Cropping a Video in Windows 10: A Simple Guide
So, you’ve got a video and want to crop out the unnecessary bits without diving into the rabbit hole of fancy software? Windows 10 has got your back with its Photos app. Seriously, it’s not rocket science, even if it feels a bit clunky at times. Here’s a rundown of how to make it happen.
Getting Started with Photos
First up, locate the Photos app. It’s lurking in your Start menu. Just search for “Photos” and open it. This app isn’t just for your family vacation pics; it can handle basic video editing too—thankfully, no downloads required!
Importing Your Video
Once you’re in, hit the “New Video” button and select “New Video Project.” Then, you’ll need to pick the video you want to crop. It’ll pop up in your project area. This step keeps everything in one place, which is handy.
Dropping It on the Timeline
Drag your video to the storyboard. It’s pretty intuitive once you start messing around with it. This timeline view lets you see where everything’s at and makes it easier to edit specific parts. Just don’t expect it to have all the bells and whistles of advanced software; it’s basic but can do the job.
How to Crop Like a Pro (Almost)
Getting to the cropping part? Now, here’s the odd bit: instead of a “crop” tool, you’re adjusting the “Aspect Ratio.” Pick the ratio that fits what you want visible, cutting out what’s not necessary. You can also trim any unwanted parts from the start or end. Just click on that video in the timeline and use the trimming handles or go to Trim in the toolbar (shortcut: Ctrl + T). Not super clear-cut, but it works.
Sometimes, the cropping options can feel a bit hidden. If it seems like nothing’s happening, just keep retrying until you find that “Crop” button hanging out in the toolbar.
Saving Your Masterpiece
Once you’re satisfied with your edits, it’s time to save. Click on “Finish Video” (typically at the top right), and you’ll see options for quality—like 1080p, 720p, or 540p. Choose your quality, pick where to save it (like C:\Users\), and let the app do its thing. It creates a new version of your video, and your original file remains untouched, which is a relief for anyone who’s ever accidentally overwritten something.
Quick Tips for Cropping
Keep a backup of the original video. Seriously, you never know. When choosing aspect ratios, think about where the video will be shown—what’s great for Instagram could look terrible in a PowerPoint. And yeah, cropping can sometimes mess with quality. If the Photos app feels too limiting, you might want to check out tools like DaVinci Resolve or Shotcut later on. Just a thought.
Common Questions
Can I crop videos without extra software?
You bet. The Photos app is all you need for basic cropping. No need for third-party apps unless you’re after something specific.
What’s the difference between cropping and trimming?
Cropping is about changing what’s visible in the frame, like cutting out distractions, while trimming is just shortening the video by chopping off parts at the start or end.
What formats can I save my cropped video in?
Usually, the Photos app saves video as MP4, so it plays nice with most devices.
Will cropping impact my video quality?
A little quality drop might happen, especially if you’re cutting out a lot or adjusting resolution dramatically.
Can I undo my crop later?
Since the edited video saves separately from the original, you can always go back to the original file if needed. Just another perk of using the Photos app.
So there it is! Cropping in Windows 10 via Photos isn’t overly complicated, but it isn’t flawless either. Kind of a mixed bag. Perfect for quick edits but there’s room for improvement. A few clicks and you’re good to go. Just something that worked on multiple setups without trying to make it overly techy.