How to Trim Videos on Windows 10 Using the Built-In Photos App
Thinking of editing videos on Windows 10? Surprisingly straightforward if you know where to look. The Photos app—yes, the one most people use just for viewing images—actually has a decent little video editor for quick trims. It’s built right into Windows, so no need to hassle with downloads or installations. Perfect if you just want to cut out the dull bits without diving into complex software.
Opening the Photos App
First up, open the Photos app. Click on the Start menu and find Photos. If it’s hiding, just type “Photos” into the search bar and it’ll come up. It’s usually a quick find, since Microsoft has made sure it’s accessible on every Windows 10 machine. No need to download anything, thank goodness.
Import Your Video
Once you’re inside, import your video. Click the New Video button and select New Video Project. It sets up a workspace for you. Then, click Add and choose From this PC to browse your files. Find your video, and it’s ready to roll in your project. You can also drag and drop if you’re feeling confident—just make sure the thumbnail appears to confirm it’s loaded properly.
Addining Your Video to the Timeline
Drag that video thumbnail onto the storyboard at the bottom. This part’s key, as it’s where all the magic happens—trimming, rearranging, and more. The timeline view makes it easy to identify and cut those awkward moments.
Precision Trimming
Click on your video in the timeline, then find the Trim button. Here, you can fine-tune where your clip starts and ends. Use the sliders to get it just right. A quick tip: always preview your trim before finalising—no one wants to lose that perfect shot by mistake.
And if you mess up? Just press Ctrl + Z to undo your last trim. Easy peasy.
Saving Your Edited Video
Once you’re happy with the edits, click Done. Then, save or export your video. You’ll see options for resolution depending on where you plan to share it—just watch the file sizes if you’re trying to keep your storage in check. Check the export options in the top right corner or go via File > Save as. By default, your edited video will land in the Videos folder unless you specify otherwise.
Tips for Trimming Videos
A handy tip: always use the preview feature before finalising your cuts. And it’s a good idea to save your work frequently—no one wants to lose progress if the app crashes out of the blue. It’s also wise to keep a backup of the original video, especially if you’re planning to do a bit of creative editing. Play around with different resolutions during export to find the best balance between quality and file size. If you need to cut out several sections, the split tool is a real game changer for making precise edits.
Common Questions About Editing Videos
Can I use other programs besides Photos?
Absolutely! Apart from Photos, you can use VLC Media Player, Adobe Premiere Elements, DaVinci Resolve, or even command-line tools like ffmpeg for more advanced edits. For example, with ffmpeg, you can extract clips using a command like:
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss 00:00:10 -to 00:00:20 -c copy output.mp4which creates a clip from 10 to 20 seconds. Keep in mind these options often have a steeper learning curve and might require some setup.
Is the Photos app available on every Windows 10 device?
Most certainly. It’s built right into Windows 10, so most PCs will have it already. If you want to make sure it’s up to date, head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Just keep your app fresh and up to date.
Can I combine clips in the Photos app?
Definitely. You can import multiple clips and arrange them on the storyboard. Need to split clips into smaller sections? Use the Split tool, then drag and position them as you like. For more complex projects, you might export clips separately and piece them together later using tools like ffmpeg.
Will trimming lower the video quality?
Usually not. If you’re simply trimming without changing resolution settings, the quality stays the same. It’s mainly cutting parts out of your clip. Problems only arise if you alter resolution or compress the video during export. Rest assured, the Photos app does a good job of keeping things sharp.
Are there any length restrictions for videos in Photos?
No strict limits, but very long videos can slow things down during editing since they use more resources. For standard clips, you shouldn’t notice any issues.
Final Thoughts
The Photos app is a handy option for quick edits and trims without the fuss of more advanced software. It’s user-friendly and perfect for beginners. As you get more confident, you might explore adding music, text, or transitions. Remember, practice makes perfect—don’t be afraid to experiment with all the features!
With a bit of patience and trial, making videos you’re happy with becomes much easier. Hopefully, this guide saves you hours of frustration. Happy editing!