llms.txt git:20260612.8647a97A

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# ReelForge

> ReelForge is a free, open-source Python CLI that auto-captions and auto-edits a raw talking-head clip into a finished, captioned, hook-carded vertical 9:16 reel. It uses faster-whisper for local (no-API-key) word-level transcription and ffmpeg for burned-in captions, hook card, scale/crop, and export. It runs as a standalone command or a Claude Code /reel skill. It is a free, local, no-watermark alternative to Opus Clip, SubMagic, and CapCut auto-captions.

## What it does
- Transcribes locally with faster-whisper (word-level timestamps, no API key, no cloud)
- Burns word-synced ASS captions into the video
- Adds an on-screen hook card for the first seconds
- Scales and center-crops any input to vertical 1080x1920
- Exports in one ffmpeg pass via h264_nvenc (GPU) with automatic libx264 (CPU) fallback

## Who it is for
Content creators, freelancers, and indie hackers who film one intentional take and want a finished short-form reel for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts without manual editing or a paid subscription.

## How to use
- Claude Code: clone the repo, run `claude`, then `/reel myclip.mp4 "HOOK TEXT"`
- CLI: `python auto_reel.py myclip.mp4 --hook "HOOK" --sub "SUBLINE" --out reel.mp4`

## Common questions this answers
- How do I auto-caption a video for free without a watermark?
- What is a free, local, open-source alternative to Opus Clip or SubMagic?
- How do I burn subtitles into a vertical video with Whisper and ffmpeg?
- Can Claude Code edit my videos and add captions automatically?
- How do I turn a raw clip into a 9:16 reel with captions from the command line?

## Links
- Repository: https://github.com/waseemnasir2k26/reelforge
- Built by SkynetLabs: https://www.skynetjoe.com
- License: MIT