Video Cutter by Timecode

😫 The Pain Point

You have a 2-hour meeting recording but only need the 5 minutes from 45:00 to 50:00. Video editors are overkill for simple trimming.

🚀 Agentic Solution

A Precision Video Cutter that extracts exactly the segment you need.

Key Features:

• Timecode Input: Specify start/end in HH:MM:SS format.
• No Re-encoding: Fast copy mode when possible.
• Batch Clips: Extract multiple segments from one video.

⚔️ Phase 1: Commander (Quick Fix)

For quick cutting.

Prompt:

“I have a video meeting.mp4. Write a Python script using FFmpeg to:

1. Extract: Clip from 00:45:00 to 00:50:00.
2. Mode: Use -c copy for fast extraction (no re-encode).
3. Output: Save as meeting_clip.mp4.

Accept timestamps via command line arguments. Handle invalid timestamps gracefully.”

Result: Exactly the clip you need in seconds.

🏗️ Phase 2: Architect (Permanent Tool)

Engineering Prompt:

**Role:** Python Tool Developer
**Task:** Create a "Video Clip Extractor".

**Requirements:**
1.  **GUI:**
    *   Select video file.
    *   Show video duration.
    *   Start/End time inputs (HH:MM:SS).
    *   Checkbox: Re-encode (for precise cuts) vs Copy (fast).
    *   Multiple clips list.
    *   Progress bar.

2.  **Logic:**
    *   Validate timestamps.
    *   `-ss` before `-i` for fast seeking.
    *   Handle keyframe alignment issues.

3.  **Deliverables:**
    *   `video_cutter.py`
    *   `run.bat`, `run.sh`
    *   `requirements.txt`

🧠 Prompt Decoding

• -c copy: Copies streams without re-encoding. Instant but cuts at nearest keyframe.
• Re-encode: Slower but frame-accurate cuts.

🛠️ Instructions

1. Install FFmpeg.
2. Copy Prompt → Specify timestamps → Run.