Catframes

At a glance

• Editor score
  5.4 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Basic folder-to-video timelapses
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  21 Oct 2026

• Where it wins

  • Converts image folders to MP4 or WebM with natural-order sorting
  • Resizes frames with aspect-ratio preservation and centered alignment
  • Offers 1–60 fps, quality settings and 3×3-grid text overlays

• Where it doesn't

  • Runs on Windows and Linux desktop systems only
  • Requires separate FFmpeg and monospaced-font installation
  • Linked external documentation is marked outdated

Our verdict on Catframes

Catframes is an open-source command-line and GUI utility for converting folders of still images into videos. It suits solo users and small teams creating basic timelapses, PNG-sequence animations, CCTV frame compression, and similar desktop workflows. The application includes a GUI called catmanager and runs on Windows and Linux, with MP4 and WebM as its export formats.

Its main strength is the set of controls around sequence conversion. Images are sorted in natural order, while video resolution is checked and selected automatically from the source material. Frames can be resized while preserving aspect ratio and centered alignment. Text overlays can be positioned on a 3×3 frame grid, and frame rate is configurable from 1 to 60 frames per second. Compression quality settings cover poor, medium, and high output levels, giving users direct control over common timelapse parameters without changing the basic folder-to-video workflow.

Setup requires more than installing the application alone. Catframes is distributed as a Python package and depends on Pillow, FFmpeg, and monospaced fonts; FFmpeg and the fonts must be installed separately. The combination of command-line and GUI access fits users comfortable managing desktop dependencies, while the outdated linked external documentation may require extra care during onboarding. Pick Catframes when you want a free, open-source converter with practical sorting, sizing, overlay, frame-rate, and quality controls. Consider another option if you need a platform beyond Windows or Linux or prefer a packaged setup with fewer external requirements.

Your product? Our editors can test Catframes in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Catframes pricing

Catframes fact sheet

Alternatives to Catframes

• SScopeControlA Windows desktop tool for camera control, time-lapse capture, optimization, and measurement.8.8
• AAgeLapseFree, open-source timelapse creation with stabilization, RAW support, and 8K exports.7.9
• LLapseleapA flexible webcam and Raspberry Pi time-lapse service with capable free and Pro tiers.7.8

See all Catframes alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Catframes is listed in our Time-Lapse Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Guides on Time-Lapse software

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 29 Oct 2026 · How we research and update