Motion Guide - Getting It Running

This topic consists of the following subtopics: RunningMotionConfigFiles, CommandLineOptions, ConfigFileOptions, SignalsKill, ErrorLogging.

Running Motion

Important Definitions

Motion is invoked from the command line. It has no GUI. Everything is controlled from config files. From version 3.2 the command line is only used to define location of config file and a few special runtime modes (setup and non-daemon).

A few important definitions.

• A snapshot is a picture taken at regular intervals independently of any movement in the picture.
• A "motion" image/mpeg shows the pixels that have actually changed during the last frames. These pictures are not very useful for normal presentation to the public but they are quite useful for testing and tuning and making mask files as you can see exactly where motion sees something moving. Motion is shown in greytones. If labelling is enabled the largest area is marked as blue. Smart mask is shown in red.
• A "normal" image is the real image taken by the camera with text overlayed.

The Config Files

If Motion was invoked with command line option -c pathname Motion will expect the config file to be as specified. When you specify the config file on the command line with -c you can call it anything.

If you do not specify -c or the filename you give Motion does not exist, Motion will search for the configuration file called 'motion.conf' in the following order:

1. Current directory from where motion was invoked
2. Then in a directory called '.motion' in the current users home directory (shell environment variable $HOME). E.g. /home/goofy/.motion/motion.conf
3. The directory defined by the --sysconfdir=DIR when running .configure during installation of Motion
   (If this option was not defined the default is /usr/local/etc/)

If you have write access to /usr/local/etc then the editor recommends having only one motion.conf file in the default /usr/local/etc/ directory.

Motion has a configuration file in the distribution package called motion-dist.conf. When you run 'make install' this file gets copied to the /usr/local/etc directory.

The configuration file needs to be renamed from motion-dist.conf to motion.conf. The original file is called motion-dist.conf so that your perfectly working motion.conf file does not accidentally get overwritten when you re-install or upgrade to a newer version of Motion.

If you have more than one camera you should not try and invoke Motion more times. Motion is made to work with more than one camera in a very elegant way and the way to do it is to create a number of thread config files. Motion will then create an extra thread of itself for each camera. If you only have one camera you only need the motion.conf file. The minute you have two or more cameras you must have one thread config file per camera besides the motion.conf file.

So if you have for example two cameras you need motion.conf and two thread config files. Total of 3 config files.

An option that is common to all cameras can be placed in motion.conf. (You can also put all parameters in the thread files but that makes a lot of editing when you change a common thing).

An option that is unique to a camera must be defined in each thread file.

It is often seen that people copy the entire motion.conf into the thread config files and change a few options. This works but it not recommended because it is more difficult to maintain and overview. Keep all the common options in motion.conf and the few unique only in the thread config files

The first camera is defined in the first thread file called from motion.conf. The 2nd camera is defined in the 2nd thread file called from motion.conf etc.

Any option defined in motion.conf will be used for all cameras except for the cameras in which the same option is defined in a thread config file.

To make it clear, the thread files format and syntax is the same as motion.conf. An example of what you might want in a thread file as follows: assume you have two cameras, attached to one system. Create files thread0.conf and thread1.conf. At the end of motion.conf, uncomment out the lines that refer to them. The full contents of the thread files can be as simple as

thread0.conf:
videodevice /dev/video0
stream_port 8081

thread1.conf:
videodevice /dev/video1
stream_port 8082

Motion reads its configuration parameters in the following sequence. If the same parameter exists more than one place the last one read wins.

1. Motion reads the configuration file motion.conf from the beginning of the file going down line by line.
2. If the option "thread" is defined in motion.conf, the thread configuration file(s) is/(are) read.
3. Motion continues reading the rest of the motion.conf file. Any options from here will overrule the same option previously defines in a thread config file.
4. Motion reads the command line option again overruling any previously defined options.

So always call the thread config files in the end of the motion.conf file. If you define options in motion.conf AFTER the thread file calls, the same options in the thread files will never be used. So always put the thread file call at the end of motion.conf.

Nearly all config options can be unique for a specific camera and placed in a thread config file. There are a few options that must be in motion.conf and cannot be in a thread config file: control_authentication, control_html_output, control_localhost, control_port, daemon, and thread.

If motion is built without specific features such as ffmpeg, mysql etc it will ignore the options that belongs to these features. You do not have to remove them or comment them out.

If you run the http control command http://host:port/0/config/writeyes, motion will overwrite motion.conf and all the thread.conf files by autogenerated config files neatly formatted and only with the features included that Motion was built with. If you later re-build Motion with more features or upgrade to a new version, you can use your old config files, run the motion.conf.write command, and you will have new config files with the new options included all set to their default values. This makes upgrading very easy to do.

Command Line Options

In Motion 3.2.1 and forward most command line options have been removed and replaced them by an option to specify location to motion.conf and a few options related to setting up motion. There are now only few command line options left and they are basically all new.

SYNOPSIS

motion [ -hns ] [ -c config file path ] [ -d level ]  [ -p process_id_file ]

Config File Options

Version 4.0.1:

The configuration options that are applicable to 4.0.1 can be viewed on-line alphabetically or by topic. This file is also installed with Motion in the /usr/share/doc/motion directory for offline viewing.

Version 3.2.12:

The options below are based upon the 3.2.12 with some updates for the pre-release 3.4

These are the options that can be used in the config file.

All number values are integer numbers (no decimals allowed). Boolean options can be on or off.

Database related options are only available if Motion was built with the required database libraries (MySQL/Postgresql)

Options in Alphabetical Order.

The table below lists all the Motion options in alphabetical order. Click on the option name to see a longer description of each.

Option	Range/Values Default	Description
area_detect	Values: 1 - 999999999 Default: Not defined	Detect motion center in predefined areas. A script (on_area_detected) is started immediately when motion center is detected in one of the given areas, but only once during an event even if there is motion in a different configured area. Take care: This option does NOT restrict detection to these areas!, Detect motion center in predefined areas. A script (on_area_detected) is started immediately when motion center is detected in one of the given areas, but only once during an event even if there is motion in a different configured area. Take care: This option does NOT restrict detection to these areas!
auto_brightness	Values: on, off Default: off	Let motion regulate the brightness of a video device. Only recommended for cameras without auto brightness, Let motion regulate the brightness of a video device. Only recommended for cameras without auto brightness
brightness	Values: 0 - 255 Default: 0 (disabled)	The brightness level for the video device., The brightness level for the video device.
contrast	Values: 0 - 255 Default: 0 (disabled)	The contrast level for the video device. Disabled (Value 0) means that Motion does not set the contrast value., The contrast level for the video device. Disabled (Value 0) means that Motion does not set the contrast value.
daemon	Values: on, off Default: off	Start in daemon (background) mode and release terminal. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file., Start in daemon (background) mode and release terminal. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file.
database_busy_timeout	Values: 0 .. positive integer Default: 0	Database wait time in milliseconds for locked database to be unlocked before returning database locked error (default 0). If the database is busy when the request is issued, this parameter indicates the time to wait before issuing a timeout message, Database wait time in milliseconds for locked database to be unlocked before returning database locked error (default 0). If the database is busy when the request is issued, this parameter indicates the time to wait before issuing a timeout message
database_dbname	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	The name of the database. For Sqlite3, the full path and name to the database, The name of the database. For Sqlite3, the full path and name to the database
database_host	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: localhost	IP address or domain name for the database server. Use "localhost" if motion and the database runs on the same server., IP address or domain name for the database server. Use "localhost" if motion and the database runs on the same server.
database_password	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	The user password for the database, The user password for the database
database_port	Values: 1-65535 Default: Not defined	The port number that is used for the database. Typical values are: mysql=3306 and postgresql=5432 , The port number that is used for the database. Typical values are: mysql=3306 and postgresql=5432
database_type	Values: mysql, postgresql, sqlite3 Default: Not defined	Type of database used. Leave it undefined if you are not using databases, Type of database used. Leave it undefined if you are not using databases
database_user	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	User account name for database, User account name for database
despeckle	Values: EedDl Default: Not defined	Despeckle motion image using combinations of (E/e)rode or (D/d)ilate. And ending with optional (l)abeling., Despeckle motion image using combinations of (E/e)rode or (D/d)ilate. And ending with optional (l)abeling.
emulate_motion	Values: on, off Default: off	Always save images even if there was no motion., Always save images even if there was no motion.
event_gap	Values: 0 - 2147483647 Default: 60	event_gap is the seconds of no motion detection that triggers the end of an event. An event is defined as a series of motion images taken within a short time-frame., event_gap is the seconds of no motion detection that triggers the end of an event. An event is defined as a series of motion images taken within a short time-frame.
exif_text	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Empty string	Use this option to specify the text to include in a JPEG EXIF comment The EXIF timestamp is included independent of this text. , Use this option to specify the text to include in a JPEG EXIF comment The EXIF timestamp is included independent of this text.
ffmpeg_bps	Values: 0 - 9999999 Default: 400000	Bitrate of mpegs produced by ffmpeg. Bitrate is bits per second. Default: 400000 (400kbps). Higher value mans better quality and larger files. Option requires that ffmpeg libraries are installed., Bitrate of mpegs produced by ffmpeg. Bitrate is bits per second. Default: 400000 (400kbps). Higher value mans better quality and larger files. Option requires that ffmpeg libraries are installed.
ffmpeg_duplicate_frames	Values: on, off Default: on	When creating videos, this feature will duplicate frames in order to keep up with the requested frames per second., When creating videos, this feature will duplicate frames in order to keep up with the requested frames per second.
ffmpeg_output_debug_movies	Values: on, off Default: off	Use ffmpeg libraries to encode motion type mpeg movies where you only see the pixels that changes., Use ffmpeg libraries to encode motion type mpeg movies where you only see the pixels that changes.
ffmpeg_output_movies	Values: on, off Default: off	Use ffmpeg libraries to encode mpeg movies in realtime., Use ffmpeg libraries to encode mpeg movies in realtime.
ffmpeg_timelapse	Values: 0 - 2147483647 Default: 0 (disabled)	Create a timelapse movie saving a picture frame at the interval in seconds set by this parameter. Set it to 0 if not used., Create a timelapse movie saving a picture frame at the interval in seconds set by this parameter. Set it to 0 if not used.
ffmpeg_timelapse_mode	Values: hourly, daily, weekly-sunday, weekly-monday, monthly, manual Default: daily	The file rollover mode of the timelapse video., The file rollover mode of the timelapse video.
ffmpeg_variable_bitrate	Values: 0, 2 - 31 Default: 0 (disabled)	Enables and defines variable bitrate for the ffmpeg encoder. ffmpeg_bps is ignored if variable bitrate is enabled. Valid values: 0 (default) = fixed bitrate defined by ffmpeg_bps, or the range 2 - 31 where 2 means best quality and 31 is worst., Enables and defines variable bitrate for the ffmpeg encoder. ffmpeg_bps is ignored if variable bitrate is enabled. Valid values: 0 (default) = fixed bitrate defined by ffmpeg_bps, or the range 2 - 31 where 2 means best quality and 31 is worst.
ffmpeg_video_codec	Values: mpeg4, msmpeg4, swf, flv, ffv1, mov, ogg, mp4, mkv, hevc Default: mpeg4	Codec to be used by ffmpeg for the video compression. Timelapse will only work with the options mpeg4 or swf., Codec to be used by ffmpeg for the video compression. Timelapse will only work with the options mpeg4 or swf.
framerate	Values: 2 - 100 Default: 100 (no limit)	Maximum number of frames to be captured from the camera per second., Maximum number of frames to be captured from the camera per second.
frequency	Values: 0 - 999999 Default: 0 (Not set)	The frequency to set the tuner to (kHz). Valid range: per tuner spec, default: 0 (Don't set it), The frequency to set the tuner to (kHz). Valid range: per tuner spec, default: 0 (Don't set it)
height	Values: Device Dependent Default: 288	The height of each frame in pixels., The height of each frame in pixels.
hue	Values: 0 - 255 Default: 0 (disabled)	The hue level for the video device., The hue level for the video device.
input	Values: -1, 0, 1, 2, 3.... Default: -1 (disabled)	Input channel to use expressed as an integer number starting from 0. Should normally be set to 0 or 1 for video/TV cards, and -1 (disabled) for USB and network cameras., Input channel to use expressed as an integer number starting from 0. Should normally be set to 0 or 1 for video/TV cards, and -1 (disabled) for USB and network cameras.
ipv6_enabled	Values: on, off Default: off	Enable or disable IPV6 for http control and stream, Enable or disable IPV6 for http control and stream
lightswitch	Values: 0 - 100 Default: 0 (disabled)	Ignore sudden massive light intensity changes given as a percentage of the picture area that changed intensity., Ignore sudden massive light intensity changes given as a percentage of the picture area that changed intensity.
locate_motion_mode	Values: on, off, preview Default: off	Locate and draw a box around the moving object. Value 'preview' makes Motion only draw a box on a saved preview jpeg image and not on the saved mpeg movie. , Locate and draw a box around the moving object. Value 'preview' makes Motion only draw a box on a saved preview jpeg image and not on the saved mpeg movie.
locate_motion_style	Values: box, redbox, cross, redcross Default: box	Set the look and style of the locate box if enabled., Set the look and style of the locate box if enabled.
log_level	Values: 1-9 Default: 6	This option specifies the level of verbosity of the messages sent from Motion. At a level of 8(DBG), there are a LOT of messages. At a level of 1(EMR) virtually no messages will be output. The various levels are [1..9] (EMR, ALR, CRT, ERR, WRN, NTC, INF, DBG, ALL)., This option specifies the level of verbosity of the messages sent from Motion. At a level of 8(DBG), there are a LOT of messages. At a level of 1(EMR) virtually no messages will be output. The various levels are [1..9] (EMR, ALR, CRT, ERR, WRN, NTC, INF, DBG, ALL).
log_type	Values: COR, STR, ENC, NET, DBL, EVT, TRK, VID, ALL Default: ALL	The different components of Motion use different log types. This option allows the user to only show the messages from particular components., The different components of Motion use different log types. This option allows the user to only show the messages from particular components.
logfile	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Use this option to specify the full path and filename to use for logging of the messages generated from Motion. If this option is not defined, the stderr and syslog is used. Note that Motion can generate a LOT of messages and as a result, this option should be considered if the log_level is at any of the higher levels., Use this option to specify the full path and filename to use for logging of the messages generated from Motion. If this option is not defined, the stderr and syslog is used. Note that Motion can generate a LOT of messages and as a result, this option should be considered if the log_level is at any of the higher levels.
mask_file	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	PGM file to use as a sensitivity mask. This picture MUST have the same width and height as the frames being captured and be in binary format. , PGM file to use as a sensitivity mask. This picture MUST have the same width and height as the frames being captured and be in binary format.
max_movie_time	Values: 0 (infinite) - 2147483647 Default: 3600	The maximum length of an mpeg movie in seconds. Set this to zero for unlimited length., The maximum length of an mpeg movie in seconds. Set this to zero for unlimited length.
minimum_frame_time	Values: 0 - 2147483647 Default: 0	Minimum time in seconds between the capturing picture frames from the camera. Default: 0 = disabled - the capture rate is given by the camera framerate., Minimum time in seconds between the capturing picture frames from the camera. Default: 0 = disabled - the capture rate is given by the camera framerate.
minimum_motion_frames	Values: 1 - 1000s Default: 1	Picture frames must contain motion at least the specified number of frames in a row before they are detected as true motion. At the default of 1, all motion is detected. Valid range is 1 to thousands, but it is recommended to keep it within 1-5., Picture frames must contain motion at least the specified number of frames in a row before they are detected as true motion. At the default of 1, all motion is detected. Valid range is 1 to thousands, but it is recommended to keep it within 1-5.
motion_video_pipe	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	The video4linux video loopback input device for motion images. If a particular pipe is to be used then use the device filename of this pipe, if a dash '-' is given motion will use /proc/video/vloopback/vloopbacks to locate a free pipe. Default: not set, The video4linux video loopback input device for motion images. If a particular pipe is to be used then use the device filename of this pipe, if a dash '-' is given motion will use /proc/video/vloopback/vloopbacks to locate a free pipe. Default: not set
movie_filename	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: %v-%Y%m%d%H%M%S	File path for motion triggered ffmpeg movies (mpeg) relative to target_dir. This was previously called ffmpeg_filename., File path for motion triggered ffmpeg movies (mpeg) relative to target_dir. This was previously called ffmpeg_filename.
netcam_keepalive	Values: off, on, force Default: off	The setting for keep-alive of network socket, should improve performance on compatible net cameras. , The setting for keep-alive of network socket, should improve performance on compatible net cameras.
netcam_proxy	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	URL to use for a netcam proxy server, if required. The syntax is http://myproxy:portnumber, URL to use for a netcam proxy server, if required. The syntax is http://myproxy:portnumber
netcam_tolerant_check	Values: on, off Default: off	Set less strict jpeg checks for network cameras with a poor/buggy firmware., Set less strict jpeg checks for network cameras with a poor/buggy firmware.
netcam_url	Values: Max 4095 characters written as URL Default: Not defined	URL to use if you are using a network camera (incl http:// ftp:// mjpg:// rtsp:// mjpeg:// or file:///). Size will be autodetected Must be a URL that returns single jpeg pictures or a raw mjpeg stream. A trailing slash may be required for some cameras., URL to use if you are using a network camera (incl http:// ftp:// mjpg:// rtsp:// mjpeg:// or file:///). Size will be autodetected Must be a URL that returns single jpeg pictures or a raw mjpeg stream. A trailing slash may be required for some cameras.
netcam_userpass	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	The Username and password for the network camera. For http protocols, this option is for HTTP 1.1 Basic authentication. The string is specified as username:password. Do not specify this option for no authentication. To use no authentication simply remove this option. Note that only basic authentication is supported for connection to netwwork cameras. Digest authentication is not currently available , The Username and password for the network camera. For http protocols, this option is for HTTP 1.1 Basic authentication. The string is specified as username:password. Do not specify this option for no authentication. To use no authentication simply remove this option. Note that only basic authentication is supported for connection to netwwork cameras. Digest authentication is not currently available
noise_level	Values: 1 - 255 Default: 32	The noise level is used as a threshold for distinguishing between noise and motion., The noise level is used as a threshold for distinguishing between noise and motion.
noise_tune	Values: on, off Default: on	Activates the automatic tuning of noise level., Activates the automatic tuning of noise level.
norm	Values: 0 (PAL), 1 (NTSC), 2 (SECAM), 3 (PAL NC no colour) Default: 0 (PAL)	Select the norm of the video device. Values: 0 (PAL), 1 (NTSC), 2 (SECAM), 3 (PAL NC no colour). Default: 0 (PAL), Select the norm of the video device. Values: 0 (PAL), 1 (NTSC), 2 (SECAM), 3 (PAL NC no colour). Default: 0 (PAL)
on_area_detected	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Command to be executed when motion in a predefined area is detected. Check option area_detect., Command to be executed when motion in a predefined area is detected. Check option area_detect.
on_camera_lost	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Command to be executed when a camera can't be opened or if it is lost. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command. Use %f for passing filename (with full path) to the command. (new in 3.2.10), Command to be executed when a camera can't be opened or if it is lost. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command. Use %f for passing filename (with full path) to the command. (new in 3.2.10)
on_event_end	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Command to be executed when an event ends after a period of no motion. The period of no motion is defined by option gap. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command., Command to be executed when an event ends after a period of no motion. The period of no motion is defined by option gap. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command.
on_event_start	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Command to be executed when an event starts. An event starts at first motion detected after a period of no motion defined by gap. You can use ConversionSpecifiers and spaces as part of the command., Command to be executed when an event starts. An event starts at first motion detected after a period of no motion defined by gap. You can use ConversionSpecifiers and spaces as part of the command.
on_motion_detected	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Command to be executed when a motion frame is detected. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command., Command to be executed when a motion frame is detected. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command.
on_movie_end	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Command to be executed when an ffmpeg movie is closed at the end of an event. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command. Use %f for passing filename (with full path) to the command., Command to be executed when an ffmpeg movie is closed at the end of an event. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command. Use %f for passing filename (with full path) to the command.
on_movie_start	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Command to be executed when an mpeg movie is created. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command. Use %f for passing filename (with full path) to the command., Command to be executed when an mpeg movie is created. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command. Use %f for passing filename (with full path) to the command.
on_picture_save	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Command to be executed when an image is saved. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command. Use %f for passing filename (with full path) to the command., Command to be executed when an image is saved. You can use Conversion Specifiers and spaces as part of the command. Use %f for passing filename (with full path) to the command.
output_debug_pictures	Values: on, off Default: off	Output pictures with only the moving object. This feature generates the special motion type movies where you only see the pixels that changes as a graytone image. If labelling is enabled you see the largest area in blue. If a Smartmask is specified, it is shown in red., Output pictures with only the moving object. This feature generates the special motion type movies where you only see the pixels that changes as a graytone image. If labelling is enabled you see the largest area in blue. If a Smartmask is specified, it is shown in red.
output_pictures	Values: on, off, first, best, center Default: on	Normal image is an image that is stored when motion is detected. It is the same image that was taken by the camera. I.e. not a motion image like defined by output_motion. Default is that normal images are stored., Normal image is an image that is stored when motion is detected. It is the same image that was taken by the camera. I.e. not a motion image like defined by output_motion. Default is that normal images are stored.
picture_filename	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: %v-%Y%m%d%H%M%S-%q	File path for motion triggered images (jpeg or ppm) relative to target_dir. Value 'preview' makes a jpeg filename with the same name body as the associated saved mpeg movie file., File path for motion triggered images (jpeg or ppm) relative to target_dir. Value 'preview' makes a jpeg filename with the same name body as the associated saved mpeg movie file.
picture_type	Values: jpeg, ppm Default: jpeg	This option specifies the type of picture file to output., This option specifies the type of picture file to output.
post_capture	Values: 0 - 2147483647 Default: 0 (disabled)	Specifies the number of frames to be captured after motion has been detected., Specifies the number of frames to be captured after motion has been detected.
power_line_frequency	Values: -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 Default: -1	This option allows the user to specify the power line frequency that is applicable to the user. This option can help stabilize the images of some webcams that are sensitive to this frequency. This is not normally necessary., This option allows the user to specify the power line frequency that is applicable to the user. This option can help stabilize the images of some webcams that are sensitive to this frequency. This is not normally necessary.
pre_capture	Values: 0 - 100s Default: 0 (disabled)	Specifies the number of previous frames to be outputted at motion detection. Recommended range: 0 to 5, default=0. Do not use large values! Large values will cause Motion to skip video frames and cause unsmooth mpegs. To smooth mpegs use larger values of post_capture instead., Specifies the number of previous frames to be outputted at motion detection. Recommended range: 0 to 5, default=0. Do not use large values! Large values will cause Motion to skip video frames and cause unsmooth mpegs. To smooth mpegs use larger values of post_capture instead.
process_id_file	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	File to store the process ID, also called pid file. Recommended value when used: /var/run/motion.pid, File to store the process ID, also called pid file. Recommended value when used: /var/run/motion.pid
quality	Values: 1 - 100 Default: 75	The quality for the jpeg images in percent., The quality for the jpeg images in percent.
quiet	Values: on, off Default: off	Be quiet, don't output beeps when detecting motion., Be quiet, don't output beeps when detecting motion.
rotate	Values: 0, 90, 180, 270 Default: 0 (not rotated)	Rotate image the given number of degrees. The rotation affects all saved images as well as mpeg movies., Rotate image the given number of degrees. The rotation affects all saved images as well as mpeg movies.
roundrobin_frames	Values: 1 - 2147483647 Default: 1	Specifies the number of frames to capture before switching inputs, this way also slow switching (e.g. every second) is possible., Specifies the number of frames to capture before switching inputs, this way also slow switching (e.g. every second) is possible.
roundrobin_skip	Values: 1 - 2147483647 Default: 1	Specifies the number of frames to skip after a switch. (1 if you are feeling lucky, 2 if you want to be safe)., Specifies the number of frames to skip after a switch. (1 if you are feeling lucky, 2 if you want to be safe).
rtsp_uses_tcp	Values: on, off Default: on	This option specifies the transport method for rtsp cameras. The TCP transport is highly preferred because without this option the rtsp images are frequently corrupted and result in many false positive values and images that appear to be smeared. Off indicates that UDP will be used., This option specifies the transport method for rtsp cameras. The TCP transport is highly preferred because without this option the rtsp images are frequently corrupted and result in many false positive values and images that appear to be smeared. Off indicates that UDP will be used.
saturation	Values: 0 - 255 Default: 0 (disabled)	The colour saturation level for the video device., The colour saturation level for the video device.
sdl_threadnr	Values: 1-65535 Default: Not defined	The SDL option is optional and unusual. When SDL is included in the building of Motion, there is the ability for Motion to create a SDL preview window for the user. The author believes this option to be more of a proof of concept on how to create a SDL window and show the image. (This same functionality can be achieved via the stream options) To activate the SDL window, include SDL support in the building of the Motion application. Start Motion and note the thread number indicated. Once that is noted, specify that thread number (or 1 more than that number) for this option. When Motion is started again, it will then create a SDL window to preview the image. To close the window, press X. Author is not aware of any method to restart the SDL window after it has been closed. , The SDL option is optional and unusual. When SDL is included in the building of Motion, there is the ability for Motion to create a SDL preview window for the user. The author believes this option to be more of a proof of concept on how to create a SDL window and show the image. (This same functionality can be achieved via the stream options) To activate the SDL window, include SDL support in the building of the Motion application. Start Motion and note the thread number indicated. Once that is noted, specify that thread number (or 1 more than that number) for this option. When Motion is started again, it will then create a SDL window to preview the image. To close the window, press X. Author is not aware of any method to restart the SDL window after it has been closed.
setup_mode	Values: on, off Default: off	Run Motion in setup mode. , Run Motion in setup mode.
smart_mask_speed	Values: 0 - 10 Default: 0 (disabled)	Slugginess of the smart mask. Default is 0 = DISABLED. 1 is slow, 10 is fast., Slugginess of the smart mask. Default is 0 = DISABLED. 1 is slow, 10 is fast.
snapshot_filename	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: %v-%Y%m%d%H%M%S-snapshot	File path for snapshots (jpeg or ppm) relative to target_dir., File path for snapshots (jpeg or ppm) relative to target_dir.
snapshot_interval	Values: 0 - 2147483647 Default: 0 (disabled)	Make automated snapshots every 'snapshot_interval' seconds., Make automated snapshots every 'snapshot_interval' seconds.
sql_log_movie	Values: on, off Default: off	Log to the database when creating motion triggered mpeg file., Log to the database when creating motion triggered mpeg file.
sql_log_picture	Values: on, off Default: on	Log to the database when creating motion triggered image file., Log to the database when creating motion triggered image file.
sql_log_snapshot	Values: on, off Default: on	Log to the database when creating a snapshot image file., Log to the database when creating a snapshot image file.
sql_log_timelapse	Values: on, off Default: off	Log to the database when creating timelapse mpeg file, Log to the database when creating timelapse mpeg file
sql_query	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: insert into security(camera, filename, frame, file_type, time_stamp, text_event) values('%t', '%f', '%q', '%n', '%Y-%m-%d %T', '%C')	SQL query string that is sent to the database. The values for each field are given by using convertion specifiers, SQL query string that is sent to the database. The values for each field are given by using convertion specifiers
stream_auth_method	Values: 0, 1, 2 Default: 0	This parameter establishes desired authentication method for the stream and web control ports. Disabled (0), Basic (1), MD5 Digest (2), This parameter establishes desired authentication method for the stream and web control ports. Disabled (0), Basic (1), MD5 Digest (2)
stream_authentication	Values: username:password Default: Not defined	This parameter establishes the username and password to use for the stream. The syntax is username:password
stream_limit	Values: 0 - 2147483647 Default: 0 (unlimited)	Limit the number of frames to number frames. After 'stream_limit' number of frames the connection will be closed by motion. The value 0 means unlimited., Limit the number of frames to number frames. After 'stream_limit' number of frames the connection will be closed by motion. The value 0 means unlimited.
stream_localhost	Values: on, off Default: on	Limits the access to the webcam to the localhost., Limits the access to the webcam to the localhost.
stream_maxrate	Values: 1 - 100 Default: 1	Limit the framerate of the webcam in frames per second. Default is 1. Set the value to 100 for practically unlimited., Limit the framerate of the webcam in frames per second. Default is 1. Set the value to 100 for practically unlimited.
stream_motion	Values: on, off Default: off	If set to 'on' Motion sends slows down the webcam stream to 1 picture per second when no motion is detected. When motion is detected the stream runs as defined by stream_maxrate. When 'off' the webcam stream always runs as defined by stream_maxrate., If set to 'on' Motion sends slows down the webcam stream to 1 picture per second when no motion is detected. When motion is detected the stream runs as defined by stream_maxrate. When 'off' the webcam stream always runs as defined by stream_maxrate.
stream_port	Values: 0 - 65535 Default: 0 (disabled)	TCP port on which motion will listen for incoming connects with its webcam server., TCP port on which motion will listen for incoming connects with its webcam server.
stream_preview_newline	Values: on, off Default: on	If the webcontrol page has HTML enabled, Motion displays all of the streams on the home webcontrol page in HTML format so that all the images can be viewed by standard browsers. This parameter determines whether the image is placed on a new line in the webcontrol web page. , If the webcontrol page has HTML enabled, Motion displays all of the streams on the home webcontrol page in HTML format so that all the images can be viewed by standard browsers. This parameter determines whether the image is placed on a new line in the webcontrol web page.
stream_preview_scale	Values: 1-65535 Default: 25	If the webcontrol page has HTML enabled, Motion displays all of the streams on the home webcontrol page in HTML format so that all the images can be viewed by standard browsers. This parameter indicates the percentage to scale the stream image when it is placed on the page. Numbers greater than 100 are permitted., If the webcontrol page has HTML enabled, Motion displays all of the streams on the home webcontrol page in HTML format so that all the images can be viewed by standard browsers. This parameter indicates the percentage to scale the stream image when it is placed on the page. Numbers greater than 100 are permitted.
stream_quality	Values: 1 - 100 Default: 50	Quality setting in percent for the mjpeg picture frames transferred over the webcam connection. Keep it low to restrict needed bandwidth., Quality setting in percent for the mjpeg picture frames transferred over the webcam connection. Keep it low to restrict needed bandwidth.
switchfilter	Values: on, off Default: off	Turns the switch filter on or off. The filter can distinguish between most switching noise and real motion. With this you can even set roundrobin_skip to 1 without generating much false detection., Turns the switch filter on or off. The filter can distinguish between most switching noise and real motion. With this you can even set roundrobin_skip to 1 without generating much false detection.
target_dir	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined = current working directory	The full path for the target directory for picture and movie files to be saved., The full path for the target directory for picture and movie files to be saved.
text_changes	Values: on, off Default: off	Turns the text showing changed pixels on/off., Turns the text showing changed pixels on/off.
text_double	Values: on, off Default: off	Draw characters at twice normal size on images., Draw characters at twice normal size on images.
text_event	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: %Y%m%d%H%M%S	This option defines the value of the speciel event conversion specifier %C. You can use any conversion specifier in this option except %C. Date and time values are from the timestamp of the first image in the current event., This option defines the value of the speciel event conversion specifier %C. You can use any conversion specifier in this option except %C. Date and time values are from the timestamp of the first image in the current event.
text_left	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	User defined text overlayed on each in the lower left corner. Use A-Z, a-z, 0-9, " / ( ) @ ~ # < > , . : - + _ \n and vertical bar and conversion specifiers (codes starting by a %)., User defined text overlayed on each in the lower left corner. Use A-Z, a-z, 0-9, " / ( ) @ ~ # < > , . : - + _ \n and vertical bar and conversion specifiers (codes starting by a %).
text_right	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: %Y-%m-%d\n%T	User defined text overlayed on each in the lower right corner. Use A-Z, a-z, 0-9, " / ( ) @ ~ # < > , . : - + _ \n and vertical bar and conversion specifiers (codes starting by a %). Default: %Y-%m-%d\n%T = date in ISO format and time in 24 hour clock, User defined text overlayed on each in the lower right corner. Use A-Z, a-z, 0-9, " / ( ) @ ~ # < > , . : - + _ \n and vertical bar and conversion specifiers (codes starting by a %). Default: %Y-%m-%d\n%T = date in ISO format and time in 24 hour clock
thread	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Specifies full path and filename for a thread config file. Each camera needs a thread config file containing the options that are unique to the camera. If you only have one camera you do not need thread config files. If you have two or more cameras you need one thread config file for each camera in addition to motion.conf. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file., Specifies full path and filename for a thread config file. Each camera needs a thread config file containing the options that are unique to the camera. If you only have one camera you do not need thread config files. If you have two or more cameras you need one thread config file for each camera in addition to motion.conf. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file.
threshold	Values: 1 - 2147483647 Default: 1500	Threshold for declaring motion. The threshold is the number of changed pixels counted after noise filtering, masking, despeckle, and labelling., Threshold for declaring motion. The threshold is the number of changed pixels counted after noise filtering, masking, despeckle, and labelling.
threshold_tune	Values: on, off Default: off	Activates the automatic tuning of threshold level. ( It's broken ), Activates the automatic tuning of threshold level. ( It's broken )
timelapse_filename	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: %v-%Y%m%d-timelapse	File path for timelapse mpegs relative to target_dir (ffmpeg only)., File path for timelapse mpegs relative to target_dir (ffmpeg only).
track_auto	Values: on, off Default: off	Enable auto tracking, Enable auto tracking
track_iomojo_id	Values: 0 - 65535 Default: 0	Use this option if you have an iomojo smilecam connected to the serial port instead of a general stepper motor controller., Use this option if you have an iomojo smilecam connected to the serial port instead of a general stepper motor controller.
track_maxx	Values: 0 - 65535 Default: 0	The maximum position for servo x., The maximum position for servo x.
track_maxy	Values: 0 - 65535 Default: 0	The maximum position for servo y., The maximum position for servo y.
track_motorx	Values: 0 - 65535 Default: 0	The motor number that is used for controlling the x-axis., The motor number that is used for controlling the x-axis.
track_motory	Values: 0 - 65535 Default: 0	The motor number that is used for controlling the y-axis., The motor number that is used for controlling the y-axis.
track_move_wait	Values: 0 - 65535 Default: 10	Delay during which tracking is disabled after auto tracking has moved the camera. Delay is defined as number of picture frames., Delay during which tracking is disabled after auto tracking has moved the camera. Delay is defined as number of picture frames.
track_port	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	This is the device name of the serial port to which the stepper motor interface is connected., This is the device name of the serial port to which the stepper motor interface is connected.
track_speed	Values: 0 - 255 Default: 255	Speed to set the motor to., Speed to set the motor to.
track_step_angle_x	Values: 0-90 Default: 10	Angle in degrees the camera moves per step on the X-axis with auto tracking. Currently only used with pwc type cameras., Angle in degrees the camera moves per step on the X-axis with auto tracking. Currently only used with pwc type cameras.
track_step_angle_y	Values: 0-40 Default: 10	Angle in degrees the camera moves per step on the Y-axis with auto tracking. Currently only used with pwc type cameras., Angle in degrees the camera moves per step on the Y-axis with auto tracking. Currently only used with pwc type cameras.
track_stepsize	Values: 0 - 255 Default: 40	Number of steps to make., Number of steps to make.
track_type	Values: 0 (none), 1 (stepper), 2 (iomojo), 3 (pwc), 4 (generic), 5 (uvcvideo) Default: 0 (None)	Type of tracker., Type of tracker.
tunerdevice	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: /dev/tuner0	The tuner device used for controlling the tuner in a tuner card. This option is only used when Motion is compiled for FreeBSD., The tuner device used for controlling the tuner in a tuner card. This option is only used when Motion is compiled for FreeBSD.
v4l2_palette	Values: 0 - 17 Default: 17	The v4l2_palette allows the user to choose preferable palette to be use by Motion. Note that this is only the preferred option. If the video device does not support the requested format, Motion will loop through the available palettes to try to find one that is supported by both Motion and the device. Motion will report the supported palettes of the device when Motion starts when the log_level is specified as NTC or higher. The default of 17 is highly preferred since this the native format that Motion uses internally. , The v4l2_palette allows the user to choose preferable palette to be use by Motion. Note that this is only the preferred option. If the video device does not support the requested format, Motion will loop through the available palettes to try to find one that is supported by both Motion and the device. Motion will report the supported palettes of the device when Motion starts when the log_level is specified as NTC or higher. The default of 17 is highly preferred since this the native format that Motion uses internally.
video_pipe	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	The video4linux video loopback input device for normal images. If a particular pipe is to be used then use the device filename of this pipe. If a dash '-' is given motion will use /proc/video/vloopback/vloopbacks to locate a free pipe., The video4linux video loopback input device for normal images. If a particular pipe is to be used then use the device filename of this pipe. If a dash '-' is given motion will use /proc/video/vloopback/vloopbacks to locate a free pipe.
videodevice	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: /dev/video0 (FreeBSD: /dev/bktr0)	The video device to be used for capturing. Default for Linux is /dev/video0. for FreeBSD the default is /dev/bktr0., The video device to be used for capturing. Default for Linux is /dev/video0. for FreeBSD the default is /dev/bktr0.
webcontrol_authentication	Values: Max 4096 characters Default: Not defined	To protect HTTP Control by username and password, use this option for HTTP 1.1 Basic authentication. The string is specified as username:password. Do not specify this option for no authentication. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file., To protect HTTP Control by username and password, use this option for HTTP 1.1 Basic authentication. The string is specified as username:password. Do not specify this option for no authentication. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file.
webcontrol_html_output	Values: on, off Default: on	Enable HTML in the answer sent back to a browser connecting to the control_port. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file., Enable HTML in the answer sent back to a browser connecting to the control_port. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file.
webcontrol_localhost	Values: on, off Default: on	Limits the http (html) control to the localhost. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file., Limits the http (html) control to the localhost. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file.
webcontrol_port	Values: 0 - 65535 Default: 0 (disabled)	Sets the port number for the http (html using browser) based remote control. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file., Sets the port number for the http (html using browser) based remote control. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file.
width	Values: Device Dependent Default: 352	The width in pixels of each frame. Valid range is camera dependent., The width in pixels of each frame. Valid range is camera dependent.

Obsolete Options

Option	Range/Values Default	Description
control_authentication	Values: Max 4096 characters Default: Not defined	To protect HTTP Control by username and password, use this option for HTTP 1.1 Basic authentication. The string is specified as username:password. Do not specify this option for no authentication. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file. This option has been replaced by webcontrol_authentication
control_html_output	Values: on, off Default: on	Enable HTML in the answer sent back to a browser connecting to the control_port. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file. Note: This option has been renamed to webcontrol_html_output.
control_localhost	Values: on, off Default: on	Limits the http (html) control to the localhost. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file. This option has been replaced by webcontrol_localhost
control_port	Values: 0 - 65535 Default: 0 (disabled)	Sets the port number for the http (html using browser) based remote control. This option must be placed in motion.conf and not in a thread config file. This option has been replaced by webcontrol_port
ffmpeg_cap_motion	Values: on, off Default: off	Use ffmpeg libraries to encode motion type mpeg movies where you only see the pixels that changes. This option has been replaced by ffmpeg_output_debug_movies
ffmpeg_cap_new	Values: on, off Default: off	Use ffmpeg libraries to encode mpeg movies in realtime. This option is replaced by ffmpeg_output_movies
ffmpeg_deinterlace	Values: on, off Default: off	Use ffmpeg to deinterlace video. Necessary if you use an analog camera and see horizontal combing on moving objects in video or pictures. This option has been removed from Motion as it is no longer supported by ffmpeg or needed by ffmpeg
ffmpeg_filename	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: %v-%Y%m%d%H%M%S	File path for motion triggered ffmpeg movies (mpeg) relative to target_dir. This option was renamed to movie_filename in 3.2.5 to enable better integration of alternative movie libraries to the current ffmpeg solution.
gap	Values: 0 - 2147483647 Default: 60	Gap is the seconds of no motion detection that triggers the end of an event. An event is defined as a series of motion images taken within a short timeframe. This option has been replaced by event_gap
jpeg_filename	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: %v-%Y%m%d%H%M%S-%q	File path for motion triggered images (jpeg or ppm) relative to target_dir. Value 'preview' makes a jpeg filename with the same name body as the associated saved mpeg movie file. This option has been replaced by picture_filename
locate	Values: on, off, preview Default: off	Locate and draw a box around the moving object. Value 'preview' makes Motion only draw a box on a saved preview jpeg image and not on the saved mpeg movie. This option has been replaced by locate_motion_mode
low_cpu	Values: 0 - 100 Default: 0 (disabled)	When this option is not zero motion will be in a low cpu mode while not detecting motion. In low cpu mode Motion reduces the framerate to the value given for this option. Value zero means disabled. ( DEPRECATED )
max_mpeg_time	Values: 0 (infinite) - 2147483647 Default: 3600	The maximum length of an mpeg movie in seconds. Set this to zero for unlimited length. This option has been replaced by max_movie_time
minimum_gap	Values: 0 - 2147483647 Default: 0 (no minimum)	The minimum time between two shots in seconds. ( DEPRECATED )
mysql_db	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Name of the MySQL database.
mysql_host	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: localhost	IP address or domain name for the MySQL server. Use "localhost" if motion and MySQL runs on the same server.
mysql_password	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	The MySQL password.
mysql_user	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	The MySQL user name.
netcam_http	Values: 1.0, keep_alive, 1.1 Default: 1.0	The setting for keep-alive of network socket, should improve performance on compatible net cameras. This option has been replace by netcam_keepalive
night_compensate	Values: on, off Default: off	When this option is set the noise threshold will be lowered if the picture is dark. This will improve the sensitivity in dark places. However it might also increase the number of false alarms since most cameras also increase light sensitivity with their AGC (Automatic Gain Control) and this will increase noise. ( DEPRECATED )
output_all	Values: on, off Default: off	Picture are saved continuously as if motion was detected all the time.
output_motion	Values: on, off Default: off	Output pictures with only the moving object. This feature generates the special motion type movies where you only see the pixels that changes as a graytone image. If labelling is enabled you see the largest area in blue. Smartmask is shown in red. This option has been replaced by output_debug_pictures
output_normal	Values: on, off, first, best, center Default: on	Normal image is an image that is stored when motion is detected. It is the same image that was taken by the camera. I.e. not a motion image like defined by output_motion. Default is that normal images are stored. This option has been replaced by output_pictures
pgsql_db	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	Name of the PostgreSQL database.
pgsql_host	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: localhost	IP address or domain name for the PostgreSQL server. Use "localhost" if motion and PostgreSQL runs on the same server.
pgsql_password	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	The PostgreSQL password.
pgsql_port	Values: 0 - 65535 Default: 5432	The PostgreSQL server port number. This option has been replaced by database_port
pgsql_user	Values: Max 4095 characters Default: Not defined	The PostgreSQL user name.
ppm	Values: on, off Default: off	Output ppm images instead of jpeg. This uses less CPU time, but causes a LOT of hard disk I/O, and it is generally slower than jpeg. This option has been replaced by picture_type
sql_log_image	Values: on, off Default: on	Log to the database when creating motion triggered image file. This option has been replace by sql_log_picture
sql_log_mpeg	Values: on, off Default: off	Log to the database when creating motion triggered mpeg file. This option is replaced by sql_log_movie
webcam_limit	Values: 0 - 2147483647 Default: 0 (unlimited)	Limit the number of frames to number frames. After 'webcam_limit' number of frames the connection will be closed by motion. The value 0 means unlimited. This option has been replaced by stream_limit
webcam_localhost	Values: on, off Default: on	Limits the access to the webcam to the localhost. This option has been replaced by stream_localhost
webcam_maxrate	Values: 1 - 100 Default: 1	Limit the framerate of the webcam in frames per second. Default is 1. Set the value to 100 for practically unlimited. This option has been replaced by stream_maxrate
webcam_motion	Values: on, off Default: off	If set to 'on' Motion sends slows down the webcam stream to 1 picture per second when no motion is detected. When motion is detected the stream runs as defined by webcam_maxrate. When 'off' the webcam stream always runs as defined by webcam_maxrate. This option has been replaced by stream_motion
webcam_port	Values: 0 - 65535 Default: 0 (disabled)	TCP port on which motion will listen for incoming connects with its webcam server. This option has been replaced by the stream_port option
webcam_quality	Values: 1 - 100 Default: 50	Quality setting in percent for the mjpeg picture frames transferred over the webcam connection. Keep it low to restrict needed bandwidth. This option has been replaced by stream_quality

Signals (sent with e.g. kill command)

A signal can be sent from the command line by typing e.g. kill -s SIGHUP pid, where the last parameter is the process ID which you get by typing ps -ef ¦ grep motion. The PID is the first on the list which is the parent process for the threads. Motion responds to the following signals:

Signal	Description	Editors comment
SIGHUP	The config file will be reread.	This is a very useful signal when you experiment with settings in the config file.
SIGTERM	If needed motion will create an mpeg file of the last event and exit
SIGUSR1	Motion will create an mpeg file of the current event.

Error Logging

Motion reports errors to the console when it runs in non-daemon mode. And it outputs even more information when run in setup mode.

Error logging has been implemented so that errors during daemon (background) mode are logged in the syslog.

The syslog is in most Linux systems the file /var/log/messages (e.g. RedHat/Fedora) or /var/log/syslog and /var/log/user.log (e.g. Debian).