Formats & specs
Codec: definition and examples
What is Codec?
A codec is software or hardware that compresses video for storage and transmission, then decompresses it for playback, with the term combining the words encoder and decoder. The codec used affects file size, image quality, and compatibility with editing tools and upload platforms.
When you'd use it
- 1When a video file will not open in your editing software and you need to identify compatibility issues.
- 2When exporting a final deliverable and need to choose a format the platform accepts.
- 3When file size is too large and a more efficient compression method would help.
- 4When collaborating with an editor or motion designer who requests a specific format.
- 5When a video plays back with visual artifacts and you want to determine whether compression is the cause.
Example
A video editor working in DaVinci Resolve exports a brand video as ProRes 422 for archival and an H.264 MP4 at 15 Mbps for platform delivery. The ProRes file is 4 GB and used only for future re-edits. The H.264 file is 320 MB and uploads cleanly to every platform without rejection.
Use cases
- 1Exporting a short-form clip in H.264 so it uploads without issues across major platforms.
- 2Converting raw footage from a camera-native codec to a lighter format for faster editing.
- 3Checking the codec of an incoming asset before adding it to a multi-platform export workflow.
FAQ
What is the difference between a codec and a file format?
A file format, such as MP4 or MOV, is the container that holds the video and audio data. A codec is the method used to compress and encode that data inside the container. An MP4 file can contain H.264, H.265, or other codecs depending on how it was exported.
Make on-brand short-form video from the footage you already have.