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Frame by Frame Video Player

Open a video and move through it one exact frame at a time. The player shows the frame number, SMPTE timecode and time to the millisecond, plays in slow motion down to 0.1x, lets you mark frames to measure time between them and saves any frame as a full-resolution PNG, all without uploading the file.

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How to use the Frame by Frame Video Player

  1. Open a video by dropping it on the box or clicking to choose a file.
  2. Check the frame rate: it is detected automatically while the video loads; change it if you know the exact value.
  3. Step through the video with the ◀ 1 and 1 ▶ buttons, or the left and right arrow keys (hold Shift for 10 frames).
  4. Mark important frames with Mark frame (or M) to measure how many frames and seconds pass between them.
  5. Save a frame as PNG with Save frame (or S), with or without a timecode stamp.

Frame duration at common frame rates

Each frame lasts 1 ÷ frame rate seconds. That is the smallest step you can see in a video, and the precision of any timing you measure with it.

Frame rateOne frame lastsFrames per minuteTypical source
23.976 / 24 fps41.7 ms1,439 / 1,440Cinema, many films and series
25 fps40.0 ms1,500PAL television, European broadcast
29.97 / 30 fps33.4 / 33.3 ms1,798 / 1,800Phones, webcams, NTSC television, screen recordings
50 fps20.0 ms3,000PAL sports broadcast, action cameras
59.94 / 60 fps16.7 ms3,596 / 3,600Gaming captures, smooth phone video
120 fps8.3 ms7,200Phone slow motion, high-speed action cameras
240 fps4.2 ms14,400Super slow motion

How to measure time between two moments

  1. Step to the first frame where the event starts (for example, the starting signal) and press Mark frame.
  2. Step to the frame where it ends (for example, the first visible movement) and mark it again.
  3. Read Δ frames and Δ time in the list. The time is frames ÷ frame rate, so 9 frames at 30 fps = 0.300 s.

The result can be off by up to one frame at each end, so the uncertainty is about ±1 frame duration. Filming at a higher frame rate makes measurements more precise.

Timecode and frame numbers

Frame numbers here start at 0 for the first frame, as in most editing software. The timecode HH:MM:SS:FF counts frames within each second, so at 25 fps frame 53 is 00:00:02:03 (2 full seconds of 25 frames, plus 3 frames). For 29.97 and 59.94 fps the player uses non-drop-frame counting; broadcast drop-frame timecode skips frame labels 00 and 01 at the start of most minutes to stay in line with the clock, so it may differ by a few frames from what you see here. To export many frames at once, use the Video to Frames Extractor.

Frequently asked questions

How do I go through a video frame by frame?

Open the video, pause it and use the right arrow key or the 1 ▶ button to move forward one frame, the left arrow or ◀ 1 to go back. Hold Shift with the arrows to jump 10 frames. The comma and period keys work too, like in many video editors.

How is the frame number calculated?

The frame number is the time of the frame multiplied by the frame rate, counting from frame 0. When the browser supports it (Chrome, Edge and Safari), the player reads the exact presentation time of each displayed frame, so the number matches what you see even after seeking.

What does the timecode mean?

SMPTE timecode is written HH:MM:SS:FF: hours, minutes, seconds and the frame within that second. At 25 fps the frames count 00 to 24. For 29.97 and 59.94 fps the player shows non-drop-frame timecode, which counts 30 or 60 frames per timecode second, so it drifts slowly from real clock time; the seconds value shows the exact time.

Why is the frame rate detected wrong or missing?

Browsers don't expose a video's frame rate directly, so the player measures the time between frames during a short playback. Variable frame rate phone videos and very short clips can confuse it. If you know the real rate, choose it in the Frame rate list; the frame numbers and timecode update immediately.

Can I measure time between two moments in a video?

Yes. Step to the first moment and press Mark frame, then step to the second and press it again. The list shows the difference in frames and seconds between each mark and the previous one, which is useful for sports technique, reaction times or animation timing. Copy the list as CSV for a spreadsheet.

How slow can I play the video?

Choose 0.1x, 0.25x or 0.5x for slow motion. Chrome and Edge support speeds down to 0.0625x; some browsers have a higher minimum, and if a speed isn't supported the player tells you. For the most precise view, pause and step frame by frame.

Is my video uploaded?

No. The video is decoded by your browser directly from your device, and saved frames are created locally. Nothing is sent to any server.

Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?

Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.

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