This post explores how to trim videos in VLC on both Windows and Mac, and also offers some handy, free alternatives to swiftly cut videos without recording.
How to Cut Video in VLC
Are you pondering, ‘Can VLC on my Windows or Mac computer help me cut videos?’ The short answer is yes, but it’s not all black and white. VLC is known primarily as a media player, but it also has some basic video editing capabilities. However, the process isn’t always straightforward, and it might not be your best bet for all video-cutting needs.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to use VLC’s recording feature to trim videos on Windows and Mac. We’ll also discuss its limitations, especially when it comes to cutting out the middle part of a video. And because we know you might need an easier, quicker way, we’ve also included some alternative solutions for you to consider.
So, let’s dive in and explore how to make the most out of VLC for video cutting, and when it might be better to opt for other tools.
Although VLC can’t directly ‘cut’ or ‘trim’ the video, it records the video sections you need, which can then be saved as a new, shorter video. In this section, we’ll walk you through how to use VLC’s recording feature to ‘cut’ videos on Windows 10/11.
It’s a simple process that can be a lifesaver when you need a quick video cut. Let’s get started!
Step 1. Visit VLC’s official website, click ‘Download VLC and then download VLC on your computer.
Go to VLC Website
Step 2. Open the file, install, and launch VLC media player.
Step 3. Click ‘Media’ on the top left to open the video file you want to edit. (You can also hit Ctrl + O to open the video file or just drag the video file into VLC media player).
Open Video File
Step 4. Click ‘View’, then you can see the dropdown menu, click ‘Advanced Controls’.
Step 5. Cut the video. Click the red button, or just hit Shift + R to record the video, then just let the video play, hit Shift + R again to stop the recording.
Step 6. Go to the C:\Users\Username\Video to find the video you cut on VLC.
Cut Video in VLC
Just like on Windows, VLC on a Mac also allows you to record selected sections of your videos. Read on, and you’ll be trimming videos on your Mac in no time!
Step 1. Visit VLC official website, download and install the VLC media player on Mac.
Step 2. Launch the VLC media player, then click ‘VLC’ and then click ‘Preference’ from the dropdown menu.
Click Preference in VLC
Step 3. Click ‘Input/Codecs ‘to set where you want to save your edited video.
Step 4. Drag the video you want to edit to VLC media player.
Step 5. Cutting video by clicking ‘Record’. Stop the recording by clicking the ‘Record’ to select the portion you want.
Step 6. Go to the recorder folder (You have set in step 1) to find your edited video.
Cut Video in VLC on Mac
Unlike our FilmForth, VLC doesn’t let you directly cut out sections from the middle of a video. But, you can use VLC’s recording feature to capture the start and end bits you want, and then stitch them together.
Convert two videos to the same format
This method, though, takes a lot of time. Plus, merging videos in VLC can be tricky. It needs the videos to have the same format, and using some programming commands. So, it’s not the best idea to use VLC to trim your videos.
If you want to cut out parts from a video, you might need a full-on video editor. You can use free tools like RecForth, OpenShot, Shotcut, or Lightworks. Or, if you’re okay to spend some cash, you can try Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. They’re all pro tools with top-notch video editing features.
If you’re using VLC to trim videos on your computer, you’re stuck with its recording feature – there’s no other choice. But if you use other tools, trimming videos is a piece of cake. Usually, it’s a matter of one or two steps.
Here are the full steps to cut a video on Windows 10 using FilmForth.
Step 1. Free Download & Install Filmforth
Download and install Filmforth on Microsoft Store, or you can download it on its official website (Available on Windows 10, Windows 11)
Step 2. Open Filmforth
There are many functions listed here. You can set a new project according to your need. If you just want to cut videos, click ‘Trim Video’.
Open FilmForth Video Editor
Step 3. Open a File
Click ‘Select a Video File’ to choose the video you want to cut.
Select a Video to Cut
Step 4. Start Cutting
Drag the start or the end clip to choose the segment you want. You can drag the yellow slide to set the start and end.
Cut VIdeos in FilmForth
Step 5. Save the Video Edited
After finishing the setting, you can click the play key of the video to preview. If you think it is ok, click ‘Save Video’ to save the edited video.
Save the Edited Video
Step 6. Choose the Video Quality
Select the video quality and frame rate that you want, and then click ‘Save’.
Step 7. Set Where the Video Can Be Stored
Choose where you want to save the edited video, and then click ‘Save’.
Customize the Output Quality
Of course, VLC is not only a free media player, but also it is a free video editor. You can use it to cut video without payments needed.
Actually, VLC is one media player with some video editing functions. If you just need to skimpily cut and edit video, VLC can meet your needs, but if you want to add more features or have more effects choices while editing video, you can download Filmforth – the free and professional video editor.
VLC doesn’t support cropping videos. In fact the main feature is a media player. If you want to crop videos, you can use Filmforth.
No, VLC for Android devices does not support cutting videos.
VLC is VideoLAN Client that is a name of products developed by VideoLAN Organization. In fact, the product is called VLC media player (its abbreviation is VLC), this product has the function of cutting videos, so you should choose VLC media player to cut videos.
All in all, this article talks about how to cut videos in VLC on Windows and Mac including the detailed steps, and some FAQs about VLC media player. Besides, this article also introduces one effective video editor Filmforth to help you trim and cut videos easily. You can download Filmforth and use it to cut videos more effectively.