How to Trim Videos on Windows 10 Using the Built-In Photos Application
So, editing videos in Windows 10? Surprisingly easy if you know where to look. The Photos app, yeah, the one most people just use for viewing images, actually has a decent video editor for quick trims. It’s built right into the OS, so there’s no hassle with downloads or installations. Perfect for those who just want to cut out the boring bits without diving into heavy-duty software.
Launching the Photos App
First off, you need to get the Photos app open. Head to the Start menu and look for Photos. If it’s playing hide and seek, just type “Photos” in the search bar and it’ll pop up. It’s pretty much a gas to find, given that Microsoft thought it’d be helpful to shove it in there on every Windows 10 install. No downloads required, thank goodness.
Import Your Video
Once you’re in, you want to bring in your video. Hit that shiny New Video button and select New Video Project. It sets up a little workspace for you. Then, just click Add and go for From this PC to browse your files. Find your video, and boom, it’s in your project. You can even drag and drop it if you’re feeling ambitious. Just make sure you see that thumbnail showing up to confirm it’s all good.
Adding to Your Project
Drag that video thumbnail to the storyboard at the bottom. This part’s crucial because it’s where the magic happens—trimming, rearranging, all that jazz. This area gives a clear view, which makes cutting out those cringe-worthy moments a lot simpler.
Trimming with Precision
Click on the video in the storyboard, and find the Trim button. This is where you can mess around with the start and end points. There are sliders, so you can move around the video until it feels right. A heads up: always preview what you’re trimming before hitting that final button. Nothing worse than accidentally cutting out that one line that was actually gold.
And hey, if something goes wrong, using Ctrl + Z to undo cuts is a lifesaver.
Saving Your Masterpiece
When you’ve got it looking good, hit Done. Then you’ll save or export it. You’ll see options for resolution depending on where you’re planning to share it—just keep an eye on file sizes if you want to avoid blowing up your storage. Remember to check that export menu in the top right or just use File > Save as. By default, your edited video lands in the Videos folder unless you say otherwise.
Tips for Trimming Videos
A little tip: using the preview screen is crucial before locking in those cuts. And it’s super smart to save frequently; you really don’t want to lose your work to a sudden app crash. Backing up the original video? Always a good idea too, especially if you’re planning to go nuts with editing. Play around with the resolutions during export to balance quality and file size. If you need to cut out multiple sections, don’t forget about the split tool—it’s a total game-changer for making precise cuts.
Common Questions About Editing Videos
Can I use other programs besides Photos?
For sure! Aside from Photos, there’s VLC Media Player, Adobe Premiere Elements, DaVinci Resolve, or if you’re feeling techy, command-line tools like ffmpeg for more precise cuts. A neat example with ffmpeg is:
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss 00:00:10 -to 00:00:20 -c copy output.mp4This command gives you a clip from 10 to 20 seconds. But these come with their own learning curves and might need some setup.
Is the Photos app available on every Windows 10 machine?
Yep, it’s a built-in feature, so there’s no escaping it on Windows 10. Most machines will have it, and you can always check for updates via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Just keep the app fresh.
Can I combine clips in the Photos app?
Definitely! You can merge clips by importing them and stacking them in the storyboard. If you need to cut them into more manageable pieces, use the Split tool, then just drag and arrange them the way you want. For more complex edits, maybe consider exporting them separately and recombining them later with something like ffmpeg again.
Will trimming affect video quality?
Typically, no. If you’re just trimming without messing with the resolution settings, the quality stays the same. It’s just trimming parts off the file. Problems might pop up if you change resolutions or compress the video during export, but the Photos app does a solid job of keeping things sharp.
Any length restrictions on videos in Photos?
No hard limits, but super long videos can slow things down during the editing process because they take more resources to handle. For average clips, though? Shouldn’t be an issue.
Final Thoughts
The Photos app is a pretty solid option for anyone looking to do some quick video trims without diving into complicated software. It’s accessible and straightforward, which is great for anyone just starting out. As confidence builds, get ready to explore more advanced features like adding music, text, or fancy transitions. Just remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hold back on messing around with the tools!
With a bit of trial and error, creating enjoyable videos becomes way less daunting. If this saves someone from hours of frustration, mission accomplished!