How to Extract and Import Image Sequences in Kdenlive

This article provides a straightforward, step-by-step guide on how to extract individual frames from a video as an image sequence and how to import a series of numbered images back into Kdenlive as a single video clip. This process is essential for time-lapse creation, stop-motion animation, frame-by-frame editing, and VFX workflows.

How to Extract an Image Sequence from a Video

Extracting an image sequence converts a video file into a series of individual image files (such as PNG or JPEG) for every single frame of the video.

  1. Import and Prepare Your Video: Open Kdenlive, import your video clip into the Project Bin, and drag it onto the timeline.
  2. Define the Render Zone (Optional): If you only want to extract a specific portion of the video, set the In and Out points on your timeline to define the render zone.
  3. Open the Render Dialog: Click the Render button in the top toolbar, or press Ctrl + Enter.
  4. Select the Image Sequence Format:
    • In the Render window, expand the Stills category in the presets list.
    • Select your preferred format, such as PNG (lossless, supports transparency) or JPEG (smaller file size).
  5. Set the Destination Folder: Click the folder icon next to “Output file.” It is highly recommended to create a new, empty folder for your sequence, as this process will generate hundreds or thousands of individual image files.
  6. Configure Render Settings:
    • If you selected a specific portion of the video in Step 2, ensure that Selected Zone is ticked under the “Render” option; otherwise, select Full Project.
  7. Extract the Sequence: Click the Render to File button. Kdenlive will begin exporting every frame as a numbered image file in your designated folder.

How to Import an Image Sequence into Kdenlive

Importing an image sequence allows you to take a folder of sequentially numbered images and load them into Kdenlive as a single, cohesive video clip.

  1. Prepare Your Images: Ensure all the images you want to import are saved in the same folder and are sequentially numbered (e.g., frame_0001.png, frame_0002.png, frame_0003.png).
  2. Open the Image Sequence Tool:
    • In the Project Bin, click the arrow next to the Add Clip or Folder button.
    • Select Add Image Sequence from the dropdown menu.
  3. Configure the Import Settings:
    • Filename: Click the folder icon, navigate to your image folder, and select the first image in your sequence. Kdenlive will automatically detect the numbering pattern.
    • Frame Duration: Set how long each image should display on screen. For standard video playback, set this to 00:00:00:01 (one frame per image). For slower stop-motion animations, you can increase this duration.
    • Framerate: Set the project frame rate to match your sequence goals (e.g., 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps).
  4. Import the Clip: Click OK.
  5. Add to Timeline: The image sequence will now appear in your Project Bin as a single video clip. You can drag and drop it directly onto your timeline, cut it, or apply effects just like any standard video file.