Hey there, fellow Linux enthusiasts! Are you tired of encountering the dreaded “drawtext” filter error in FFmpeg on your ARM64-based Linux system? Well, you’re in luck because today, we’re going to dive into the world of FFmpeg filters and explore the mystical realm of the “drawtext” filter, specifically tailored for Linux ARM64 architecture.
What is the “drawtext” Filter?
The “drawtext” filter is a powerful feature in FFmpeg that allows you to overlay text onto your videos. With this filter, you can add captions, subtitles, or even annotations to your video content, making it more engaging and informative for your audience. However, on Linux ARM64 systems, the “drawtext” filter seems to have vanished into thin air, leaving users frustrated and confused.
The Mystery of the Missing Filter
So, what happened to the “drawtext” filter on Linux ARM64 systems? The answer lies in the architecture-specific compilation of FFmpeg. By default, the FFmpeg package on Linux ARM64 systems is compiled without the “drawtext” filter, which is a part of the FFmpeg filter collection. This is because the “drawtext” filter relies on the FreeType library, which is not included in the default ARM64 compilation of FFmpeg.
Compiling FFmpeg with the “drawtext” Filter
The solution to this problem is to compile FFmpeg from source with the “drawtext” filter enabled. This might seem daunting, but trust us, it’s easier than you think!
First, you’ll need to install the necessary dependencies:
sudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get install build-essential libfreetype6-dev libfreetype6 libfontconfig1-dev libfontconfig1
Next, download the FFmpeg source code from the official website:
wget https://ffmpeg.org/releases/ffmpeg-4.3.1.tar.bz2
tar -xvf ffmpeg-4.3.1.tar.bz2
cd ffmpeg-4.3.1Now, configure the FFmpeg build with the “drawtext” filter enabled:
./configure --enable-gpl --enable-libfreetype --enable-filter=drawtextFinally, compile and install FFmpeg:
make
sudo make installVerifying the “drawtext” Filter
After completing the compilation process, let’s verify that the “drawtext” filter is indeed available:
ffmpeg -filters | grep drawtextThis command should output the “drawtext” filter, indicating that it’s now available for use.
Using the “drawtext” Filter
Now that the “drawtext” filter is available, let’s explore some examples of how to use it:
Adding a Simple Text Overlay
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf drawtext="text='Hello World' : x=10 : y=20 : fontsize=24 : fontcolor=white" output.mp4This command adds a simple text overlay to the input video, with the text “Hello World” positioned at (10,20) with a font size of 24 and font color white.
Adding a Text Overlay with a Background
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf drawtext="text='Hello World' : x=10 : y=20 : fontsize=24 : fontcolor=white : box=1 : boxcolor=black" output.mp4This command adds a text overlay with a black background, making the text more readable.
Adding a Timestamp to the Video
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf drawtext="text='%{localtime}' : x=10 : y=20 : fontsize=24 : fontcolor=white" output.mp4This command adds a timestamp to the video, displaying the current local time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
During the compilation process, you might encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Error Message | Solution |
|---|---|
configure: error: freetype-config not found |
Install the libfreetype6-dev package |
configure: error: fontconfig-config not found |
Install the libfontconfig1-dev package |
make: *** [ffmpeg_g].o: No such file or directory |
Run make clean and then re-run make |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “drawtext” filter is an essential feature in FFmpeg that allows you to add text overlays to your videos. By compiling FFmpeg from source with the “drawtext” filter enabled, you can unlock the full potential of this powerful filter. Remember to troubleshoot any common issues that may arise during the compilation process, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the various options and features of the “drawtext” filter.
Happy filtering, and see you in the next article!
Frequently Asked Question
FFmpeg missing “drawtext” filter? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are the top 5 questions and answers to get you back on track.
Why is the “drawtext” filter missing in my FFmpeg installation on Linux ARM64?
The “drawtext” filter is not enabled by default in FFmpeg. You need to compile FFmpeg with the `–enable-filter=drawtext` option to include this filter. If you’re using a pre-built package, ensure it’s compiled with this option.
How do I compile FFmpeg with the “drawtext” filter on Linux ARM64?
You can compile FFmpeg from source using the following command: `./configure –enable-filter=drawtext –arch=aarch64 –prefix=/usr && make && make install`. This will compile FFmpeg with the “drawtext” filter and install it on your system.
Can I use a pre-built FFmpeg package with the “drawtext” filter on Linux ARM64?
Yes, you can use a pre-built package from a repository like Ubuntu’s FFmpeg PPA or a third-party repository that includes the “drawtext” filter. Make sure to add the repository and update your package list before installing FFmpeg.
What are the dependencies required to compile FFmpeg with the “drawtext” filter on Linux ARM64?
You’ll need to install the following dependencies: `libfreetype6-dev`, `libfontconfig1-dev`, and `libfribidi-dev`. These dependencies are required for the “drawtext” filter to work properly.
How do I verify if the “drawtext” filter is available in my FFmpeg installation?
Run the command `ffmpeg -filters | grep drawtext`. If the “drawtext” filter is available, you should see it listed in the output. If not, you may need to recompile FFmpeg or install a pre-built package that includes the filter.
