How to Trim a MP4 Video in Windows 10
Trimming an MP4 video in Windows 10 is a cinch! Just use the built-in Photos app. Open your video file, select the Trim function, and adjust the sliders to choose your desired segment. Save it, and you’re done! Let’s dive deeper to make sure you get it right.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Trim a MP4 Video in Windows 10
In this guide, you’ll learn how to trim an MP4 video using the Photos app in Windows 10. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a neatly trimmed video in no time.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
Open the Photos app from the Start menu.
The Photos app is built into Windows 10, so you don’t need to download anything. Just type "Photos" into the Start menu search bar and click the app when it appears.
Step 2: Import Your MP4 Video
Drag and drop your MP4 video into the Photos app.
Alternatively, you can click on the "Import" button on the top right corner of the app to locate your video file manually. This step makes sure your video is ready for editing.
Step 3: Select the Video Editor
Click on the "Video Editor" tab at the top of the Photos app.
The Video Editor tab is where all the magic happens. It allows you to access the necessary tools for trimming your video.
Step 4: Create a New Project
Click "New Video Project" and name your project.
This step organizes your work. Naming your project helps keep your files in order, especially if you’re working on multiple videos.
Step 5: Add Your Video to the Project Library
Click "Add" and select "From this PC" to include your video in the project library.
Adding the video to the library ensures it’s ready for editing. You’ll see a thumbnail of your video in the library once it’s successfully imported.
Step 6: Drag the Video to the Storyboard
Drag your video from the project library down to the storyboard.
The storyboard is the area at the bottom of the app where you can edit and rearrange video clips. Dropping your video here makes it accessible for trimming.
Step 7: Trim the Video
Click on the "Trim" button that appears above the storyboard.
When you click on Trim, a new window will open with sliders at each end of the timeline. Drag these sliders to select the part of the video you want to keep.
Step 8: Save Your Trimmed Video
Click "Done" and then "Finish Video" to save your trimmed video.
After trimming, you’ll need to export your video. Choose your preferred video quality and click "Export" to save it to your desired location.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a neatly trimmed MP4 video saved on your computer. Easy peasy, right?
Tips for Trimming a MP4 Video in Windows 10
- Preview Before Saving: Always preview the trimmed video before saving it to avoid any mistakes.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Get familiar with Photos app keyboard shortcuts to speed up your editing process.
- Save As New File: Save the trimmed video as a new file to ensure you don’t overwrite the original one.
- Experiment with Different Edits: Don’t be afraid to try different edits before finalizing your trimmed video.
- Check Video Quality: Ensure the video quality remains consistent after trimming by choosing the appropriate export settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my video is too large for the Photos app?
You might need to use a more advanced video editing software if your file is too large or complex for the Photos app.
Can I revert back to the original video after trimming?
If you save the trimmed video as a new file, your original video will remain unchanged.
Is the Photos app good for professional video editing?
The Photos app is great for basic edits like trimming, but for professional work, you might need something more robust like Adobe Premiere Pro.
Can I trim multiple parts of the same video?
Yes, but you’ll need to trim, save, and then re-import the video to trim another section.
Are there free alternatives to the Photos app?
Yes, there are plenty of free video editing tools like Shotcut and OpenShot that offer more advanced features.
Summary
- Open the Photos App.
- Import Your MP4 Video.
- Select the Video Editor.
- Create a New Project.
- Add Your Video to the Project Library.
- Drag the Video to the Storyboard.
- Trim the Video.
- Save Your Trimmed Video.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Trimming an MP4 video in Windows 10 is straightforward when using the built-in Photos app. Whether you’re editing home movies, trimming down a school project, or just slicing a video for social media, this method works wonders. Remember to preview your edits, save new files to avoid losing originals, and don’t hesitate to experiment. For those looking to dive deeper into video editing, exploring more advanced software might be your next step. Happy editing, and may your videos always be concise and captivating!
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.