TEDB.

The Editing Database

0%

TEDB.
← Back to Reference
📼

Codecs & Formats

Comprehensive guide to video codecs, containers, and file formats

Video Codecs

7 formats

H.264 (AVC)

Universal

Most widely supported codec, excellent compression

Use CaseWeb, social media
Quality
Very Good
File SizeSmall
CompatibilityUniversal

H.265 (HEVC)

Modern devices

50% better compression than H.264, 4K/8K optimized

Use Case4K/8K, HDR, streaming
Quality
Excellent
File SizeVery Small
CompatibilityModern devices

ProRes 422

Mac/Pro apps

Professional editing codec, visually lossless

Use CaseEditing, color grading
Quality
Excellent
File SizeLarge
CompatibilityMac/Pro apps

ProRes 4444

Mac/Pro apps

ProRes with alpha channel support

Use CaseVFX, motion graphics
Quality
Pristine
File SizeVery Large
CompatibilityMac/Pro apps

DNxHD/DNxHR

Cross-platform

Avid professional editing codec

Use CaseProfessional editing
Quality
Excellent
File SizeLarge
CompatibilityCross-platform

VP9

Web browsers

Google open-source, YouTube standard

Use CaseYouTube, web streaming
Quality
Very Good
File SizeSmall
CompatibilityWeb browsers

AV1

Emerging

Next-gen open codec, best compression

Use CaseFuture streaming, 8K
Quality
Excellent
File SizeVery Small
CompatibilityEmerging

Audio Codecs

4 formats

AAC

Universal

Standard lossy audio codec

Use CaseWeb, streaming, mobile
Quality
Very Good
File SizeSmall
CompatibilityUniversal

MP3

Universal

Legacy lossy audio codec

Use CaseMusic, podcasts
Quality
Good
File SizeSmall
CompatibilityUniversal

PCM (WAV)

Professional apps

Lossless uncompressed audio

Use CaseProfessional, mastering
Quality
Pristine
File SizeVery Large
CompatibilityProfessional apps

FLAC

Most players

Lossless compressed audio

Use CaseMusic archiving, hi-fi
Quality
Pristine
File SizeMedium
CompatibilityMost players

Containers

4 formats

MP4

Universal

Universal container for H.264/H.265

Use CaseWeb, social media
Quality
N/A
File SizeN/A
CompatibilityUniversal

MOV

Mac/Pro apps

Apple QuickTime container

Use CaseProfessional editing
Quality
N/A
File SizeN/A
CompatibilityMac/Pro apps

MKV

Most players

Open container, multiple tracks

Use CaseHigh-quality archiving
Quality
N/A
File SizeN/A
CompatibilityMost players

WebM

Web browsers

Open web container (VP9/AV1)

Use CaseWeb streaming, HTML5
Quality
N/A
File SizeN/A
CompatibilityWeb browsers

🎬 For Editing

Use ProRes or DNxHD for smooth playback and color grading. These intermediate codecs preserve quality while being edit-friendly.

🌐 For Delivery

Use H.264 for 1080p content and H.265 for 4K and above. MP4 container ensures maximum compatibility.

THE EDITING DATABASE - Professional Editing Software & Resources