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Image Sequences

1. Select Image Sequence in the input picker.
2. Click Select Sequence Folder or File and choose either the folder of frames or a single representative frame.
3. Review the detected sequences list for frame counts and access status.
4. If you see Directory Access Required, click Grant Access… so Sequency can read EXR frames or media outside your Documents folder.
5. Optional: adjust Source FPS or enter a filename pattern when the detector needs extra guidance.

Drag a folder or image onto the drop area to scan it quickly. Dragged items are read without creating a permanent bookmark; Sequency will prompt again if it needs future access.

Video Files

1. Select Video File in the input picker.
2. Click Select Video File and choose a movie (`.mov`, `.mp4`, `.m4v`).
3. Confirm the filename and resolution displayed below the picker.
4. Keep the file in place if you plan to create multiple exports from it; Sequency stores a bookmark to maintain access.

Choose a Container

• Video File — Creates a `.mp4` (H.264 or HEVC) or `.mov` (ProRes) file.
• PNG Sequence — Writes processed frames into an empty folder using PNG options.

Pick a Codec (Video File Container)

• H.264 — Balanced quality and size for previews or web delivery.
• HEVC — Better compression than H.264; requires modern playback hardware.
• ProRes 422 — Editorial mezzanine format with high quality.
• ProRes 4444 — Maximum fidelity with alpha support.

See Codecs and Containers Explained for detailed comparisons.

Resolution

Turn on Custom Resolution to override the detected width and height. Leave it off to preserve the source dimensions.

Frame Rate

Use the slider or numeric field (1–120 fps) to control playback speed. Drop-frame presets (23.976, 29.97, 59.94) provide broadcast-compatible timing.

Desired Duration

Enter a duration in seconds to retime the sequence smoothly. Leave 0 to keep the original runtime.

Bitrate and CRF (Video File Container)

• Bitrate — Higher values (Mbps) yield larger files with more detail.
• CRF — Quality dial for H.264/HEVC. Lower numbers (18–24) mean higher quality.

Audio Options (Video File Container)

• No Audio — Mutes the export.
• Copy from Source — Passthrough audio from the input video.
• AAC — Compressed audio.
• PCM — Uncompressed audio.

PNG Options (PNG Container)

• Compression — 0% is fastest with larger files; 100% is smallest but slower.
• Bit Depth — 8-bit for standard workflows, 16-bit for additional tonal detail.
• Start Frame — Set the first exported number (e.g., 1001). Sequency keeps consistent padding.

Color Space Conversion

Enable conversion when delivering to a different gamut or working with EXR sequences. ACES presets appear automatically for EXR sources. Learn more in Color Management and ACES.

Export Now

1. Adjust all settings in the Settings tab.
2. Click Export Now….
3. Pick a destination. Video exports save as `.mp4` or `.mov`; PNG exports require an empty folder.
4. Watch the inline progress bar and confirmation banner.

Add to Queue from Image Sequences

1. Select one or more sequences in the sidebar.
2. Click Add to Queue to open the Batch Export sheet.
3. Choose an output folder and optional filename suffix (default `_converted`).
4. Confirm to add each selection as a queue item.

Add to Queue from Video Files

1. Load the video input.
2. Click Add to Queue.
3. Select a destination file (video) or folder (PNG). The job is added immediately.

Manage Queue Items

• Open the Queue tab to see status badges and progress bars.
• Press Start Queue to process jobs sequentially.
• Use Clear All to remove pending jobs or the × button to cancel an individual item.
• PNG jobs display frame counts when the total is known.

Containers vs. Codecs

A container (`.mp4`, `.mov`, or a folder of PNG files) wraps your media so other software can open it. A codec defines how the video inside that container is compressed.

Sequency chooses the correct container for each codec: H.264 and HEVC export to `.mp4`, ProRes exports to `.mov`, and PNG exports create a numbered folder of `.png` files.

H.264 (AVC)

Widely supported and efficient. Pick H.264 for previews, client reviews, or web uploads. Increase the bitrate or lower the CRF value when the footage contains fast motion or fine detail.

HEVC (H.265)

Delivers similar quality to H.264 at roughly 30–50% smaller file sizes. Requires modern playback hardware (macOS 10.13+, iOS 11+, many recent TVs). Avoid if your audience uses older systems.

ProRes 422

An Apple mezzanine codec designed for editorial workflows. It balances high fidelity with manageable file sizes and is ideal for round-tripping between professional NLEs.

ProRes 4444

The highest-quality ProRes flavor with support for alpha channels. Choose this for compositing, VFX, or archival masters where color precision matters most.

PNG Sequence

Exports each frame as a separate lossless PNG image. Use this when your downstream pipeline expects numbered frames. Be sure the destination folder is empty and has sufficient disk space.

Common Frame Rates

• 24 fps — Film-style motion.
• 25 fps — PAL broadcast regions.
• 30 fps — Traditional NTSC video and many web videos.
• 23.976, 29.97, 59.94 fps — Drop-frame broadcast standards. Sequency offers presets.
• 48, 50, 60+ fps — High-frame-rate playback or smooth slow motion.

Changing the Frame Rate

Adjusting Output Frame Rate changes how quickly frames play back. Keep it equal to the source to maintain the original duration.

Desired Duration

Enter a target runtime in seconds to have Sequency retime frames evenly. Example: a 240-frame sequence at 24 fps lasts 10 seconds. Setting the duration to 5 seconds doubles the playback speed; setting it to 20 seconds slows it to half speed.

Source Frame Rate Hint

The Source FPS field in the sidebar helps the sequence detector when frames lack metadata. Adjust it for custom renders so the app interprets timing correctly.

When to Enable Color Conversion

Leave Enable Color Space Conversion off when your source already matches the delivery color space (for example, an sRGB render destined for the web). Turn it on when you need to convert EXR or wide-gamut renders to a standard such as Rec.709 or Display P3.

Input vs. Output Color Space

Input Color Space tells Sequency how to interpret pixels before processing. Output Color Space sets the target gamut for the export. Sequency loads bundled ICC profiles and groups them by category (sRGB, Rec.709, Display P3, ACES, Camera Log) so you can select the pair that matches your workflow.

EXR Workflows

When Sequency detects EXR frames, the app exposes ACES presets automatically:

• ACEScg → sRGB for desktop playback.
• ACEScg → Rec.709 for broadcast delivery.
• Linear → sRGB for linear-light renders that need gamma conversion.

Tips for Best Results

• Match the output color space to the software that will receive the export.
• Use wide-gamut codecs like ProRes 4444 when targeting HDR or film finishing.
• If colors look muted, double-check the input profile and confirm your playback app honors embedded color profiles.

Track Progress

• The Settings tab shows a horizontal progress bar for the active export.
• Completion cards confirm whether an image sequence or video finished successfully.
• The Queue tab displays status badges and frame counts for PNG jobs.
• The Console tab lists detailed logs you can copy for support.

Permission Errors

If you see Export Unavailable or Directory Access Required, click Grant Access… and re-authorize the folder. Keep external drives mounted and writable.

PNG Destination Already Contains Files

The PNG exporter requires an empty folder to prevent overwriting existing frames. Choose a new folder or clear the old files before retrying.

Missing EXR Plug-in

macOS 13 and earlier might need Apple’s AppleEXR plug-in. Follow the in-app instructions to install the required system update or enable the plug-in.

Unexpected Color or Gamma

• Verify the input color space matches your source media.
• Confirm your playback tool honors the embedded color profile.
• Export a short sample with and without conversion to compare results.

Exports Stuck in Queue

• Make sure you clicked Start Queue.
• Ensure source and destination drives are available.
• Check the Console tab for errors; failed jobs remain in the list so you can retry.