How to Freeze Frame in Kdenlive Timeline

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to utilize the “Extract Frame” and “Extract Frame to Project” options in the Kdenlive video editor. You will learn how to capture a high-quality still image from your timeline footage and easily insert it back into your sequence to create a perfect freeze-frame effect.

Extracting a Frame to Your Project

To capture a still image from your video using the timeline tools, follow these steps:

  1. Position the Playhead: Navigate through your timeline and stop the playhead (the vertical cursor) on the exact frame you want to freeze or export.
  2. Access the Context Menu: Right-click the clip in the timeline at the playhead position, or right-click directly inside the Project Monitor window.
  3. Select Extract Frame: Choose the Extract Frame… or Extract Frame to Project option from the dropdown menu.
  4. Save the File: A file dialog window will open. Choose a name for your image, select your preferred format (PNG is recommended for lossless quality), and choose a destination folder.
  5. Add to Project: Make sure the option to import the image back into your project is checked, then click Save. The extracted still image will now appear in your Project Bin.

Creating the Freeze Frame Effect

Once you have saved the extracted frame to your Project Bin, you can use it to pause the action in your video:

  1. Split the Video: Select the Razor Tool (shortcut key X) and click on the timeline playhead to cut your video clip at the exact frame you extracted.
  2. Create a Gap: Switch back to the Selection Tool (shortcut key S) and drag the right half of the split video clip further down the timeline to create a gap.
  3. Insert the Image: Drag the extracted frame from your Project Bin and drop it into the gap you just created on the timeline.
  4. Adjust Duration: Hover your cursor over the edge of the inserted image clip and drag it left or right to adjust how long you want the freeze-frame effect to last.
  5. Close the Gap: Drag the remaining video clip back so that it snaps directly to the end of the still image, ensuring smooth playback.