Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: ffmpeg error : -vf/-af/-filter and -filter_complex cannot be used together

Fix ffmpeg error when using -vf/-af/-filter and -filter_complex together.

Quick Answer: Try checking your system settings or restarting.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. 🚀 How to Resolve This Issue
  3. 🎯 Final Words

The error '-vf/-af/-filter and -filter_complex cannot be used together' is encountered when trying to add a watermark to a video and upscale it using ffmpeg. This issue affects users who are attempting to combine two complex operations in a single command.

This error can be frustrating as it prevents the user from achieving their desired output. However, by understanding the root causes of this error, we can find alternative solutions to accomplish both tasks.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that ffmpeg's -vf and -filter_complex options are mutually exclusive when used together in the same command. The -vf option specifies a video filter, while the -filter_complex option creates a complex filtergraph. When both are used together, ffmpeg becomes confused about which filter to apply first.
  • An alternative reason for this error could be that the input streams are not compatible with both the scale and overlay filters. In such cases, ffmpeg may interpret the command incorrectly or fail to produce the desired output.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Rearrange the options

  1. Step 1: To fix this error, try rearranging the order of the options in your command. Move the -vf scale=854:-1 option before the input streams, like so: ffmpeg -i "in.avi" -vf scale=854:-1 -i logo.png -preset veryfast -crf 20 -filter_complex overlay=5:5 output.mkv
  2. Step 2: This approach tells ffmpeg to first apply the scale filter, and then use the overlay filter. This should resolve the error and produce the desired output.
  3. Step 3: However, be aware that this method may not work if you are using a complex filtergraph or multiple input streams. In such cases, it's better to explore alternative solutions.

Use separate commands

  1. Step 1: Another approach is to use two separate commands: one for adding the watermark and another for upsampling the video.
  2. Step 2: For example, you can create a new command that adds the watermark using -vf scale=854:-1 and overlay filters. Then, you can create another command that takes the output of the first command as input and uses -filter_complex to upscale it.
  3. Step 3: This method may be more time-consuming but provides more control over each individual operation. However, it also means running two separate commands, which may not be ideal for all users.

🎯 Final Words

In conclusion, the error '-vf/-af/-filter and -filter_complex cannot be used together' can be resolved by rearranging the options in your ffmpeg command or using separate commands to accomplish each individual task. By understanding the root causes of this error, you can find a solution that works best for your specific use case.

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