11.7 Multimedia Processing

FreeBSD supports tools such as Audacity (audio editing), Kdenlive/FFmpeg (video and subtitle processing), Inkscape (vector graphics processing), MuseScore (music notation), Blender (3D modeling), and Krita (digital painting). This section provides installation and basic usage methods by category.

Video Streaming and Live Recording

OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open-source video streaming and live recording software.

Install using pkg:

# pkg install obs-studio

Or compile and install using Ports:

# cd /usr/ports/multimedia/obs-studio/
# make install clean

Adjust OBS Studio video input sources:

OBS Studio

The microphone can adapt automatically. The main interface after adjustment:

OBS Studio Main Interface

Audio Editing

Audacity

Audacity is an open-source cross-platform audio editing software.

Install using pkg:

# pkg install audacity

Or compile and install using Ports:

# cd /usr/ports/audio/audacity/
# make install clean

Audacity

Video Editing

Kdenlive

Kdenlive is an open-source non-linear video editing software.

Install Kdenlive using pkg:

# pkg install kdenlive

Or compile and install using Ports:

# cd /usr/ports/multimedia/kdenlive/
# make install clean

Subtitles

FFmpeg

FFmpeg is an open-source multimedia processing framework that can be used to burn subtitles into video.

Install FFmpeg using pkg:

# pkg install ffmpeg

Or compile and install using Ports:

# cd /usr/ports/multimedia/ffmpeg/
# make install clean

Example command for burning ASS (Advanced SubStation Alpha) format subtitles into video using FFmpeg:

$ ffmpeg -i video_file.mp4 -vf subtitles=corresponding_subtitle.ass output_video.mp4

Where:

• -i specifies the input video file;
• -vf subtitles= applies the subtitle filter and specifies the subtitle file path;
• output_video.mp4 specifies the name of the output video file.

Burned-in Subtitles

Clipping

Inkscape is a vector drawing program. This section introduces basic clipping operations.

Installing Inkscape

• Install Inkscape using pkg:

# pkg install inkscape

• Or compile and install using Ports source code:

# cd /usr/ports/graphics/inkscape/
# make install clean

Basic Clipping Method with Inkscape

1. Use the shortcut Ctrl + O (the letter o) to open the image file to be processed;
2. Use the shortcut Shift + F6 to switch to the Bezier curve and straight line drawing mode;
3. Use Bezier curves to draw a closed path along the edge of the target area (return to the starting point to close the path);
4. Hold down the Shift key and click to select the image and the closed path in sequence (the path must be above the image);
5. In the menu bar, select Object → Clip → Set Clip to achieve the clipping effect.

References

• Inkscape. Inkscape Tutorials[EB/OL]. [2026-03-25]. https://inkscape.org/learn/tutorials/. Provides detailed tutorials for the Inkscape vector drawing software, covering basic operations and advanced features.

Music

Music Notation Software MuseScore

MuseScore is an open-source music notation software that supports score creation, editing, and playback.

Install using pkg:

# pkg install musescore

Or install using Ports:

# cd /usr/ports/audio/musescore/
# make install clean

MuseScore Interface

3D Graphics

3D Modeling Blender

Blender is an open-source 3D modeling and animation software that supports modeling, rendering, animation, and other features.

Install using pkg:

# pkg install blender

Or install using Ports:

# cd /usr/ports/graphics/blender/
# make install clean

The software supports Simplified Chinese. Through the menu Edit → Preferences → Interface → Translation, select Simplified Chinese (简体中文) from the Language dropdown menu to switch the interface language.

Blender Interface

Painting

Krita

Krita is an open-source digital painting software designed specifically for illustrators and concept artists.

Install using pkg:

# pkg install krita

Or install using Ports:

# cd /usr/ports/graphics/krita/
# make install clean

Krita Interface