Cropping a video on Windows 10 might sound tricky, but it’s actually a breeze with the right tools. You can use the built-in Photos app to trim your video and get rid of unwanted parts. Here’s a quick rundown: Open the Photos app, load your video, and use the trim feature to crop out the sections you don’t need. Save your changes, and voilà, your video is cropped!
How to Crop a Video in Windows 10
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The following steps will guide you through cropping a video using Windows 10’s built-in tools. You’ll be trimming the video, which is a simple yet effective way to achieve your cropping needs.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
First, open the Photos app on your Windows 10 computer.
This app comes pre-installed on Windows 10, so you don’t need to download anything extra. Simply type “Photos” in the search bar next to the Start menu and click on the app to open it.
Step 2: Load Your Video
Next, you need to load the video you want to crop. Click on the “Video Editor” tab and then on “New Video Project.”
This will open a new window where you can add your video file. Click on “Add” and then “From this PC” to browse and select your video file.
Step 3: Drag Video to the Storyboard
Drag the video you just added to the storyboard at the bottom of the screen.
This step is important because the storyboard is where all the editing magic happens. Dragging the video to the storyboard makes it ready for editing.
Step 4: Trim the Video
Click on the “Trim” button located above the storyboard to start cropping your video.
A new window will pop up with trimming sliders. Use these sliders to select the part of the video you want to keep. Anything outside the sliders will be cropped out.
Step 5: Save Your Cropped Video
After trimming, click on the “Done” button and then on “Finish Video” to save your cropped video.
You will be prompted to choose the video quality before saving. Pick your desired quality and click on “Export” to save the video to your computer.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a neatly cropped video. The Photos app will create a new file, so your original video remains untouched.
Tips for Cropping a Video in Windows 10
- Always preview your video before saving to make sure you haven’t accidentally trimmed out important parts.
- Save your project frequently to avoid losing your progress.
- Use the zoom feature to make precise trims easier.
- If you’re not satisfied with the Photos app, consider third-party software like VLC or Shotcut for more advanced features.
- Practice a few times with shorter videos to get the hang of the trimming tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I crop a video without losing quality?
Trimming a video in the Photos app should not affect its quality, but always choose the highest save quality available.
Is the Photos app the only way to crop videos on Windows 10?
No, there are several third-party apps like VLC, Shotcut, and Adobe Premiere that offer advanced cropping features.
Can I undo a trim after saving the video?
Once you save the trimmed video, the action is irreversible. Always keep a copy of the original video.
Is trimming the same as cropping?
In the Photos app, trimming is the closest you get to cropping, as it allows you to cut out unwanted sections.
Do I need an internet connection to use the Photos app?
No, the Photos app works offline, so you can edit videos without an internet connection.
Summary of Steps
- Open the Photos app.
- Load your video.
- Drag video to the storyboard.
- Trim the video.
- Save your cropped video.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! Cropping a video in Windows 10 is straightforward if you use the built-in Photos app. This tool makes it easy to trim and cut out unwanted sections, giving you a polished final product without any additional software. Remember, the key to a good edit is practice, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little.
If you find the Photos app limited, consider exploring third-party applications to enhance your editing capabilities. And always keep a backup of your original video, just in case you need to revert to the unedited version. Happy editing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.