Free, simple video encoder
Simple x264 is a graphical user interface (GUI) used on the front-end of the x264 H.264/AVC encoder, using the Qt toolkit. It’s a standalone application and includes all the necessary DDLs. It’s also self-contained and portable. Alternative encoding software includes HandBrake and MediaCoder.
Lord Mulder has developed the free Simple x264. It’s compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating systems and supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. Be aware that this download can contain malicious or unwanted bundled software.
Best features
Use Simple x264 to create H.264/AVC (x264) files. The software is self-contained and doesn’t need any extra codecs or plugins. The advantage of this is that it’s portable and stores all settings within the software. It supports 32-bit and 64-bit systems, so you have the option to choose high-bit-depth encoders. Simple x264 implements batch encoding and can run many encoding jobs at the same time.
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You can add new jobs using the command-line interface or use input from Avisynth and VapourSynth frame servers. It allows you to mix 32-bit with 64-bit for both these servers.
The ‘Preset’ and ‘Tuning’ systems make it simple to use. You can also define custom parameters. Create custom templates to manage your encoder settings and enjoy the consistent user interface on all systems thanks to the Qt toolkit.
Minimum requirements
The encoders prescribe the requirements, not Simple x264. You’ll need at least:
- Windows Vista (service pack 2) or later (Windows XP isn’t supported).
- 64-bit Windows is recommended.
- CPU with support for MMX and SSE instruction sets.
- Avisynth 2.6 or VapourSynth R46 (optional).
- YV16/YV24 colour spaces for Avisynth 2.6.
Audio encoding
The x264 encoder doesn’t support audio processing and encoding. Thus, this isn’t supported in Simple x264. You need to add the audio stream to the video file afterwards the multiplexing or muxing process. Or you can use the unofficial version of x264 with audio support, but it will only work if your input file has an audio stream. Be aware that Simple x264 won’t work with Avisynth’s script.
Encoding and processing of video
Simple x264 is free and compatible with many Windows computers. The standalone application prepares video files for output in proper formats and makes them playable as fluid videos. Due to the nature of x264 encoders, audio processing isn’t supported.
