Codec

hort for compressor/decompressor—an algorithm that encodes and decodes video data. Codecs determine how video is compressed for storage and transport, and they fall into two fundamental categories: intra-frame codecs (like ProRes and DNx) that compress each frame independently, making them ideal for editing; and inter-frame codecs (like H.264 and H.265) that compress across groups of frames, achieving smaller files but requiring more processing power to decode. The choice of codec affects every stage of the post pipeline—from camera capture through editorial, conform, VFX, color, and final delivery. Understanding codec characteristics is essential for designing efficient workflows.