How to Crop a Video on Windows 11
Cropping a video on Windows 11 is a breeze, thanks to built-in tools and user-friendly software. You’ll primarily use the Photos app, which is surprisingly powerful for basic video editing. Follow these steps, and you’ll have your video cropped in no time!
How to Crop a Video on Windows 11
Ready to trim your video to perfection? This guide will walk you through each step, from opening the video in the Photos app to saving your final masterpiece.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
First, find and open the Photos app from the Start menu.
The Photos app isn’t just for pictures; it handles videos too. If you don’t see it immediately, type "Photos" into the search bar, and it will pop right up.
Step 2: Select Your Video
Click on "Video Editor" and then "New Video Project." Drag your video into the project library.
Selecting "New Video Project" ensures all your edits are saved in one place. Dragging your video into the project library makes it easy to find and edit.
Step 3: Add to Storyboard
Drag your video from the project library to the storyboard at the bottom.
The storyboard is where the magic happens. Dragging the video there lets you access all the editing tools, including cropping.
Step 4: Crop the Video
Click on the video in the storyboard, then click the "Crop" button. Adjust the cropping frame as needed.
The "Crop" button is located in the toolbar above the storyboard. Move the cropping frame to focus on the part of the video you want to keep.
Step 5: Save Your Video
After cropping, click the "Finish Video" button. Choose your video quality and click "Export" to save.
"Finish Video" finalizes your project. Selecting the video quality ensures you get the best possible output. Naming and exporting your video saves it to your desired location.
After these steps, your video will be cropped and saved. It’s that simple!
Tips for How to Crop a Video on Windows 11
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Ctrl + O to open files quickly.
- Keep Original Files: Always save a copy of your original video in case you need it later.
- Preview Before Saving: Always preview your cropped video to ensure it’s perfect.
- Experiment: Try cropping different sections to find the best focus.
- Check Resolution: Ensure your crop doesn’t lower the video’s resolution too much.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Crop a Video on Windows 11
Can I undo a crop if I make a mistake?
Yes, you can undo by clicking the "Undo" button or pressing Ctrl + Z.
Does cropping reduce video quality?
Not necessarily, but cropping can affect resolution. Always check the final output.
Can I crop multiple videos at once?
No, you’ll need to crop each video individually in the Photos app.
Is the Photos app free?
Yes, the Photos app comes pre-installed and is free to use on Windows 11.
What formats can I export my cropped video to?
You can export to common formats like MP4.
Summary
- Open the Photos app.
- Select your video.
- Add to storyboard.
- Crop the video.
- Save your video.
Conclusion
Cropping a video on Windows 11 is straightforward and can be done quickly with the built-in Photos app. This tool makes it accessible for anyone, whether you’re trimming vacation footage or creating content for social media. Remember, practice makes perfect. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different crops to see what works best for your video.
If you found this guide helpful, why not explore other features of the Photos app? It’s packed with tools that can make your videos shine. Happy editing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.