Change Encoding Settings through Python API

Question

I need help with the python api for setting the video encoding in Blender 2.79a.

I have already set the output type to FFMPEG via:

bpy.data.scenes["Scene"].render.image_settings.file_format = 'FFMPEG'

I now need to set the encoding to output video in MP4 format and haven't been able to find this information yet.

Thanks

Answer 1

Set Output.file_format to FFMPG and adjust the attributes of Render.ffmpeg:

import bpy

scene = bpy.context.scene
rd = scene.render

# Set output type
rd.image_settings.file_format = "FFMPEG"

# Set output format
rd.ffmpeg.format = "MPEG4"

# Set the codec
rd.ffmpeg.codec = "H264"

...

Other options:

• codec: MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, HUFFYUV, DV, H264, THEORA, DNXHD, PNG
• format: MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, AVI, QUICKTIME, DV, H264, XVID, OGG, MKV
• video_bitrate: 0 - infinity (integer)
• maxrate: 0 - infinity (integer)
• audio_channels: MONO, STEREO, SURROUND4, SURROUND51, SURROUND71
• audio_bitrate: 32 - 384

For all available options, see the API on FFmpegSettings.

Answer 2

I ended up finding the solution in this post

To set the individual settings for ffmpeg use:

bpy.data.scenes["Scene"].render.ffmpeg.<SETTING_TO_MODIFY>

For example to set settings to use H264 with MP4 container:

    bpy.data.scenes["Scene"].render.ffmpeg.format = "MPEG4"
    bpy.data.scenes["Scene"].render.ffmpeg.codec = "H264"
    bpy.data.scenes["Scene"].render.ffmpeg.constant_rate_factor = "MEDIUM"
    bpy.data.scenes["Scene"].render.ffmpeg.ffmpeg_preset = "MEDIUM"