How to Cut/Trim a Video with VLC Media Player on Windows/Mac

VLC Media Player, a freeware that enjoys tons of cross-platform functions and features, has gained a great reputation in the video editing software market. However, you may come across the problem of cutting a video with VLC. How to trim or cut the unwanted part of a video when using this versatile tool?

In this post, methods of cutting a video on Windows or Mac computers as well as 2 recommended powerful VLC alternatives to cut or trim videos will be covered. Read this post and learn more about it.

Part 1. Introduction to VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player, also known as VLC, is a simple and powerful cross-platform multimedia player and framework. This software is a completely free and open-source tool that enables you to play most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. In addition, it has many editing functions. You can cut or crop your video, reverse video or perform other editing operations. You are allowed to screenshot when using this app. This tool is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux as well as Android, and iOS.

Part 2. How to Trim a Video Using VLC on Windows

If you do not know how to trim or cut a video using VLC on your Windows computer. Here I will show you step-by-step tutorials.

Step 1. Download and install VLC. Then launch it.

Step 2. Drag and drop the targeted video into VLC.

Step 3. Start playing your video till the beginning of the part you want to keep.

Step 4. Go to "View > Advanced Controls". Roll down the "Playback Menu" and click to select "Record". (This function is similar to "cut/trim" and works well)

Step 5. Restart playing the video and stop it at the part where you want to end this video by clicking the red button at the left-bottom of this tool. Then your new edited video will be saved on your disk.

Part 3. How to Cut a Video Using VLC on Mac

Mac users may wonder if there are differences when cutting a video with VLC on macOS computers. In fact, the distinction is little. But someone may find it hard to locate the saved video on Mac. Because of this, I suggest you set the default directory location before trimming videos on Mac with VLC.

Here I will show you the detailed steps to trim or cut a video with VLC on Mac computers. Before editing, please install VLC and launch it.

Step 1. Set the default directory location where you want to save the edited video by navigating to "VLC Preferences > Input / Codecs > Record directory".

Step 2. Go to "View > Advanced Controls > Playback Menu" and click to select "Record". (This function is similar to "cut/trim" and works well)

Step 3. Restart VLC and play the imported video, stop it till reaching the part you want to keep by clicking the red button.

Step 4. Find your cut video in your record directory that you have set in Step 1.

Part 3. How to Cut a Video with VLC Alternatives

Some people may ask if there is an alternative to VLC Media Player to cut or trim video more efficiently. Here I will recommend 2 powerful all-in-one video editors for Windows and Mac users.

1. EaseUS Video Editor

Applies to: Windows 10/8.1/8/7

EaseUS Video Editor allows you to edit video with numerous features. It enables you to merge videos, split videos, trim, cut, and crop video clips. You can add cool effects to video like transitions, background music, and overlay. After editing, you can save the video on your computer or share it on your social platforms.

This app is free to download. Now click the following button to get this amazing video cutter!

Here are the steps to cut video with EaseUS Video Editor:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Video Editor. You can import the source video by clicking the "Import" button or simply dragging the video to the media area. All files imported will show on the interface.

Step 2. Right-click the video clip and choose "Add to Project," and then the video will be added to the timeline.

Step 3. Move the cursor and place it where you want to split the video. Right-click the video and select the "Split" option or press Ctrl + B to divide the video into two parts.

Step 4. Then, there will be two video clips on the video track, and you can right-click the unnecessary clip and select the "Delete" option to remove it. This video editing software allows you to edit the remaining video with other tools or save the video by clicking the "Export" button.

An "Export" window will pop up, and you can adjust the settings per your need, such as changing the file name, destination, video format, video quality, etc.

2. QuickTime

Applies to: Mac

QuickTime video application is built into most Mac computers. It is a free app that allows you to edit videos on Mac computers easily. You can trim, rotate, flip, cut, copy, paste, and delete video files. After editing the video, you can save it with a customizable name. Also, if you want to trim mp3, this app also supports finishing this task. 

Here are the steps to cut video with QuickTime:

Step 1. In the QuickTime Player app on your Mac, open the video you want to split into clips, then choose "View > Show Clips".

Step 2. Move the playhead (the red vertical line) to the place where you want to cut, then choose "Edit > Split Clip".

Step 3. When you have finished, click "Done".

Conclusion

To sum up, methods to trim and cut videos using VLC Media Player on Windows and Mac are covered in this post. In addition, we have introduced you to 2 alternative video trimmers and cutters to help you cut and trim videos on Windows and on Mac. For Windows users, we highly recommend EaseUS Video Editor as the best video trimmer. You can download this amazing video cutting tool to have a try!