Shutter Encoder: The Best Free Video Converter

Are you tired of dealing with video conversion hassles? Look no further! Shutter Encoder is a free video converter that is considered the best on the internet today. This versatile tool can perform a variety of tasks in video conversion, and in this post, we'll be exploring its key features, setting it up, and demonstrating its advanced workflows.

Key Features

Shutter Encoder stands out from other video converters due to its impressive set of features. Some of its notable capabilities include:

• Converting a large batch of files in a single folder directory without altering the directory structure
• Converting MKV files to ProRes files without an intermediate step (e.g., MP4)
• Handling variable frame rate footage

These features, among others, make Shutter Encoder an essential tool for any video editor or content creator.

Setting Up Shutter Encoder

To get started with Shutter Encoder, follow these simple steps:

1. Launch Shutter Encoder and navigate to the top left corner, where the gear icon is located.
2. Click the gear icon to open the settings.
3. Go to the "Outputs" tab and set your default outputs to your desired location.
4. Set your GPU decoding to "Auto" to utilize your graphics card to decode files.

Advanced Workflows

Shutter Encoder is capable of converting files and preserving the folder hierarchy structure. This is demonstrated in the "Advanced Workflows" course created by Chris, which contains a large number of files in a single folder directory.

Upcoming Demonstrations

Chris will be demonstrating how to use Shutter Encoder in his personal workflow, showcasing its capabilities in converting a large batch of files in a single folder directory, converting MKV files to ProRes files without an intermediate step, and handling variable frame rate footage.

Converting Footage into a More Download-Friendly Format

Shutter Encoder allows you to convert an entire course content folder into a more download-friendly H.264 file while keeping the folder structure intact. To do this:

1. Go to the "Output" tab and select "H.264" as the codec.
2. Change the bitrate to a desired value, such as 8,000, and adjust the "Advanced Features" to preserve the folder hierarchy.
3. Hit the "Start" function, but be aware that this process can take a while, especially if there are many files to be converted.

Converting MKV Files Directly into ProRes

Traditionally, converting an MKV file to ProRes would require going through an intermediate format like MP4, using tools like Handbrake, Media Encoder, or DaVinci Resolve. Shutter Encoder simplifies this process by allowing direct conversion from MKV to ProRes. To convert a batch of MKV files buried within a deep folder structure:

1. Drag the entire folder structure into Shutter Encoder.
2. Go to the "Function" menu and select "ProRes".
3. Choose the desired ProRes flavor, such as 422.
4. Under "Editing Codecs", select from a range of codecs, including DNXHD, DNXHR, QuickTime, GoPro CineForm, and Uncompressed.
5. Stick with ProRes and adjust the "Advanced Features" as needed.

Preserving Folder Hierarchy and Handling Variable Frame Rate Footage

Shutter Encoder allows you to preserve the original folder structure during the encoding process by selecting "Preserve Folder Hierarchy" in the "Advanced Features" section. This ensures that the organization of files remains intact.

To handle variable frame rate footage, Shutter Encoder can be used to convert large numbers of files at once, making it an ideal solution for dealing with variable frame rate footage.

Using Shutter Encoder to Handle Variable Frame Rate Footage

Shutter Encoder can handle variable frame rate footage with ease. To demonstrate this, we'll be using a clip of a speaker playing on a child's scooter. By dragging the clip into Premiere Pro and right-clicking to encode using Shutter Encoder, we can convert the variable frame rate footage to a constant frame rate.

Encoding Variable Frame Rate Footage

To encode the variable frame rate footage:

1. Drag the clip into Premiere Pro to ensure it's being worked with in its original state.
2. Right-click on the clip in Premiere Pro and select "Encode" to begin the encoding process using Shutter Encoder.

Shutter Encoder Tutorial

In this tutorial, we'll be using Shutter Encoder to handle variable frame rate footage. By detecting the variable frame rate in the inspector window, we can use Shutter Encoder to fix the issue.

Variable Frame Rate Detection

In the inspector window, we can see that the variable frame rate has been detected, with a weird frame rate of 29.98 instead of 29.97 or 30. We'll close the inspector window and use Shutter Encoder to fix this issue.

Changing Bitrate

In the shutter encoder, we can choose the function and select H.264. We can change the bitrate if needed, but in this case, we'll leave it the same.

Changing Input and Output Points

We can change the input and output points of the clip itself. By clicking the "Advanced Features" button, we can open up another window to adjust the in and out points. For example, we can set the in point to right before the subject turns around and the out point to shortly after the subject does their bunny hop.

Conforming the Frame Rate

To conform the frame rate to 29.97, we'll click on the "Conform" button and select "Change Frame Rate". We'll choose the "Speed" option and set it to 29.97, which matches the frame rate that the phone was attempting to be at.

Exporting the Video

We'll start the function and select the "Export" option. The video will be exported as "iPhone VFR" and can be played back.

Verifying the Results

We can drag the exported video into Premiere Pro and open up the properties window. We can see that the variable frame rate is no longer present, and the frame rate is now 29.97.

In conclusion, Shutter Encoder is an incredibly powerful tool that can simplify your video conversion workflow. With its ability to handle large batches of files, convert MKV files to ProRes, and handle variable frame rate footage, it's an essential tool for any video editor or content creator.