Cropping a video in Windows 11 is a breeze once you know your way around the tools available on your computer. With the Photos app, you can easily trim and refine your video clips without breaking a sweat. This guide will walk you through the steps to crop your videos effectively. In no time, you’ll be transforming your raw footage into polished clips ready to share or keep for posterity.
How to Crop Video in Windows 11
Cropping videos on Windows 11 is not just about cutting away unwanted parts; it’s about refocusing your content to highlight what’s important. This simple guide will take you through the basic steps using tools available in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
First, open the Photos app from the Start menu or by typing “Photos” in the search bar.
The Photos app is your go-to for basic video editing on Windows 11. Make sure you have the latest version to access all the editing features.
Step 2: Import Your Video
Navigate to the video you want to crop and import it into the Photos app.
You can do this by clicking on “New Video” and selecting “New Video Project,” then adding your video to the project library.
Step 3: Start a New Video Project
Click on “New Video Project” and name your project.
Naming your project helps keep your files organized, especially if you’re working on multiple videos.
Step 4: Add Video to the Timeline
Drag and drop your video from the project library to the timeline at the bottom.
By placing your video on the timeline, you get access to editing tools that let you adjust and crop your footage.
Step 5: Crop the Video
Click on “Edit & Create” and select “Trim” to crop the video.
This will allow you to shorten the video by removing unwanted sections from the start or end. For more precise cropping, you might need additional software.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your video will be cropped and ready to showcase. The Photos app will save your edits and allow you to export the finished product in different formats.
Tips for Cropping Video in Windows 11
- Ensure your Photos app is updated to access the latest features for video editing.
- Use the timeline view for precise edits, as it provides a clearer view of your project’s timeline.
- Consider the aspect ratio of your video. Cropping can affect how it displays on different devices.
- Save a backup of your original video before making edits so you can always revert if needed.
- Experiment with different features like filters and text for a more professional look to your video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I crop videos in Windows 11 without third-party software?
Yes, the Photos app in Windows 11 provides basic video editing features, including cropping.
How do I access the Photos app?
You can find the Photos app by searching for it in the Start menu or using the search bar.
Is the Photos app free to use?
Yes, the Photos app is a free tool that comes pre-installed with Windows 11.
What video formats are supported by the Photos app?
The Photos app supports most popular video formats, including MP4, AVI, and MOV.
Can I undo my edits in the Photos app?
Yes, the Photos app allows you to revert changes before finalizing your video.
Summary
- Open the Photos app.
- Import your video.
- Start a new video project.
- Add the video to the timeline.
- Crop the video.
Conclusion
Cropping videos in Windows 11 is straightforward and accessible for anyone with a computer running this operating system. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily refine your videos using the Photos app. This tool offers a user-friendly platform for quick edits—perfect for students, hobbyists, or anyone looking to enhance their video content without diving into complex software.
Beyond cropping, the Photos app allows for a range of editing options, such as adding music, adjusting speed, and applying filters. Taking the time to explore these features can make your videos more engaging and polished. If you’re interested in more advanced editing, consider third-party apps that offer extensive video editing capabilities.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you experiment with video cropping and editing, the more skilled you’ll become. So, grab your computer, open the Photos app, and start transforming your videos today! Whether you’re capturing memories or creating content, mastering these basic skills will serve you well.
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.