and Dolby Vision.
What is libtorrent? The BitTorrent library inside many apps
Discover what libtorrent is, how Rasterbar's C++ library powers clients like qBittorrent, and how sequential downloading enables video streaming.
What is libVLC? VLC's engine, explained
What is libVLC? Learn how VLC's modular media engine works, how it differs from FFmpeg, and how VLCKit and MacLC build on its architecture.
What is VideoToolbox? Hardware video decoding on a Mac
VideoToolbox is Apple's framework for hardware video decode and encode. Learn how it accelerates HEVC, H.264, and AV1 while saving battery on Apple Silicon.
What is RIFE? AI frame interpolation explained
What is RIFE (Real-Time Intermediate Flow Estimation)? Learn how deep neural networks synthesize intermediate frames, RIFE vs SVP, and Mac performance.
What is VapourSynth, and why video players use it
What is VapourSynth? Learn how this Python-based video frameserver powers real-time motion interpolation in SVP and mpv, and how to install it on macOS.