Transcode Task
Transcode tasks process local video or audio files. Entry path: plus icon on the left, then Transcode.
File Transcoding
Section titled “File Transcoding”Transcoding is handled by FFmpeg. It is useful when a file needs to be easier to play, share, edit, or archive. It can run as a standalone task or after a download task.
| Scenario | Recommended Choice |
|---|---|
| Keep only audio after a download | Choose Audio in the download task, or transcode to MP3 or M4A. |
| Video is too large to share | Transcode to H.265 MP4 or reduce size to 1080p or 720p. |
| Continue editing in video software | Use MOV H.264 / AAC, or another format your editor supports. |
| Publish for web playback | Use MP4 H.264 / AAC or WebM VP9 / Opus. |
| Preserve high-quality audio | Use FLAC, or WAV when further editing is needed. |
Create a Transcode Task
Section titled “Create a Transcode Task”- Click Select File.
- Choose a local video or audio file.
- Wait for XiaDown to check it.
- Choose size, container, and codec.
- Click Start.
The task moves to Running. After completion, open Tasks and Files to preview, open the folder, or transcode again. You can also start from Files by selecting a media file and clicking Transcode in the details area.
Configurable Options
Section titled “Configurable Options”| Control | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Size | Keep original size or choose an output size for sharing or archiving. |
| Container | Choose the output file type. |
| Codec | Choose video or audio encoding. |
| Change file | Select a different input file. |
If the selected file has no compatible transcode preset, XiaDown shows that no format is available.
Supported Formats
Section titled “Supported Formats”For video files, XiaDown provides 40 built-in presets. Each container and codec combination can use original size, 2160p, 1080p, 720p, or 480p.
| Container | Video Codec | Audio Codec | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP4 | H.264 | AAC | Broad compatibility across phones, computers, web, and players. |
| MP4 | H.265 | AAC | Smaller files on newer devices at similar visual quality. |
| MOV | H.264 | AAC | Editing workflows and Apple devices. |
| MOV | H.265 | AAC | Higher-compression video on Apple devices. |
| MKV | H.264 | AAC | Flexible container for preserved video content. |
| MKV | H.265 | AAC | Smaller archive files. |
| MKV | VP9 | Opus | Open-format playback, though old players may not support it. |
| WebM | VP9 | Opus | Web publishing and browser playback. |
For audio files, XiaDown provides 12 presets:
| Format | Codec | Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP3 | MP3 | 128k, 192k, 256k, 320k | Maximum compatibility and sharing. |
| M4A | AAC | 128k, 192k, 256k | Phones, Apple devices, and music management. |
| OGG | Opus | 96k, 128k, 192k | Small files for speech, podcasts, or music storage. |
| FLAC | FLAC | Lossless | High quality and long-term collection. |
| WAV | PCM 16-bit | Uncompressed | Editing, mixing, and audio software. |
Tool Status
Section titled “Tool Status”Transcoding requires FFmpeg. If FFmpeg is missing or unhealthy, transcode buttons are disabled and XiaDown asks you to repair the required tool in Settings.