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Cut Video VLC: Easily Trim Videos in VLC Media Player

TL;DR

To cut video in VLC, use the Advanced Controls to start recording a section while playing, then stop to save it as a new video clip.

Introduction: Why Use VLC to Cut Videos?

Need to extract a clip from a longer video without complicated editing software? The cut video VLC function offers a quick and easy way to trim videos. VLC Media Player isn’t just for playback – it has a hidden recording tool that lets you cut sections of a video and save them separately. This guide will walk you through the entire process step by step.

Enable Advanced Controls in VLC

Before you begin, you need to make sure the Advanced Controls are visible.

Steps:

  1. Open VLC Media Player
  2. Click View > Advanced Controls
  3. You’ll see new buttons appear above the Play button, including Record

How to Cut Video in VLC

Once Advanced Controls are enabled, follow these steps:

Step-by-Step:

  1. Open the video you want to cut
  2. Move the playhead to the start point of the clip
  3. Press the Record button (red circle)
  4. Play the video or press spacebar
  5. When you reach the end point, press Record again to stop

The cut video is automatically saved.

Where Is the Saved Clip?

  • Windows: Usually in the Videos folder
  • macOS: Usually in the Movies folder

Shortcut to Cut Video in VLC

  • Start/Stop Recording: There is no default shortcut, but you can create one:
    • Go to Tools > Preferences > Hotkeys
    • Search for Record
    • Double-click and assign a shortcut (e.g. Ctrl + Alt + R)

This allows quicker access to the record function for trimming clips.

Tips for Precise Cutting

  • Use the Frame-by-Frame button (next to Record) for accuracy
  • Use Time slider to jump to approximate sections
  • For keyboard navigation:
    • E – Advance one frame
    • Space – Play/Pause
    • Ctrl + T – Jump to specific time

Limitations of Cutting Videos in VLC

  • VLC does not allow editing on timeline; it’s a record-while-playing method
  • No ability to cut multiple segments in one go
  • Output is saved in the same format and may be slightly compressed

For advanced trimming, use a dedicated video editor after cutting the clip in VLC.

FAQ

How do I cut a video in VLC?
Use View > Advanced Controls, start the video at the desired point, press Record, and stop when the clip ends.

Where is the cut video saved in VLC?
It is saved automatically in your default Videos folder (e.g. C:\Users\YourName\Videos on Windows).

Can I select start and end times manually?
No. VLC does not support selecting timestamps manually for cutting. You must record the segment as it plays.

Does VLC reduce the quality of the cut video?
No significant loss in quality. It copies the original stream but re-encodes it slightly during recording.

Can VLC cut videos longer than a few minutes?
Yes. But VLC may lag or lose sync on older machines during longer recordings.

Is there a trim or split function in VLC like in editors?
Not exactly. VLC uses a recording method, not editing. It’s simple, but not suited for batch cutting.

Conclusion

Using cut video VLC functionality is perfect for quick trimming of large videos into smaller clips. It avoids the need for full-blown editing tools and gets the job done for students, professionals, and casual users alike. With just a few clicks, you can save only the parts you need and skip the rest.

If you need more advanced features like batch cuts or transitions, consider pairing VLC with a lightweight editor. But for quick and clean cuts, VLC remains one of the best free tools around.

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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