CLI Tools Menu
The CLI Tools Menu provides access to integrated command-line interface utilities and external tools that have been configured for use within Closed Caption Creator. This menu only appears in the desktop version of the application and only displays when at least one CLI tool has been enabled in your system configuration.
Understanding CLI Integration​
CLI integration allows you to invoke external command-line programs directly from the Closed Caption Creator interface without needing to open a separate terminal or command prompt window. This capability is valuable when you need to use specialized conversion utilities, processing scripts, or third-party tools as part of your caption and subtitle workflow.
The CLI Tools Menu is dynamically generated based on the tools you have configured in your system settings. Each configured tool appears as a menu item that opens an interface for providing input files, setting command-line parameters, and executing the tool with appropriate arguments. The integration handles file path management, argument construction, and output capture so you can focus on the task at hand rather than command syntax.
Configuring CLI Tools​
CLI tools are configured through the desktop application settings where you can register new command-line programs by specifying the executable path, available arguments, input and output file handling, and display preferences. Once configured, tools appear automatically in the CLI Tools Menu whenever they are enabled in your settings.
Common use cases for CLI integration include video format conversion utilities such as FFmpeg workflows that are not built into the standard export options, specialized subtitle format converters for legacy or proprietary formats, audio processing tools for audio description preparation, validation utilities that check caption files against specific compliance requirements, and custom scripts developed for specialized production workflows.
Tool Execution and Output​
When you select a CLI tool from the menu, an interface appears that allows you to configure the specific options for that tool based on its registered parameters. You provide input files either by selecting from your project media or browsing your file system, configure any required arguments or switches, and execute the command.
The system captures the output from the CLI tool and displays it within the application interface, allowing you to review execution results, error messages, and any generated output files without switching to external windows. Output files are automatically referenced in the appropriate locations and can be imported directly into your project when applicable.
Desktop-Only Feature​
The CLI Tools Menu is available exclusively in the desktop version of Closed Caption Creator because command-line integration requires direct access to the local operating system and file system. Web browsers do not support executing arbitrary command-line programs for security reasons, so this functionality is not available in the web version of the application.
If you do not see the CLI Tools Menu in your desktop application, this indicates that no CLI tools have been configured or enabled in your settings. Enable or configure CLI tools through the application settings panel to make this menu available.
Security Considerations​
CLI integration executes external programs with access to your local file system. Only configure CLI tools from trusted sources and verified official distributions. The desktop application does not restrict which programs can be configured as CLI tools, so it is your responsibility to ensure that registered tools are safe and appropriate for your workflow.
Command-line integration provides powerful workflow automation capabilities but should be used with understanding of what each tool does and which system resources it accesses. Review tool documentation and test CLI integrations with non-critical files before incorporating them into production workflows.