# Play the Frame by Frame (Step Forward, Back)
**URL:** https://forums.plex.tv/t/play-the-frame-by-frame-step-forward-back/829633
**Category:** Feature Suggestions
**Tags:** plex-web, player-mac, player-windows
**Created:** [February 5, 2023, 11:17am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/play-the-frame-by-frame-step-forward-back/829633 "2023-02-05T11:17:20Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@BUEKO](https://forums.plex.tv/u/BUEKO)
#### Post date: [February 5, 2023, 11:17am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/play-the-frame-by-frame-step-forward-back/829633/1 "2023-02-05T11:17:20Z")
Does Plex have additional plans for frame-by-frame view?
I use PLEX installed at home in my workplace, and I often have to view videos in frame units for my job.
As I have completed the library for reference materials with PLEX for several years, I am writing a question on the forum because it is a function that I hope will be added.
I hope it can be implemented through keyboard operation, such as using the \<, \> key, like a YouTube player.
---
### Author:  [@OttoKerner](https://forums.plex.tv/u/OttoKerner)
#### Post date: [February 5, 2023, 2:04pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/play-the-frame-by-frame-step-forward-back/829633/2 "2023-02-05T14:04:13Z")
I don’t know if this will ever be possible in the web app, but for the desktop players there is a solution:
**Plex for Windows/Mac/Linux:**
Modify the solution in here [Video Zoom (Crop) in Plex Desktop app - #6 by German](https://forums.plex.tv/t/video-zoom-crop-in-plex-desktop-app/803256/6)
by replacing the file `zoom-keybinds.lua` with a file named `step-keybinds.lua` with the following content:
```auto
function stepFwd()
mp.command("frame-step")
mp.osd_message("frame +1", 0.5)
end
function stepBack()
mp.command("frame-back-step")
mp.osd_message("frame -1", 0.5)
end
mp.add_forced_key_binding(".", "stepFwd", stepFwd)
mp.add_forced_key_binding(",", "stepBack", stepBack)
```
(You can also add both files if you want the zoom functionality from the linked article as well.)
For **PlexHTPC** , take a look at this post: [Using Plex HTPC on 21:9 aspect ratio screen - #2 by o\_spring](https://forums.plex.tv/t/using-plex-htpc-on-21-9-aspect-ratio-screen/794354/2)
Instead of adding the lines from the post, add these:
```auto
// frame back and forth
"\\." : "mpv:frame-step",
"," : "mpv:frame-back-step",
```
Both methods use the `.` and the `,` keys for frame forward and back. You might be able to customize to other keys, but better avoid keys which are already in use in the player.
Resuming normal playback might require two presses on the `Space` bar, instead of just one.
---
### Author:  [@tom80H](https://forums.plex.tv/u/tom80H)
#### Post date: [February 5, 2023, 10:00pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/play-the-frame-by-frame-step-forward-back/829633/3 "2023-02-05T22:00:08Z")
In addition to Otto’s comment… there’s already an existing feature suggestion discussing frame-by-frame mode on a video. So unless Otto’s approach is already covering what you’re looking for, I suggest you comment/vote in that thread in order to help us avoid distracting or cannibalizing votes.
> [@Frame Forward/Reverse](https://forums.plex.tv/t/frame-forward-reverse/579295):
>
> I have been really wanting this feature for a while. The ability to go frame by frame forward and backwards. This is handy for a LOT of situations. I also have a friend who won’t choose Plex for their TV because they want to frame-by-frame sports. Please please please!
#
Unless I’m missing some other unique aspect of your suggestion, I suggest we close this thread a s duplicate.
---
### Author:  [@tom80H](https://forums.plex.tv/u/tom80H)
#### Post date: [February 6, 2023, 3:06pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/play-the-frame-by-frame-step-forward-back/829633/4 "2023-02-06T15:06:07Z")
2023 clean-up: duplicate
---
### Author:  [@OttoKerner](https://forums.plex.tv/u/OttoKerner)
#### Post date: [February 7, 2023, 7:40pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/play-the-frame-by-frame-step-forward-back/829633/5 "2023-02-07T19:40:18Z")
I had to edit the commands for Plex HTPC above, to avoid remapping also a lot of other keys to `frame-step`.
`.` is a regex operator and matches to anything. :doh:
Sorry about that!
If you used the instructions for Plex HTPC, please go up and copy them again from my post.