How to Trim a Video on Windows
Trimming a video on Windows is a breeze once you get the hang of it. All you need is the built-in Photos app, which offers a straightforward way to snip out unwanted parts of your video without needing extra software. Just open your video in the Photos app, click the "Edit & Create" button, and select "Trim." From there, you’ll drag sliders to choose the start and end points of your video. Voila! Just save the trimmed version, and you’re good to go.
Step-by-Step Guide to Trim a Video on Windows
In this guide, we’ll walk through the simple steps to trim your video on Windows using the Photos app. You’ll be able to cut out those boring or unnecessary parts easily and save the perfect version of your video.
Step 1: Open Your Video in the Photos App
Find your video file and right-click it. Choose "Open with" and then select "Photos."
This step ensures your video opens in the Photos app instead of another program. The Photos app comes pre-installed on Windows, so you don’t need to download anything extra.
Step 2: Access the Edit & Create Menu
Once your video is open, look for the "Edit & Create" button at the top of the screen.
The "Edit & Create" button is your gateway to all the creative tools the Photos app offers. From here, you can start the trimming process.
Step 3: Select Trim
Click on "Trim" from the dropdown menu that appears.
Selecting "Trim" will enable you to cut your video. You’ll see a timeline with sliders that can be adjusted to mark the start and end of your video.
Step 4: Adjust the Sliders
Move the blue sliders to select the section of the video you want to keep.
This is where the magic happens. Adjusting the sliders lets you home in on the exact part of the video you want to keep. The area between the sliders is what will be saved in the final version.
Step 5: Save Your Trimmed Video
Click "Save as" to save the edited video.
You’ll be prompted to choose a location and a name for your trimmed video. Make sure to save it somewhere you’ll remember, so you can easily find and share it later.
After following these steps, your video will be trimmed to perfection. The original video remains unchanged, while the trimmed version is saved separately.
Tips for Trimming a Video on Windows
- Use the space bar to pause and play your video while trimming to check your work.
- Always save a copy of the original video before trimming, just in case you need it later.
- Use the zoom feature on the timeline to get more precise control over where you set the sliders.
- Try trimming smaller sections at first to ensure you get comfortable with the sliders.
- Experiment with other tools in the "Edit & Create" menu for additional editing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a trim in the Photos app?
No, the trim is permanent once saved, but the original video remains unchanged.
Does trimming in Photos reduce video quality?
No, trimming does not affect the video quality.
Can I trim multiple sections in one go?
No, you’ll need to save and then open the video again to trim another section.
Do I need internet access to trim a video in Photos?
No, the Photos app works offline.
Is there a limit to the video length I can trim?
There is no specific length limit, but very large files may take longer to process.
Summary
- Open your video in the Photos app.
- Access the Edit & Create menu.
- Select Trim.
- Adjust the sliders.
- Save your trimmed video.
Conclusion
Trimming a video on Windows is as easy as pie once you know the steps. The Photos app provides a user-friendly way to tidy up your videos without the hassle of external software or complicated processes.
Whether you’re a budding videographer or just someone who loves capturing memories, knowing how to trim videos comes in handy more often than you’d think. From cutting out awkward moments to perfecting the timing of your shots, this little trick enhances your video editing skills significantly.
If you’re new to video editing, this is a fantastic starting point. As you get more comfortable, you might want to dive into more advanced editing features or explore other apps that offer even more creative control.
But for now, mastering this basic yet essential skill will make your videos shine. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that video and start trimming away!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.