Cropping a video on Windows 10 can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you know the steps. In essence, you’ll need to use a video editing tool like Photos or a third-party app to adjust the frame of your video to the desired dimensions. By following a few simple steps, you can easily trim away unwanted parts and focus on what’s important in the video. Here’s how you can do it.
How to Crop Video in Windows 10
Cropping a video helps you remove unwanted sections, emphasizing the parts you want to showcase. In this guide, we’ll cover the steps required to crop a video using built-in tools on Windows 10.
Step 1: Open the Video in Photos App
First, locate the video you wish to crop and open it using the Photos app.
To open a video in the Photos app, simply right-click on the video file, choose “Open with,” and select “Photos.” This action will open your video in a simple video editor that’s part of the Photos app.
Step 2: Access the Edit & Create Menu
Once your video is open, click on the “Edit & Create” button at the top of the window.
The “Edit & Create” menu provides several editing options, including the ability to trim, add slo-mo effects, or draw on your video. For cropping, we’ll focus on trimming, as the Photos app doesn’t directly support cropping.
Step 3: Select Trim Option
Choose the “Trim” option from the dropdown menu.
The Trim function allows you to cut out sections before and after your desired segment. While this isn’t cropping in the traditional sense, it helps you focus on specific parts of the video.
Step 4: Adjust the Video Frame
Drag the sliders on the timeline to select the segment you wish to keep.
By moving these sliders, you can isolate the part of the video that you want to retain. Think of it as zooming in on a specific scene within your movie.
Step 5: Save Your Cropped Video
After selecting the desired section, click “Save a copy” to keep your edited version.
Saving a copy ensures that your original video remains intact, while your newly trimmed, or cropped, video is stored as a separate file. This way, you can always return to the original if needed.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your video will be cropped to the chosen section, highlighting the parts that matter most.
Tips for Cropping Video in Windows 10
- Use third-party apps like VLC or Filmora for more advanced cropping features.
- Always keep a backup of the original video in case you need to revert changes.
- Experiment with different sections of your video to see what works best.
- Learn basic video editing terms to improve your skills over time.
- Keep your edits simple to maintain the quality of the original footage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I directly crop the video frame in the Photos app?
No, the Photos app does not offer direct video cropping, but you can trim segments.
While you can’t crop the video frame itself, the trimming feature allows you to select the parts of the timeline you wish to keep.
What other apps can I use for cropping videos?
Third-party apps like VLC Media Player and Filmora offer more robust cropping tools.
These apps allow you to adjust the video frame itself, giving you greater control over the final appearance.
Do I lose video quality when cropping?
Cropping, especially with third-party apps, can sometimes affect quality.
However, if you use high-quality settings during export, you can minimize the loss.
Is cropping the same as trimming?
No, cropping refers to adjusting the frame, while trimming involves cutting sections of the timeline.
Think of cropping as adjusting the “camera lens,” while trimming is like cutting film strips.
How do I ensure my cropped video plays on all devices?
Save your video in a common format like MP4, which is widely supported.
This ensures compatibility across different devices, from smartphones to computers.
Summary
- Open the video in Photos app.
- Access the Edit & Create menu.
- Select Trim option.
- Adjust the video frame.
- Save your cropped video.
Conclusion
Editing videos on Windows 10 can feel like navigating a maze, but once you get the hang of it, it’s as easy as pie. By knowing how to crop video in Windows 10, you’re not only saving space by trimming down to the essentials but also honing your editing skills for future projects. Though the built-in Photos app doesn’t allow direct cropping of the video frame, it still provides a simple way to trim segments and focus on key moments. If you’re looking for more robust editing tools, consider exploring apps like VLC or Filmora.
These third-party applications offer a wider range of features, including direct frame cropping, which can provide you with the professional touch you might be aiming for. So, what’s next? Why not try your hand at editing a video today! Not only will you gain a new skill, but you’ll also have a blast doing it. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with each edit, you’ll get quicker and more skilled. Your videos will never look the same again—in a good way!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.