How to Crop a Video in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to crop a video windows 11

Cropping a video in Windows 11 is easier than you might think. With built-in tools like the Photos app, you can trim and crop your videos without needing any third-party software. Just follow these steps to get your video looking exactly how you want in no time.

Step-by-Step Tutorial for Cropping a Video in Windows 11

In this section, we’ll walk you through the process of cropping a video using Windows 11’s Photos app. By the end, you’ll have a neatly cropped video ready to share or save.

Step 1: Open the Photos App

First, open the Photos app on your Windows 11 computer.

You can quickly access the Photos app by typing "Photos" into the search bar on your taskbar. Click on the app when it appears in the search results.

Step 2: Import Your Video

Step 2: Import your video into the Photos app.

Once the Photos app is open, click on the "Import" button and select the video you want to crop from your files. This will add the video to the app’s library.

Step 3: Open the Video Editor

Step 3: Open the video editor in the Photos app.

Click on the video to open it. Then, click the "Edit & Create" button at the top right corner and select "Trim" or "Create a video with text" to enter the editor mode.

Step 4: Select the Crop Tool

Step 4: Select the crop tool within the video editor.

In the video editor, look for the crop tool. It usually looks like a small square or rectangle icon. Click on it to activate the cropping functionality.

Step 5: Adjust the Crop Area

Step 5: Adjust the crop area to your desired dimensions.

Drag the corners of the crop box to encompass the area of the video you want to keep. You can also move the box around to get the perfect framing.

Step 6: Apply and Save

Step 6: Apply the crop and save your video.

Once satisfied with the crop, click "Apply" or "Done" to finalize the changes. Then, save the edited video by clicking "Save a copy" or "Export."

After completing these steps, your video will be cropped and ready to go. The final video will only show the content within the crop box, making it perfect for your needs.

Tips for Cropping a Video in Windows 11

To enhance your video cropping experience, here are some handy tips:

  • Make sure to preview your video before saving to ensure it looks right.
  • Use the "Undo" button if you make a mistake while cropping.
  • Experiment with different cropping dimensions to see what works best for your video.
  • Save a copy of the original video before you start cropping, just in case.
  • Use the zoom feature to get a closer look at precise points you want to crop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I crop a video without third-party software on Windows 11?

Yes, Windows 11 comes with a built-in Photos app that allows you to crop videos.

Is it possible to undo a crop after saving the video?

Unfortunately, once you save the cropped video, you cannot undo the crop unless you have a copy of the original video.

What file formats are supported in Photos app for video editing?

The Photos app supports common video formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI.

Can I add effects after cropping the video?

Yes, the Photos app lets you add effects and text after cropping your video.

Is cropping a video the same as trimming it?

No, cropping removes unwanted outer areas of the video while trimming cuts out sections from the beginning or end of the video.

Summary

  1. Open the Photos app.
  2. Import your video.
  3. Open the video editor.
  4. Select the crop tool.
  5. Adjust the crop area.
  6. Apply and save.

Conclusion

Cropping a video in Windows 11 is a straightforward task that can significantly enhance your visual content. Using the Photos app, you can easily trim and frame your videos to perfection. Whether you’re editing for personal use or creating content for an audience, these steps will help you achieve a polished final product.

Remember, having a backup of your original video is always a good idea. This way, you can experiment with different crops and edits without the fear of losing your initial footage. So, next time you need to crop a video, you’ll know exactly what to do.

For further reading, consider exploring other features of the Photos app or other video editing tools available in Windows 11. Happy editing!