How to Crop a Video in Windows 11: Not as Hard as It Sounds
Cropping a video on Windows 11 doesn’t require a degree in rocket science. Whether it’s to cut out those awkward sides, center the action, or just make everything look a bit snazzier, you can do it using the built-in Photos app. Yeah, that’s right — no fancy software needed. Just a few clicks and you’re on your way to making your videos look a bit more polished. Here’s how to go about it.
Cropping Your Video in Windows 11
First off, make sure your video is sitting somewhere on your device. Open up that Photos app — it’s usually just a quick search away by slapping “Photos” into the search bar next to the Start menu. Had to do this a few times before realizing I was actually in the wrong folder. Just saying.
Open the Video
Once you’ve got the app open, find your video. Double-click it to open up the viewer. Pro-tip: double-check you’ve picked the right video. There’s nothing worse than cropping the anniversary party when you meant to fix that tutorial clip.
Go to Edit
At the top, there’s an option called Edit & Create. Click it. It’ll pull down a menu where you can choose what editing magic you want to work.
“Trim”, “Crop”, and whatever else is there — just pick your poison.
Pick Your Tool
If you’re looking to focus on a specific part of the video, grab that crop icon, which usually looks like a weird square with corners ready to clip. If you need fancy aspect ratios — 16:9 anyone? — then you might want to dive into third-party options like VLC Media Player or Shotcut. That said, the Photos app works for basic stuff.
Adjust the Crop Area
Now comes the fun part: moving those crop handles around. Fiddle with it until it looks good. A little heads-up: if you want to stick to certain aspect ratios, check before you finalize. A third-party app can really help with that precision stuff.
Save Your Cropped Video
After you’re satisfied with how it looks, don’t forget to hit Save a copy or Save as so you don’t overwrite the original. Seriously, no one wants to accidentally delete their best takes. Giving the new file a fresh name is usually a smart move.
Quick Tips on Cropping in Windows 11
Here’s where it gets interesting: while the Photos app is handy, it does have its limits. For anything beyond the basics, consider diving into those third-party apps mentioned earlier:
- VLC Media Player has some great crop options under
Tool > Crop. - Shotcut and DaVinci Resolve are solid picks for those who want to get serious about video editing.
- Keep an eye on quality — cropping too much can make your video look like low-res garbage. Always start with high resolution where possible.
It’s good practice to check your final work in any media player post-export. And let’s not forget: backup your files. Using Ctrl + D to duplicate a video can save you from a world of pain later.
Questions That Come Up When Cropping
Will I lose quality after cropping?
Probably. When you crop and then zoom in a lot, you might notice things getting a bit pixelated. Stick with high-res videos if you can.
Can cropping be done without third-party software?
For sure, the Photos app can handle basic crops quite well. Just keep the more advanced needs in mind for when you’re ready to level up.
Is there a video file size limit on the Photos app?
Usually, it can take most files. Just watch out for those monster files. You might want something like HandBrake to handle any heavy lifting.
Can I change aspect ratios while cropping?
Yeah, you can find aspect ratios in the crop menu of the Photos app. For more control, though, consider tools like Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve. They’ve got the options.
What if I regret the crop?
If saved over the original, you’re in trouble. Always do yourself a favor and back that stuff up before editing. Right-click the file and hit Copy then Paste; easy peasy.
Wrapping It Up
The whole cropping gig in Windows 11 doesn’t have to be scary. Using the built-in Photos app, even beginners can make quick edits that enhance their videos a bit. Sure, when ready, check out third-party options for more advanced features. Honestly, it’s about practice — start with some trial runs to see what sticks. And do remember: backup is your best friend in this digital editing world.
Having tools like HandBrake or FFmpeg for more heavy edits can be a serious lifesaver down the line. Being confident with cropping makes creating polished content way easier, whether it’s for personal use or something more professional. Save first, edit second — that’s the mantra!