Our verdict: Flowframes turns choppy or low frame rate footage into smooth video by generating in-between frames with AI. It bundles everything it needs and runs on NVIDIA and AMD cards through Vulkan. The free itch.io build is older than the Patreon version, which has newer models and faster processing.
About Flowframes
Flowframes is a Windows app by N00MKRAD that wraps AI interpolation networks, mainly RIFE, plus DAIN and experimental FLAVR and XVFI. It reads MP4, MKV, WEBM, MOV, GIF and image sequences and exports video, GIF or frames with H.265, VP9 or AV1, keeping the original audio and subtitles.
The source code is GPL v3 on GitHub. New versions are released to Patreon supporters first, and the free download on itch.io lags behind; the developer currently lists version 1.36.0 as the free build. A Vulkan-capable GPU from roughly the last six years is required, and very old GPUs such as the GT 710 will not work.
What it does well
- RIFE interpolation. Generates in-between frames to double or quadruple the frame rate.
- Runs on AMD and NVIDIA. Uses NCNN and Vulkan, so it is not limited to CUDA cards.
- All-in-one package. Includes the AI models and tools it needs, with no extra installs.
- Keeps audio and subtitles. Copies the original audio and subtitle tracks without loss.
- Scene detection and de-duplication. Avoids artefacts at cuts and handles duplicated frames in animation.
Who it is for
Good fit
Video hobbyists and animators who want smooth slow motion or 60 fps versions of clips.
Look elsewhere
Users of old or weak graphics cards, and people who need the newest models for free.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Smooth results with RIFE
- Works on NVIDIA and AMD GPUs
- Everything bundled, no setup
- Open source
Cons
- Free build is older than the Patreon version
- Needs a capable GPU and lots of temporary disk space
- Download page is on itch.io with a pay-what-you-want prompt
How to install Flowframes
On the itch.io page, click Download Now; the price is your choice, and you can continue without paying. The free build is a small web installer that downloads the rest. Install it on a drive with plenty of free space, because interpolation writes many temporary frames. Start with RIFE and a 2x factor before trying heavier settings.
Questions about Flowframes
Is Flowframes free?
Yes. The itch.io version can be downloaded for free and the code is GPL v3. Newer versions with extra features are available to Patreon supporters first.
Does Flowframes work on AMD graphics cards?
Yes. RIFE and DAIN run through NCNN and Vulkan on AMD GPUs as well as NVIDIA.
What GPU does Flowframes need?
A Vulkan-capable graphics card, roughly six years old or newer. Very old GPUs such as the GT 710 or Intel HD 3000 and 4000 series do not work.
