Coding⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: FFMPEG drawtext error for subtitles too many args in 'between(t'

FFMPEG drawtext error for subtitles too many args in 'between(t' due to incorrect syntax and excessive arguments.

Quick Answer: Use the correct syntax for multiple drawtext options by separating them with semicolons instead of commas, e.g., enable='between(t,0,4);between(t,4,9)'.

FFmpeg drawtext error occurs when attempting to add multiple subtitle-like text onto a video, resulting in 'too many args in ''between(t'',' error. This issue affects users who want to customize their subtitles with multiple drawtext options.

This error can be frustrating for users who are used to having more control over their subtitles. However, it's essential to note that the issue is not due to a bug in FFmpeg itself but rather a limitation in the way drawtext handles multiple arguments.

🔍 Why This Happens

  • The primary cause of this error lies in the way FFmpeg processes the drawtext filter. The 'between(t, start, end)' option allows for conditional display of text based on time intervals. However, when used with multiple 'drawtext' filters, it can lead to a syntax error due to excessive arguments.
  • Another possible cause is the misuse of the 'enable' option within the drawtext filter. When using 'between(t, start, end)' with multiple filters, it's crucial to ensure that each filter has its own unique set of arguments and not reuse any arguments.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Optimizing drawtext arguments

  1. Step 1: To resolve this issue, restructure your FFmpeg command by grouping related drawtext filters together. For example, you can create a separate filter for each subtitle and then combine them using the '[in]drawtext' filter.
  2. Step 2: Use the 'enable' option within each drawtext filter to specify the time intervals for which the text should be displayed. This will ensure that each filter has its own unique set of arguments and avoids excessive syntax errors.
  3. Step 3: Consider using a different approach, such as using multiple '[in]drawtext' filters with separate font files or adjusting the 'fontcolor' option to avoid excessive arguments.

Reorganizing the FFmpeg command

  1. Step 1: If you're experiencing issues with reorganizing your drawtext arguments, try using a different order for your filters. For example, you can try placing the '[in]drawtext' filter before the 'drawtext' filter to see if it resolves the issue.
  2. Step 2: Use FFmpeg's '-vf' option to specify the video filter chain and ensure that all related filters are executed in the correct order.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the FFMPEG drawtext error for subtitles with too many args in ''between(t'',', follow these steps: restructure your FFmpeg command by grouping related drawtext filters together, use the 'enable' option within each filter to specify time intervals, and consider a different approach if you're experiencing issues. By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the issue and customize your subtitles as desired.

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