Start with delivery intent
Choose the container and output mode before changing individual codec options. Match Source/Intelligent is appropriate for same-format cutting; Force Recode is appropriate when changing picture properties or creating a standardised delivery.
Principal settings
- Video codec or Match Source policy
- Frame dimensions and frame-rate handling for full transcode
- Audio copy or transcode codec, bitrate, sample rate, channels and gain
- Subtitle, chapter, attachment and metadata preservation policy
- File extension and destination container
Keep copy and transcode concepts separate
A packet-copy stream is not modified by gain, scaling or codec options. If an option requires decoded samples or pictures, the profile must explicitly transcode the affected stream. The Save dialog should explain any automatic policy change before work begins.