Moving image files store video and animation for adverts, trailers, social media clips,
films and more. In R093 you must choose suitable formats, codecs,
resolutions and bitrates so products play smoothly and look professional.
What Are Moving Image Files?
Moving image files store sequences of images (frames) and usually sound as well. They are used in
TV adverts, trailers, explainer videos, films, animations, social media content and games.
- Common containers: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV.
- Common codecs: H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9 and others.
- Key settings: resolution, frame rate, bitrate, compression.
Why Moving Image Files Matter in the Exam
- Questions may ask you to suggest a video format for a product and justify your choice.
- You may need to link video quality and file size to distribution platforms.
- Video topics link strongly to file compression and distribution units.
Moving Image Files at a Glance
This infographic explains video containers, codecs and settings to help you choose formats for different platforms.
- Containers: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV – hold video, audio and subtitles together.
- Codecs: H.264, HEVC/H.265 and others – compress video data inside the container.
- Audio codecs: AAC, MP3, PCM – used for sound within video files.
- Compatibility: MP4 with H.264 is widely supported on most devices and platforms.
- Editing vs delivery: higher-quality formats for editing; more compressed for final export.
- Exam link: name a container and codec combination suitable for a specific platform.
Container · Codec · Support
- Resolution: e.g. 720p, 1080p, 4K – more pixels = sharper image, larger files.
- Frame rate: 24/25fps for film look, 30/60fps for smoother motion (games, sports).
- Bitrate: higher bitrates improve quality but increase file size and streaming demands.
- Platform guidelines: many sites publish recommended export settings.
- Exam tip: match resolution and bitrate to how and where the video will be viewed.
- Performance: very high resolutions need more powerful hardware for editing and playback.
Resolution · FPS · Bitrate
Containers and Codecs
Moving image files usually have two important parts: the container and the codec.
Containers
- File types such as .mp4, .mov, .avi, .mkv.
- Act like a “wrapper” that holds video, audio and metadata (subtitles, chapters, etc.).
- Some containers are more widely supported by devices and platforms than others.
Codecs
- Short for “coder–decoder”. Codecs compress and decompress the video and audio streams.
- Examples: H.264 (very common), H.265/HEVC (newer, more efficient), VP9.
- The codec affects file size, quality and compatibility.
Choosing Formats for a Project
- Use widely supported combinations like MP4 with H.264 for web and mobile.
- Higher-end production might use higher-quality formats during editing, then export to MP4 for distribution.
- Always consider the target platform and audience devices.
Resolution, Frame Rate and Bitrate
These three settings are key to how video looks and how large the files will be.
Resolution
- Number of pixels in each frame, e.g. 1280×720 (HD), 1920×1080 (Full HD),
3840×2160 (4K).
- Higher resolution = sharper image but larger file size.
- Match resolution to where the video will be viewed (phones vs large screens).
Frame Rate
- How many frames are shown per second (fps), e.g. 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps.
- Higher frame rates can make motion look smoother but increase file size and processing demand.
- Media products often use 25/30 fps; games or sports may use 50/60 fps.
Bitrate
- Amount of data used per second of video, usually measured in Mbps.
- Higher bitrate = better quality but larger files and more bandwidth needed.
- Streaming platforms adjust bitrate to match connection speed (adaptive streaming).
Compression, Streaming and Downloading
Video compression is essential for getting moving image products to audiences online.
Why Video Compression Is Needed
- Raw video files are extremely large and not practical for distribution.
- Compressed formats reduce file size so videos can be streamed or downloaded efficiently.
- Too much compression can cause artefacts such as blocky areas or loss of detail.
Streaming vs Downloading
- Streaming – video plays as data arrives. Needs careful balance of quality and bitrate.
- Downloading – full file saved to the device; can be watched offline later.
- Streaming works best with compressed formats such as MP4 using H.264 at suitable bitrates.
Matching Settings to Platforms
- Short social media clips: smaller resolution and lower bitrate for quick viewing on mobiles.
- Website explainer videos: mid-to-high quality MP4 to look professional but still load reliably.
- Display screens in college or events: higher resolution and bitrate for large displays.
Games to Practise Moving Image Files
These games help you choose video formats and settings for briefs, and apply your moving image
knowledge in realistic revision scenarios.
Mega game · File types
File Types Forge
Make decisions about file formats and compression for images, audio and video in real client projects,
including trailers and explainer videos.
Mega game
Formats
Compression
Distribution
Distribution Dash
Match video products to suitable platforms and file formats, thinking about streaming, downloads
and different audience devices.
MCQs
Formats
Platforms
Mega game · Hardware & software
Hardware & Software Gauntlet
Explore the equipment and software needed to capture, edit and export video, from cameras and
tripods to editing suites and export presets.
Mega game
Hardware
Software
Mixed exam
Escape Room: R093
Break out of each room by answering mixed R093 questions, including video format and streaming
scenarios that test your moving image knowledge.
Mixed
Whole spec
Challenge mode
Exam Practice – Moving Image Files
Q1. State one advantage of using an MP4 file format for a video on a college website. (1 mark)
Technique: Give a simple advantage such as “widely supported so it plays on most devices”
or “good quality with a relatively small file size”.
Q2. Explain one reason why a video editor might choose to export a project using the H.264 codec. (2 marks)
Technique: Make one point about what H.264 offers (e.g. good quality at smaller file sizes)
and explain why this helps with streaming or downloading.
Example structure: “H.264 is chosen because… This helps because…”
Q3. Describe three factors that should be considered when choosing resolution and frame rate for a social media video. (3 marks)
Technique: Give three distinct factors such as typical screen size, connection speed/data
limits and type of content (fast action vs simple talking head).
Q4. Explain two problems that could occur if the bitrate is set too low when exporting a promotional video for a streaming platform. (4 marks)
Technique: For each problem, describe what happens (e.g. blocky/pixelated image, loss of detail)
and explain how this affects the audience’s impression of the brand or product.
Q5. A charity is creating a short promotional video to be shared on social media, embedded on its website
and shown on a large screen at an event. Discuss how the media team should choose video formats, codecs,
resolution and bitrate so that the video looks good and plays reliably in all three situations. Provide
justified recommendations. (9 marks)
Technique: Organise your answer into paragraphs (social media, website, event screen).
For each, explain format and quality choices and link them to audience, devices and connection speed.
Finish with a justified conclusion.
- Paragraph 1: Choose a common format/codec (e.g. MP4 with H.264) suitable for all platforms.
- Paragraph 2: Social media – resolutions, aspect ratio and bitrate for mobile viewing.
- Paragraph 3: Website – balance image quality and loading speed.
- Paragraph 4: Event screen – higher resolution and bitrate for a large display copy.
- Final paragraph: Conclusion – justify why this approach works well overall.
Can You Now…?
- Explain the difference between containers and codecs for moving image files.
- Describe how resolution, frame rate and bitrate affect quality and file size.
- Recommend suitable video formats and settings for different platforms and scenarios.
- Write exam answers that clearly justify moving image format and compression choices.
