Resize a clip while trimming: output needs precision exact

Yes, Sume video trim can resize and change the frame rate in the same job as the cut, but only with precision: exact, which is the default. Send output with width, height and fps, and the exact re-encode conforms the clip. If you ask for precision: keyframe and output together, the request is refused with video_trim_output_requires_exact.

The reason is in how the modes work, described in the video trim docs: keyframe is a stream copy, so there is nothing to scale, while exact re-encodes with libx264 in yuv420p. One job costs $0.02 either way, per the catalog.

The output block

output is { width, height, fps }. If you leave it out, the output keeps the source values.

A 9:16 example

To cut seconds 12 to 27 of a master and deliver a 720x1280 clip at 30 fps, send one job. The range is 15 seconds, within the 0.2 to 900 second output limit, and the source must be 1800 seconds or shorter. A separate rescale job would add a second fee, so combining them costs $0.02 instead of two jobs.

Pick sizes that match the aspect ratio of the source or accept that the content will be conformed to the box you name; check one output before a batch.

{
  "video_url": "https://media.sume.com/artifacts/artf_demo/master.mp4",
  "start": 12,
  "end": 27,
  "precision": "exact",
  "output": { "width": 720, "height": 1280, "fps": 30 },
  "audio": "keep"
}

When keyframe is still the right choice

Keyframe is for quick, lossless cuts where the exact start does not matter. The cut can begin a GOP early, so re-base your times with actual_start_seconds from the result. If you later find you need a new size, run a second exact trim, or use video filter for a crop.

• Cut and conform together: exact, with output.
• Cut only, fast: keyframe, no output.
• A trim past the end of the source is clamped and warns trim_clamped_to_source.
• Import the file first; the source must already be on your workspace's media host.

Checking the result

The result returns the new MP4 as a durable artifact plus duration_seconds, actual_start_seconds, precision, audio and output, and optional warnings[]. Compare the returned values with what you asked for. If the output is the wrong shape, you have not lost the source: the original is never changed, and a second trim costs another $0.02.

For a batch of 50 clips that all need 720x1280 at 30 fps, the cost is 50 x $0.02 = $1.00, and each job needs its own idempotency key.

Choosing sizes

The width and height range of 256 to 2160 covers the common delivery sizes: 720x1280 for vertical social, 1080x1920 for full-height vertical, and 1280x720 or 1920x1080 for landscape. The upper bound of 2160 applies to each side separately, so a 3840-wide landscape frame is outside it. For a larger output, use video upscale, which takes a public HTTPS URL and a factor from 1.1 to 4 at $0.009 per video second.

One more option: the default frame rate keeps the source value. Set fps only when the destination needs a fixed rate, since a conform to 24, 25, 30 or 60 re-times the clip.