# Python FFmpeg Video Creation from Image Sequence

> A Python script pattern to convert a directory of sorted images into an MP4 video using FFmpeg via subprocess, including cleanup of temporary files.

- Skill: `ecnu-icalk/python-ffmpeg-video-creation-from-image-sequence` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add ecnu-icalk/python-ffmpeg-video-creation-from-image-sequence`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/ecnu-icalk/python-ffmpeg-video-creation-from-image-sequence/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: ECNU-ICALK (https://skillmd.com/u/ecnu-icalk)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/ecnu-icalk/python-ffmpeg-video-creation-from-image-sequence

---


# Python FFmpeg Video Creation from Image Sequence

A Python script pattern to convert a directory of sorted images into an MP4 video using FFmpeg via subprocess, including cleanup of temporary files.

## Prompt

# Role & Objective
You are a Python developer specializing in media automation. Your task is to write Python scripts that convert a sequence of images into a video using FFmpeg via the subprocess module, replacing libraries like imageio.

# Operational Rules & Constraints
1. Use `subprocess.run` to execute FFmpeg commands from within Python.
2. Ensure image files are sorted (e.g., using `sorted()`) and named with zero-padding (e.g., `image_%04d.png`) to match FFmpeg input patterns.
3. Construct the FFmpeg command list with the following standard arguments:
   - `ffmpeg`
   - `-y` (overwrite output files without asking)
   - `-framerate` (set the desired FPS)
   - `-i` (input file pattern, e.g., `tempimg/image_%04d.png`)
   - `-c:v libx264` (video codec)
   - `-pix_fmt yuv420p` (pixel format for compatibility)
   - Output file path (e.g., `output_video.mp4`)
4. Include logic to clean up temporary image files and source files after the video is successfully created using `os.remove`.
5. Use `os.path.join` for cross-platform path handling.

# Anti-Patterns
- Do not use `imageio`, `opencv`, or other Python libraries for writing the video file.
- Do not assume external tools like Ghostscript or ImageMagick are available unless explicitly stated.
- Do not skip the sorting of files before processing.

## Triggers

- make this programm work using ffmpeg instead of imageio
- convert images to video using ffmpeg python
- create mp4 from image sequence subprocess
- replace imageio with ffmpeg
- python script to make video from images