Mov To Gif

Convert .mov files to optimized .gif files using ffmpeg.

Use this skill when the user asks to:

• convert a .mov file to .gif
• make a GIF from a screen recording
• optimize a short video clip for sharing in issues, pull requests, documentation, or chat

Requirements

Use ffmpeg. Before converting, verify that:

• the input file exists
• the input file is a video file, usually .mov
• ffmpeg is available, or clearly state that it is missing

Do not overwrite an existing output file unless the user explicitly asks. If the default output path already exists, choose a safe variant such as <name>-converted.gif or ask before overwriting.

Default Command

Use this command shape by default:

ffmpeg -i <input.mov> -vf "fps=10,scale=840:-1:flags=lanczos,split[s0][s1];[s0]palettegen[p];[s1][p]paletteuse" -c:v gif <output.gif>

This balances size and quality for UI screen recordings:

• fps=10 keeps the GIF reasonably small
• scale=840:-1 sets width to 840px and preserves aspect ratio
• flags=lanczos keeps scaling quality high
• palettegen and paletteuse improve GIF color quality

Workflow

1. Identify the input file

   • Use the file the user names.
   • If no file is named, look for likely .mov files in the current directory.
   • If multiple likely files exist, ask which one to convert.

2. Choose the output file

   • Default to the same basename with .gif extension.
   • Example: node_toolbar_issue.mov → node_toolbar_issue.gif.
   • Avoid overwriting existing files without explicit permission.

3. Run conversion

   • Use the default command unless the user asks for different dimensions, frame rate, quality, or output path.
   • Quote filenames that contain spaces.

4. Verify output

   • Confirm the GIF file exists.
   • If practical, report the file size.

Tuning Options

Adjust the command only when useful or requested:

• Smaller GIF: reduce fps to 6 or 8, or reduce width below 840
• Smoother GIF: increase fps to 12 or 15
• Larger display size: increase width above 840
• Preserve original width: remove scale=840:-1:flags=lanczos

Prefer the smallest GIF that still clearly shows the behavior.

Output

Use output-template.md for response formatting.