How to Crop a Video on Windows 10 & 11
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Filming can be rather hectic, and a lot of unwanted stuff might get in the frame. Or you may purposefully have added some extra space to include all you need, but the composition seems off now. Either way, the solution is the same – fix it in post! If PC is your editing platform of choice, then you have access to a great variety of video croppers for Windows 10 & 11.
But first, which cropping tool should you pick? That’s what we can help you with! Instead of wasting time trying out dozens of programs, read our guide and discover 5 tested and trusty apps. On top of that, we’ll provide some useful information on how to crop a video in Windows 10 or 11 and answer some typical questions.
Difference Between Crop, Trim, and Split
Cropping, trimming, and splitting are all operations that involve chopping something away, albeit in different ways. That similarity of purpose is why people sometimes confuse these three methods. So, to make sure that cropping a video is exactly what you want to do, let’s see what sets these editing techniques apart.
Cropping
Cropping allows you to alter the aspect ratio, add or remove black bars on the edges, and adapt the video for a certain platform or social media site. It is also one of the major ways of meddling with composition – cutting off extra space to make a distant object look closer, removing excess space around a person, and so on.
Sculpting the frame by cropping the edges
Splitting
Splitting refers to cutting your clip on the editing timeline. It allows you to cut out unwanted material, or, on the contrary, cut in extra footage. You can even play with the order of events.
Cutting a piece of footage in two clips
Trimming
Like splitting, trimming is an operation performed on the timeline. But it usually means removing a few extra frames from the start or the end of a clip, rather than chopping bulks of content off.
Removing extra frames
Best Video Cropper for Windows 10 and 11
If you need a program that may help a casual user easily create a breathtaking video, then take a look at Clipify. It has all the essential tools, such as splitting and trimming, effects and transitions, and, of course, cropping. Other features, such as RGB Tone Curves, Chroma Key, voice-over recording, and other advanced tools will help take your editing a step further. Also, a sizable built-in collection of 200+ effects and transitions, 200+ tracks, 450+ stock images, and other media will help you spice up any idea. To top it all off, it is free to download!
How to Crop Videos on PC: Easiest Ways
It's time to get down to business! Let's see how to use 5 different apps for Windows to crop videos.
How to Crop a Video on Windows 10 or 11 with Clipify
The first tool on our list is Clipify – a video editor stocked with tools for pros and rookies alike. Casual users will enjoy a clear and intuitive interface, easy-to-use effects and templates, and more. More seasoned videographers may enrich their videos with color correction, animations, and other advanced tools. Here’s how to crop a video on a computer with Clipify:
Step 1. Install the Program
Click the button below to get the Clipify installation file. Launch it and follow the installation wizard's prompts. Run Clipify from the desktop icon once everything is ready.
Step 2. Open a Clip
Choose Blank Project, then click Add Videos and Photos and use the file browser to find your video. As an alternative, drag the required clip into the program window from any folder.
Upload a video to edit
Step 3. Crop the Frame
Select the clip on the timeline, then click the button with the crop icon. You can either manually crop the top, bottom, and sides of the clip in the new window or enter the new dimensions and frame position. Then click Save.
Crop the edges and bring the main part forward
Step 4. Save the Result
Click the Create Video button under the preview window. In the new window, pick Create HD video option, then press the export button. Done!
Save and share your work
Need to add movie-like black bars to your video?
Click the button and get it free!
That’s how to crop a video with Clipify. Should you want to edit the clip further, there are plenty of options – add effects or music, include clipart or callouts, alter the speed and length, and more.
How to Crop Videos on PC with Microsoft Photos
The latest versions of Windows have a fitting built-in tool – the Photos app. Contrary to the name, it is capable of basic video editing and has the cropping features you need. Here’s how to crop a video in the video editor mode of the Photos app:
Step 1. Open Footage in the App
Right-click the video you want to crop, then go to Open with > Photos.
Step 2. Open the Editor
Open the Edit menu, go to Edit more, and select Create a video with text option. Then enter a suitable title for your project and hit OK.
Create a new video project in Photos
Step 3. Crop the Video
Click on the three-dot icon above the preview window to select a preferred aspect ratio and orientation. Then use the Show or remove the black bars button to adjust the frame if you want.
Choose the fitting settings
Step 4. Save the Result
Click the Finish video button, choose a preferable quality level, and click Export. Done!
Export the edited video
How to Crop Videos on PC With PowerPoint
First and foremost, PowerPoint is a presentation tool, but can you crop a video with it? Yes, it has a lot of extra features to process media. Although numerous file formats are supported, it is officially recommended to crop MP4 videos. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open a Video
Run PowerPoint and create a new project. On the first slide, go to Insert > Video > Video on My PC and navigate to the clip you want to edit.
Load footage you want to present into the app
Step 2: Crop the Clip
Select your video, then click Video Format and open the Crop tab in the tool menu. Drag the edge handles to the footage as you see fit, or type in exact values.
Get to the point and crop the clip
Step 3: Save the Result
When done, go to File > Export > Create a Video. Then select the resolution (Full HD is default) you need and click the Create Video button.
Export the cropped video
How to Crop a Video on Windows 10 with VLC
VLC is another unlikely tool at your disposal. It is known as an open-source media player, but actually has a set of editing features under the hood. As an editor, VLC is rather cumbersome, but it is completely serviceable as a free video cropper. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1. Install the App
Go to the official website and download the installation file. Then set up VLC on your computer.
Step 2. Adjust the settings
Open your video in VLC, and navigate to Tools > Preferences. Check All in the Show settings box in the bottom left. Then, in the list on the left, go to Video > Filters > Croppadd.
Open the cropping tool menu
Step 3. Crop the Video
To crop the video size you have to input the exact amount of pixels you want to remove from the left, right, top, and bottom in corresponding boxes.
Input the number of pixels you want to crop
Step 4: Save the Result
Return to the Video > Filter, tick the Video Cropping Filter box, and press Save.
Save the reframed clip
5. How to Crop Videos in Online Free Video Cropper
Ezgif is a viable option if you do not wish to meddle with installing any extra software, since it is a web-based tool. You can access it as long as you have a browser and an internet connection. Here’s how to use Ezgif for video crop:
Step 1. Upload your file
Go to the website, then navigate to Video to GIF > Crop video. Then click on Choose File, select the clip in the file browser, and click the Upload video button.
Upload your footage to the web-tool
Step 2. Crop the video
Click on the video and hold the mouse button, then drag the cursor to form the video borders. You can still adjust them afterward by moving the corners.
Crop out what you need
Step 3. Save the result
When satisfied with the crop, click the Save button to download the edited clip.
Download the edited clip
How to Pick a Video Cropper for Windows 10
So, this is how to crop videos on a PC powered by Windows. We have presented 5 tools out of a great many. If one of them fits your needs – awesome! But if you wish to search further, we can at least give some recommendations on what to look for.
Ease of use: Try to select an app that you find simple to use, with an interface and workflow that feel intuitive.
Features: Some apps provide the easiest ways to crop a video, while others are more feature-heavy, but not so easy to use. So seek apps that are balanced enough for what you are trying to achieve.
Pricing: While some cropping programs are relatively cheap or even free to use, others can be quite pricey and even need monthly payments. Look for one that won’t strain your budget.
Support: Always verify the level of user support each app's developers provide. If you require assistance, having some support can really help.
Looking for a program for Windows 10 to crop videos?
Then get started with a free editor and create eye-catching clips!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Install Clipify and run it from the desktop icon once everything is ready.
2. Create a new Blank Project, then click Add Videos and Photos and find your footage in the file browser, or drag & drop a file into the program window.
3. Click on the clip on the timeline, then push the Crop button. You can crop the clip manually in the new window, or enter the new values. Then click Save.
4. Click Create Video, then the export button. Done!
The best way is to use free third-party software, because tools supplied with Windows 10, such Photos or PowerPoint, are either limited or cannot export edited video at all.
Sure. Most video editors for Windows include a cropping feature. You can use free tools, such as Clipify, VLC, or Photos. Alternatively, you may try paid apps and crop videos with PowerDirector, VideoPad, or Adobe Premiere, to name a few.
1. Right-click a video, then select Open with > Photos.
2. Go to Edit > Edit more > Create a video with text. Then type in a project name and click OK.
3. Click the three-dot icon. From a drop-down menu, select an aspect ratio and orientation. Then use the Show or remove the black bars button if you want.
4. Click Finish video, choose a quality level, and click Export.
Try Clipify – Enhance and edit videos as you desire!