Cropping videos on Windows 10 is easier than you might think. All you need is the built-in Photos app, which doubles as a basic video editor. Open your video in the Photos app, select the crop tool, and adjust the borders to your liking. Save your changes, and voilà! You have a newly cropped video, perfect for sharing or keeping for yourself.
How to Crop Video on Windows 10
Cropping a video refines its focus, removing unwanted elements to highlight what’s important. You can do this directly within Windows 10 using the Photos app, which is a surprisingly versatile tool. Here’s how you can crop a video step-by-step.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
First, open the Photos app in Windows 10. You can find it by typing “Photos” in the search bar next to the Start menu.
Windows 10’s Photos app is not just for images; it also handles videos. Once opened, the app gives you access to its editing tools, perfect for basic video editing tasks.
Step 2: Import Your Video
Next, import the video you want to crop by selecting “Import” and choosing your file.
When you select “Import,” browse to find your video file. The video will appear in your Photos app library, ready for you to edit.
Step 3: Select “Edit & Create”
After importing, click on “Edit & Create” in the top-right corner and choose “Trim.”
The Photos app provides several editing options under “Edit & Create.” Although “Trim” focuses on cutting video length, we’ll use it to access the cropping feature.
Step 4: Choose the “Crop” Option
In the editor, find the crop button, usually represented by a square icon. Click it.
The crop tool allows you to manually adjust the frame by dragging the corners and edges. This is where you focus on the part of the video you want to keep.
Step 5: Save Your Cropped Video
Finally, save your cropped video by choosing “Save a copy” to ensure you have both the original and edited versions.
This step is crucial because it preserves your original footage. Now you have a cropped video ready for sharing or keeping for your records.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your video will be saved in the location you’ve chosen, with all unwanted parts removed. You can share it online, include it in presentations, or just keep it for personal use.
Tips for Cropping Video on Windows 10
- Always save a copy of the original video before editing.
- Experiment with different crop sizes to see what looks best.
- Use the crop tool to focus on important details, like a person’s face or a specific object.
- If you’re not satisfied, you can always reverse changes by reopening the original file.
- Explore additional editing features in the Photos app for more creative control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I crop videos using other tools on Windows 10?
Yes, there are other tools such as VLC Media Player and third-party software like Shotcut.
Is there a limit to the size of the video I can crop in the Photos app?
The Photos app handles most standard video sizes, but extremely large files might slow down processing.
How do I make sure my video is saved in high quality?
When saving, choose an option that maintains the original video quality or adjust settings to a higher resolution.
Can I crop videos without affecting the audio?
Yes, cropping a video through the Photos app only affects the visual aspect, not the audio.
Does cropping a video reduce its file size?
Yes, cropping can reduce the file size by removing parts of the video, but the extent depends on the original length and quality.
Summary
- Open Photos app.
- Import your video.
- Select “Edit & Create.”
- Choose the “Crop” option.
- Save your cropped video.
Conclusion
In the digital age, where visual content reigns supreme, knowing how to crop video on Windows 10 is a handy skill. This simple task can enhance your videos, making them more engaging and focused. Whether you’re chopping off unwanted edges or zooming in on the action, cropping is your go-to tool for making your video content pop.
But don’t stop there! Explore other editing functions in the Photos app to fine-tune your videos further. You never know what creative possibilities lie ahead when you experiment with these tools.
Remember, practice makes perfect. So, dive into your video library and start cropping away. Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll have a bag full of tricks to make your videos stand out. Happy editing!
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.