How to Easily Cut/Trim Video in VLC on Windows 10/11 & Mac Computer

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.

Saturday August 5, 2023 1:48 PM PDT by Karen Greene
How to Cut Video in VLC

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.

How to Cut Video in VLC on Windows 10/11

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

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

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

Cut Video in VLC

How to Cut Video in VLC on Mac

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

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

Cut Video in VLC on Mac

Can I Cut the Middle Part of a Video using VLC

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 video to the same format

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.

Can you quickly cut videos in VLC without recording?

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

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

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

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

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’.

Custmize the Output Quality

Customize the Output Quality

How to Cut Video in VLC: FAQs

1. Is Cutting Video in VLC Free?

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.

2. I Want to Cut and Edit Videos, Can VLC Meet My Needs?

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.

3. Can I Crop Videos in VLC?

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.

4. Can I Use VLC to Cut Videos on Android Devices?

No, VLC for Android devices does not support cutting videos.

5. What Are the Differences Between VLC and VLC Media Player? If I Cut Video, Which One Should I Choose?

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.

Conclusion

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.

author

Karen is a professional writer with a background in column writing who enjoys resolving complex topics and explaining them in interesting ways.

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FilmForth - Free Video Editor

  • Easy to use and no skill required at all.
  • Export video to MP3 with one click.
  • Add transitions, effects, filter, text to the video as you want.
  • Remove, replace, record and edit the background audio easily.
  • Change the speed, volume, and subtitle on video with ease.
  • Stabilize, trim, rotate, and convert video in seconds.
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