If VLC can’t play it, then nothing will 一 It’s an old cliché suggesting how fantastic of an open source media player, VLC is.
But did you know, unlike other generic media players, VLC offers simple video editing features like trim and crop?
Well, in this article, I’m about to show you how you can cut or split a video in the VLC player.
Without further ado, let’s jump in with both feet.
How to Cut Video in VLC
To cut or trim videos in VLC, first load the video in VLC. Followed by turning on Advanced Controls. As you play your video, hit the red record button to mark the starting point. When you want to stop, click the record button again. And in no time, you’ll have a new, trimmed video.
Pretty simple, right?
Well, Windows and Mac slightly differ when you try to split a video through the VLC media player.
Before that, if your computer is missing the VLC player, download and install it first.
Let’s have a detailed walkthrough of how you can trim or cut videos on VLC:
Cut or Trim Video in VLC on Windows 10/11
- Launch the VLC player after the successful installation.
- Click on Media from the top menu bar.
- Select Open File or press Ctrl + O to access the video directory directly.
- Choose the video file you want to trim and click Open.
- Expand the View option at the top and select Advanced Controls. A new recording control bar will appear just above the playback controls.
- Play the video or scroll the progress slider, then press the red circular button from where you want to start trimming. You can alternatively use the Shift + R keyboard shortcut. With the red button press, the VLC player starts recording a new video from that point.
- As the video playback advances, press the red button or use the keyboard shortcut to mark the endpoint. You can also use the Frame by Frame button to precisely cut your video.
Trim or Split Video in VLC on Mac
- Open VLC with the video file you want to cut and play it.
- Determine the point from where you want to start trimming your video.
- Click on Playback from the top menu bar and select Record or press Shift + Command + R on the keyboard.
- Hit the Command key or navigate to Playback > Stop to end the recording when you like.
- Go to the Movies folder to find your new recording file.
Now, you can access the video whenever you want and use it to your heart’s content.
Find Your Trimmed Footage & Change VLC Recording Directory
It definitely holds no value if you can’t find the video you’ve just cut. Locating the new trimmed footage may seem convoluted for amateur users.
Not to worry, though; you will find the new video file in the My Videos/ Videos folder on Windows.
But you can always choose your preferred directory and folder to save any trimmed video.
Follow the steps below to change the default save directory in VLC media player:
- Open the VLC player and hold down Ctrl + P on your keyboard. This will open up the preference window.
- Switch to the Input/Codec tab from the top.
- Find Record directory or filename.
- Click on Browse and choose the directory where you want to save VLC recordings from now on.
- Press the Save button in the bottom right.
Now, whenever you trim or cut a video in VLC, it’ll automatically be saved in your preferred location on the disk drive.
FAQs
How to Trim Video in VLC Without Recording?
Unfortunately, there is no way to trim or cut a video in a VLC media player without recording. You need a dedicated video editing tool for such operations.
Can I Trim Video in VLC Android?
No, you can not trim video in VLC on the Android platform. This version of the VLC does not offer the recording feature.
Ending Remarks
Being able to perform basic video editing functionality, such as trimming a video within your regular video player, is a blessing. That is, dodging the dedicated video editing tools and their complexity.
That said, if you face difficulties, please let me know in the comments.
