VLC Media Player is not only a popular media player, but it is also a powerful tool that allows us to perform simple video editing tasks, such as cutting videos. It can be beneficial for Windows users because it does not require any heavy video editing software.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to cut videos using VLC Media Player in Windows. The process is straightforward, but it is essential to understand it thoroughly.
Why do we need to cut videos with VLC Media Player?
- To remove unwanted parts
- To prepare clips
- To create short videos to upload on social media
- To save storage space
Preparing to cut videos in VLC Media Player
1. Download and install VLC Media Player
If you do not already have VLC Media Player installed on your system, you can download it from the official website (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/).
2. Open VLC and load the video
Open VLC
Click on Media > Open File
Select and open the video you want to cut
Step-by-step guide to cutting videos in VLC
1. Turn on advanced controls
Go to View > Advanced Controls
Some new buttons will appear at the bottom: Record, Play, Pause, etc.
2. Play the video and set the start point
Play the video
Pause where you want to cut
Now, click on the ‘Record’ button
3. Stop recording at the endpoint
Now play the video
Stop recording by clicking on the Record button again, where you want to cut the video
4. Saving the cut video
The cut part is automatically saved in the Videos folder (e.g., `C:\Users\Username\Videos`)
Tips to cut videos with VLC Media Player
1. Pay attention to timing
It is important to pause the video at the exact point so that the cut Get the right part.
2. Video Quality
VLC saves the video in original quality, but if you want, you can convert and compress it later.
3. Multiple Clips
You can extract multiple parts from the same video; just repeat the above steps again and again.
Alternate way to trim video in VLC (command line)
There is another way in VLC Media Player by which you can cut the video through the command line.
Command syntax:
“`bash
vlc input.mp4 –start-time=60 –stop-time=120 –sout “file{dst=output.mp4}” vlc://quit
“`
Here:
`input.mp4` – original video
`–start-time=60` – start at 60th second
`–stop-time=120` – end at 120th second
`output.mp4` – cut video
Changing the format of a cut video in VLC Media Player
If you need to change the format (e.g., from MP4 to AVI), then:
Go to Media > Convert/Save
Add the video file
Click the Convert button
Choose the new format and save
VLC Media Player vs Professional Video Editing Software
| Features | VLC Media Player | Adobe Premiere Pro / Filmora |
| ——————- | —————- | —————————- |
| User Interface | Simple | Professional and Advanced |
| File Format Support | Limited | Very High |
| Processing Speed | Fast | Medium |
| Advanced Editing | No | Yes |
If you only need to trim a video, VLC is the most suitable and lightweight tool. But if you want to do more advanced editing, you should resort to professional software.
Common problems and their solutions
1. Video is not cutting
Make sure you have turned on Advanced Controls.
Try running VLC in Administrator Mode.
2. The cut video is not found in the folder
Go to `Tools > Preferences > Input/Codecs` and check the default save location.
3. The size of the output file is too large
The size of the video can be reduced by converting it.
Conclusion
VLC Media Player is a very simple and effective tool that gives any Windows user the necessary features to cut videos. It does not require any special training or spending money. You can easily trim your video by following just a few steps.
Want to grow your website organically? Contact us now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – How to cut videos with VLC Media Player
Question 1: Can I trim videos with VLC Media Player?
Answer: Yes, you can easily trim or cut videos with VLC Media Player, that too without any additional software.
Question 2: Where is the cut video saved?
Answer: The cut video is usually saved in the Videos folder of your computer (example: `C:\Users\YourName\Videos`).
Question 3: Is there any difference in quality when trimming videos with VLC Media Player?
Answer: No, VLC saves the cut video in original quality only.
Question 4: Where is the cutting button in VLC?
Answer: You first have to go to View > Advanced Controls and turn on Advanced Controls, after which the Record button appears.
Question 5: Can I cut videos into multiple parts with VLC?
Answer: Yes, you can cut the same video into multiple parts. For this, you have to repeat the recording process for each part.
Question 6: How to convert a cut video with VLC?
Answer: You can convert the cut video to any other format in VLC itself. For this, use the Media > Convert/Save option.
Question 7: VLC is not cutting the video, what to do?
Answer:
Turn on advanced controls.
Open VLC in Run as Administrator mode.
Install the latest version of VLC.
Question 8: How to set the exact start and end time when cutting with VLC?
Answer: You can manually play and pause the video or start and stop recording at the correct place by looking at the time in VLC’s timeline.