How to Encode DNxHR to MXF with FFmpeg

This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step tutorial on how to encode and wrap DNxHR video into an MXF container using FFmpeg. You will learn the exact command-line syntax, understand the required parameters for different DNxHR profiles, and discover how to structure your commands to ensure maximum compatibility with professional non-linear editors (NLEs) like Avid Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve, and Adobe Premiere Pro.

The Basic FFmpeg Command

To write a DNxHR video to an MXF container, you must use the dnxhd video encoder flag in FFmpeg, specify the appropriate DNxHR profile, and set the output extension to .mxf.

Here is the standard command for a High Quality (HQ) 8-bit output:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v dnxhd -profile:v dnxhr_hq -pix_fmt yuv422p -c:a pcm_s16le output.mxf

Command Breakdown:

-i input.mp4: Specifies your source input file.
-c:v dnxhd: Selects the DNxHD/DNxHR video encoder. (FFmpeg uses the same encoder library for both).
-profile:v dnxhr_hq: Tells the encoder to use the DNxHR High Quality profile.
-pix_fmt yuv422p: Sets the pixel format to 8-bit YUV 4:2:2, which is required for the HQ profile.
-c:a pcm_s16le: Encodes the audio to uncompressed 16-bit PCM, which is the standard audio format for MXF broadcast containers.
output.mxf: Defines the output container format as MXF.

Choosing the Right DNxHR Profile

DNxHR supports various profiles depending on your quality needs and color bit-depth. You must pair the correct profile flag (-profile:v) with its supported pixel format (-pix_fmt).

DNxHR Profile	Quality Level	Bit-Depth / Color	FFmpeg Profile Flag	FFmpeg Pixel Format Flag
DNxHR LB	Low Bandwidth	8-bit 4:2:2	`-profile:v dnxhr_lb`	`-pix_fmt yuv422p`
DNxHR SQ	Standard Quality	8-bit 4:2:2	`-profile:v dnxhr_sq`	`-pix_fmt yuv422p`
DNxHR HQ	High Quality	8-bit 4:2:2	`-profile:v dnxhr_hq`	`-pix_fmt yuv422p`
DNxHR HQX	High Quality (10-bit)	10-bit 4:2:2	`-profile:v dnxhr_hqx`	`-pix_fmt yuv422p10le`
DNxHR 444	High Quality (Cinema)	10-bit 4:4:4	`-profile:v dnxhr_444`	`-pix_fmt yuv444p10le`

Advanced Command Examples

Encoding to 10-bit DNxHR HQX (High Quality Extended)

If you are working with HDR or log footage and need to preserve 10-bit color depth, use the following command:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v dnxhd -profile:v dnxhr_hqx -pix_fmt yuv422p10le -c:a pcm_s24le output.mxf

Note: This command uses -c:a pcm_s24le to export 24-bit audio, which matches the professional 10-bit video workflow.

Handling Specific Frame Rates and Scaling

When conforming footage for a broadcast delivery specification, you may need to force a specific frame rate (e.g., 23.976 fps) and scale the resolution to 4K UHD (3840x2160):

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "scale=3840:2160" -r 24000/1001 -c:v dnxhd -profile:v dnxhr_sq -pix_fmt yuv422p -c:a pcm_s16le output.mxf

-vf "scale=3840:2160": Scales the video to UHD resolution.
-r 24000/1001: Forces a precise frame rate of 23.976 fps.