Trimming unwanted sections out of a video is a common task that many people need to do. Whether you want to remove bloopers, edit down overly long videos, or cut out parts with bad audio, knowing how to trim or cut video footage is an essential skill for anyone working with video editing.
What tools do I need to trim a video?
The main tool you need is video editing software. There are many options for video editors, ranging from free basic apps to advanced professional software. Some of the most popular choices include:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Final Cut Pro
- DaVinci Resolve
- Adobe Premiere Elements
- Apple iMovie
- Microsoft Photos
- OpenShot
- VLC Media Player
The best software for you depends on your experience level, platform, and needs. For example, iMovie comes free with Mac computers and offers a straightforward interface for basic trimming, while Premiere Pro gives advanced editing capabilities for professionals. There are also many free open source options like OpenShot and VLC for basic trims.
How do I trim the beginning or end of a video?
Trimming the start or end of a video clip is the most basic and common type of trim. Here are the general steps for both Windows and Mac:
- Import your video file into the video editor.
- Place your playhead at the new starting or ending point.
- Click on the “Trim” tool, which is often visualized as a razor blade icon.
- Click at the playhead to cut the video there.
- The section before or after your cut will be removed.
- Save and export the trimmed video.
The trim tool removes any unwanted frames before your starting point or after your ending point. This allows you to precisely control the length of a video down to the exact frame.
How can I split or cut out a section in the middle?
Removing a segment from the middle of a video clip takes a few more steps:
- Import the video and find the start point for the cut.
- Set your playhead there and split the clip into two parts.
- Then find the end point and split there again.
- Delete or disable the middle section you want to cut out.
- The two remaining pieces will now play one after the other.
- Export the video.
This technique allows you to seamlessly remove any unwanted segments leaving no gap or jump in the video.
How do I make more precise trims?
For more precision, use these tips:
- Zoom in on the timeline to make sure your playhead is exactly where you want to trim.
- Use keyboard shortcuts like J, K, and L to advance frames.
- Use the arrow keys to nudge the playhead over one frame at a time.
- Watch the video frame-by-frame to find the perfect cut point.
- Use split edits to trim video and audio separately.
Taking the time to refine the edits will help the final trimmed video flow smoothly and look professional.
Can I trim videos on my phone or tablet?
Yes, many mobile apps allow you to trim and edit videos right on your device:
| App | Platform |
|---|---|
| iMovie | iOS |
| Clips | iOS |
| Adobe Premiere Rush | iOS, Android |
| InShot | iOS, Android |
| KineMaster | iOS, Android |
The process is very similar to desktop apps. You simply import a video, set start and end points, and export the trimmed footage. This gives you editing power on the go.
What are some reasons to trim a video?
Here are some of the main reasons you may want to trim video footage:
- Remove unwanted sections – get rid of mistakes, bloopers, false starts, etc.
- Shorten overly long videos – condense content to highlights.
- Fix audio issues – cut out segments with bad audio.
- Change pace and timing – tighten up edits and pacing.
- Cut for time – trim down to fit time limits.
- Remove brand names or identifiers – edit out logos, brands.
- Change sequences – rearrange order of scenes.
- Crop frame – adjust framing, orientation, aspect ratio.
The ability to trim allows endless options for reshaping and optimizing your videos.
What’s the difference between trimming and splitting video?
Trimming and splitting are related but distinct video editing functions:
- Trimming – Cuts segments off the start or end of a clip. The remaining part is kept.
- Splitting – Divides a clip into two or more segments at specific cut points. All parts are kept.
Think of trimming as shortening a clip from the outer edges, while splitting cuts it into pieces anywhere you choose.
Can you undo trims if you make a mistake?
Most video editors allow you to undo trims and edits. Common ways to undo trims include:
- Clicking Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z for the last undo.
- Going to the Edit menu and selecting Undo.
- Clicking the undo arrow icon in the toolbar.
- Dragging the trimmed section back into position on the timeline.
Save your project frequently while trimming a video so you have restore points to go back to if needed. This allows you to experiment without worrying about mistakes.
What are some tips for better video trimming?
Use these tips for smoother video trimming results:
- Watch the full video before trimming to get context.
- Be precise with the playhead placement at cut points.
- Pay attention to audio to avoid jarring jumps.
- Save trimmed clips before making more edits.
- Zoom in the timeline to make sure cuts are seamless.
- Use transitions between trimmed clips if needed.
- Watch the entire edited video to check the flow.
- Export using the best settings for your needs.
Following video editing best practices takes your skills up a level and makes trimmed videos look clean and professional.
What are the best video formats for trimming?
These video formats work especially well for trimming:
- MP4 – Great compression and universal playback. Common output choice.
- MOV – Works well with Apple programs like Final Cut and iMovie.
- AVI – Older format but still provides high quality.
- WMV – Smaller files sizes, works on Windows Movie Maker.
- MKV – Supports advanced features like multiple audio tracks.
Raw formats like MXF and ProRes give the most latitude for editing but result in large files. Avoid highly compressed formats like MPEG-2 when trimming videos.
Can I trim videos with free software?
Yes, many free video editing programs support basic trimming functions:
- Apple iMovie – Comes free on Macs, intuitive interface.
- DaVinci Resolve – Full professional toolset in the free version.
- HitFilm Express – Includes advanced VFX.
- Shotcut – Open source editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- OpenShot – Intuitive timeline based open source editor.
- VLC Media Player – Popular free player with trim abilities.
Investigating these free tools is a great way to start learning video editing and trimming skills before moving to more advanced paid options.
Can I trim 360 and VR videos?
360-degree and VR videos can definitely be trimmed and edited. However, it requires specialty 360 video editing software. Some options include:
- Adobe Premiere Pro – Can edit and trim 360 footage.
- Final Cut Pro – Works with 360 video with an additional plugin.
- Kolor Autopano – Made for VR and 360 editing.
- Insta360 Studio – Optimized for Insta360 camera footage.
- Pinnacle Studio – Supports trimming 360 video.
The process for trimming is similar, but you can view and tweak edits on a spherical viewer. Extra care is needed to avoid jarring cuts and maintain spacial continuity.
Is it possible to trim videos on my smartphone?
Trimming videos directly on your smartphone is definitely possible using mobile video editor apps. Here are some top options:
- iMovie – Comes free for iPhone and iPad users. Easy to trim clips on the timeline.
- Adobe Premiere Rush – Mobile version of Premiere for trimming on Android or iOS.
- KineMaster – Full-featured editor with trimming tools for Android and iOS.
- InShot – Intuitive app with trimming functions plus filters and effects.
- Splice – Streamlined timeline video editor for iOS.
- Videoshop – Android app with options to split, cut, and trim footage.
Look for apps with timeline editing interfaces that allow precision trimming. This makes trimming on a small screen much easier.
What’s the easiest way to trim videos for beginners?
If you’re just getting started with trimming footage, the easiest editors to learn are:
- Adobe Premiere Elements – Streamlined version of Premiere Pro.
- Apple iMovie – Very intuitive interface to trim clips.
- Microsoft Photos – Built-in video trimmer for Windows.
- OpenShot – Free open source editor with user-friendly trimming.
- VLC Player – Allows basic trims in this free media player.
Look for drag and drop timelines, simple trim tools, and presets to quickly edit and export trimmed video. The simpler the interface, the easier it will be to learn trimming fundamentals.
Conclusion
Trimming video clips to remove unwanted sections is an essential editing skill. The key steps are choosing your edit points, cutting the footage there, and removing the segments you want to trim out. This allows you to refine the length, pacing, sequences, and more for your videos. Both beginners and professionals can benefit from sharper trimming abilities using the techniques and software covered here.