Supported formats
StoryFolder uses FFmpeg under the hood, so most modern video formats work out of the box. If a video plays in QuickTime, VLC, or a web browser, there's a very good chance StoryFolder can import it too.
What file types can I import?
| Extension | Container | Common codecs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
.mp4 | MPEG-4 | H.264, H.265 (HEVC), AV1 | The most reliable choice for new imports. |
.mov | QuickTime | ProRes, H.264, H.265 | Native to Final Cut, Premiere exports. |
.mkv | Matroska | Almost anything | Great compatibility. |
.avi | AVI | DivX, Xvid, MJPEG | Older codecs supported. |
.webm | WebM | VP8, VP9, AV1 | Common from web downloads. |
.mts | AVCHD | H.264 | Common from consumer camcorders. |
What online sources can I import from?
- YouTube — public videos, including Shorts.
- Vimeo — public videos.
See Import from YouTube or Vimeo for URL formats and private-video caveats.
What's not supported?
- DRM-protected files (iTunes purchases, Netflix downloads, etc.).
- Live streams. You'll need to record first, then import.
- VR / 360° videos — StoryFolder treats them as flat video; immersive playback isn't supported.
- Image sequences (e.g. EXR / DPX render frames) — mux them into an MP4 first.
- Audio-only files.
Can I import 4K or HDR video?
Yes. 4K imports fine, and StoryFolder will display thumbnails at preview resolution. HDR sources are tone-mapped to SDR for thumbnails so they display correctly on standard monitors.
If a high-resolution import is slow on your machine, you can pre-transcode to 1080p — it'll process noticeably faster.
What frame rate works?
Anything FFmpeg can decode. We've tested 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60, 120, and variable frame rate (VFR) footage. VFR imports are remuxed to a constant frame rate for shot detection.
What aspect ratios are supported?
Any. 16:9, 9:16 (vertical), 4:3, 2.39:1, square — StoryFolder lays out the storyboard around whatever proportions your video uses.
Help — my file doesn't import
If a file refuses to import:
- Open it in VLC or QuickTime and confirm it plays.
- If it plays, try re-exporting to
.mp4(H.264) — this fixes most edge cases. - If you get an error referencing a codec, you may have an exotic file. See Troubleshooting imports.