How to Crop Video in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cropping a video in Windows 10 is a breeze once you know the steps. You can use the built-in Photos app, which, surprisingly, doubles as a basic video editor. By opening your video in the Photos app, you can easily trim away unwanted parts and focus on what truly matters. Follow a few simple steps, and soon enough, you’ll have a polished clip ready to share or store.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Cropping Video in Windows 10

Let’s walk through how to crop a video using the Photos app on Windows 10. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require any additional software.

Step 1: Open the Photos App

First, locate and open the Photos app on your Windows 10 device.

The Photos app is pre-installed, so just search for it in the Start menu. Once open, you’ll find it’s more than just a photo viewer.

Step 2: Select the Video

Next, find the video you want to crop and open it in the Photos app.

Browse through your files, or drag and drop your video into the app. It will pop up with editing options at the top.

Step 3: Click on the “Edit & Create” Button

Click on the “Edit & Create” button located at the top of the screen.

This button reveals a dropdown menu. It’s where the magic begins, leading you to various editing tools.

Step 4: Choose “Trim”

Select the option that says “Trim” to start cropping your video.

Though labeled “Trim,” this tool allows you to crop by cutting out the sections you don’t need. A slider will appear to help you select the start and end points.

Step 5: Adjust and Save Your Video

Adjust the sliders to crop your video to your satisfaction, then save your changes.

Once you’re happy with the cropped area, hit save. You’ll be prompted to save the edited version separately, preserving the original.

After completing these steps, you’ll have a cropped video that focuses on the important parts you want to highlight.

Tips for Cropping Video in Windows 10

• Keep a backup of the original video before editing.
• Use the preview option to ensure you’re satisfied with the crop.
• Experiment with different start and end points for better results.
• Consider the aspect ratio for the platform where you’ll upload the video.
• Take advantage of other editing features in the Photos app for enhanced effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I crop videos in formats other than MP4?

Yes, the Photos app supports various formats, but MP4 is the most compatible.

Is the Photos app good for professional video editing?

It’s best for basic edits. For professional work, consider more advanced software.

Can I undo the changes after saving?

Once saved, changes can’t be undone unless you kept the original file.

Does cropping a video reduce its quality?

Cropping doesn’t affect video quality, but resolution adjustments might.

Can I use the Photos app on older Windows versions?

The Photos app is specific to Windows 10 and later.

Summary of Steps

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Select the video.
3. Click “Edit & Create.”
4. Choose “Trim.”
5. Adjust and save.

Conclusion

Cropping a video in Windows 10 using the Photos app is a simple but powerful tool for anyone looking to make quick edits without diving into complex software. While it might not offer the extensive features of professional editing programs, it gets the job done effectively for those who need something straightforward. You can easily focus on the parts of the video that matter most, whether you’re cutting out unnecessary footage or shaping your content for a specific platform.

If you’re new to video editing, this method is a great starting point. For more in-depth projects, you might eventually want to explore other software options. But for now, utilizing what’s already at your fingertips couldn’t be easier.

Try it out, and you might just find yourself exploring other features of the Photos app. Whether for personal enjoyment or creating content for others, mastering these basic steps can open new doors in your digital adventures.