Cropping a Video in Windows 10: A Simple How-To
Got a video and want to trim out the unwanted parts without diving into complex software? Windows 10’s got you covered with its built-in Photos app. Honestly, it’s not complicated, even if it feels a bit clunky at times. Here’s how to get it done.
Getting Started with Photos
First off, locate the Photos app. It’s usually sitting in your Start menu. Just search for “Photos” and open it. This app isn’t just for viewing family pics; it’s capable of basic video editing too — no extra downloads needed!
Importing Your Video
Once open, click on “New Video” and select “New Video Project.” Then, choose the video you want to crop. It’ll appear in your project workspace. This keeps everything organised — pretty handy.
Dropping It on the Timeline
Drag your video onto the storyboard. It’s quite intuitive once you start fiddling with it. The timeline view shows where everything is, making it easier to tweak specific parts. Just bear in mind, it’s a basic editor — don’t expect all the bells and whistles of premium software, but it’ll do the trick.
How to Crop Like a Pro (Almost)
When it comes to cropping? Here’s the tricky bit: instead of a dedicated “Crop” tool, you adjust the “Aspect Ratio.” Choose the ratio that crops out what you don’t want to show. You can also trim any unwanted sections from the start or end by selecting the video in the timeline and using the trimming handles or clicking Trim in the toolbar (shortcut: Ctrl + T). It’s not perfectly straightforward, but it gets the job done.
Sometimes, the cropping options might seem a bit tucked away. If nothing happens, try clicking around until you spot the “Crop” button on the toolbar.
Saving Your Masterpiece
Once satisfied with your edits, hit “Finish Video” (usually at the top right). You’ll get options for video quality — like 1080p, 720p, or 540p. Pick your preferred setting, choose where to save it (for example, C:\Users\), and let the app do its thing. It creates a new video file, leaving your original untouched — always a good thing in case you want to go back later.
Quick Tips for Cropping
It’s a good idea to keep a backup of the original video, just in case. Also, when selecting aspect ratios, consider where the video will be shown — what works for Instagram might not suit a PowerPoint presentation. And yes, cropping can sometimes reduce quality. If you find Photos limiting, tools like DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut might be worth exploring down the line. Just a suggestion!
Common Questions
Can I crop videos without additional software?
Absolutely. The Photos app handles basic cropping perfectly well. No need for third-party apps unless you’re after more advanced features.
What’s the difference between cropping and trimming?
Cropping changes what’s visible in the frame — cropping out distractions or irrelevant parts — while trimming shortens the video by removing sections from the beginning or end.
What formats can I save my cropped video in?
Usually, the Photos app saves videos as MP4 files, which are compatible with most devices.
Will cropping affect my video quality?
A slight dip in quality might occur, especially if you crop heavily or change the resolution significantly.
Can I undo my crop later?
Yes. Since the cropped video is saved as a separate file, you can always revert to your original if needed. That’s one of the perks of using the Photos app.
So there you have it! Cropping in Windows 10 with Photos isn’t rocket science, but it’s not perfect either. It’s a handy tool for quick edits, with some room for improvement. Just a few clicks and you’re away. It’s straightforward enough to work on multiple setups without needing to get overly technical.