TL;DR
VLC bookmarks let you mark specific time points in a video so you can return to them later. Access them via Playback > Custom Bookmarks > Manage, then click Create to save your position. Bookmarks are session-based unless saved with playlists or extensions.
Introduction to VLC Bookmarks
The VLC bookmarks feature is a time-saving tool that lets you mark and revisit exact moments in a video or audio file. Whether you’re analyzing a movie scene, studying a lecture, or editing media, bookmarks eliminate the need to scrub through long files every time.
By default, these bookmarks are temporary, meaning they vanish after closing the file. However, with a few extra steps or tools, you can make them persistent.
How to Add a Bookmark in VLC
Here’s how to create a bookmark within your currently playing media file:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open your video in VLC Media Player
- Go to Playback > Custom Bookmarks > Manage
- The Edit Bookmarks window will open
- Play the video and pause where you want to mark
- Click the Create button to save the timestamp
The new bookmark now appears in the list with a time label. You can double-click it to jump back to that moment anytime during the same session.
Limitations of VLC Bookmarks
- Not persistent: VLC does not store bookmarks once the app is closed unless additional methods are used.
- No native export/import: You cannot directly save bookmarks as a file.
- Limited UI visibility: Bookmarks are buried under menus and require several clicks.
Despite these drawbacks, there are ways to work around them, such as using playlist files or third-party extensions.
Making VLC Bookmarks Persistent
VLC bookmarks are lost after closing the file unless you take extra steps:
Use Playlists for Recurrent Bookmarks
- Add your media file to a VLC playlist
- Go to View > Playlist
- Use the bookmark manager to mark time points
- Save the playlist as
.xspfor.m3uformat
Note: This method requires re-saving bookmarks every session unless you use automation.
Use Extensions or Scripts
Some third-party tools like VLC Bookmark Manager or custom Python scripts allow you to save and reload bookmark positions between sessions. However, these may require manual setup and permission configuration.
VLC Bookmark Shortcut
There’s no built-in keyboard shortcut to create bookmarks, but you can assign one:
Assigning a Bookmark Hotkey
- Go to Tools > Preferences > Hotkeys
- Scroll to Custom bookmarks
- Double-click Create bookmark and set your preferred key
- Click Save
Now you can create bookmarks with a single keystroke.
Practical Uses of VLC Bookmarks
| Use Case | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Studying lectures | Quickly return to important sections |
| Editing videos | Mark scenes that need trimming or effects |
| Movie watching | Save favorite moments or plot reveals |
| Podcast analysis | Bookmark quotes or key topics |
Advanced Tips
- Combine bookmarks with A–B loop to repeat sections automatically
- Use bookmarks for music practice to mark and repeat difficult passages
- Organize multiple bookmarks by maintaining a manual log alongside timestamps
FAQ
Can I save VLC bookmarks for future use?
Not by default. VLC bookmarks are session-based. To save them, you can use playlists or external bookmark managers.
Is there a shortcut for VLC bookmarks?
There’s no default shortcut, but you can assign one manually in Preferences > Hotkeys.
Do bookmarks work for audio files too?
Yes. You can bookmark any media file VLC plays, including audio.
Can I export VLC bookmarks?
Not natively. You’d need to use a playlist or a third-party script for persistent bookmarking.
Do bookmarks show up in the video timeline?
No. VLC bookmarks are only listed in the Edit Bookmarks dialog and not on the playback bar.
Why do my bookmarks disappear after closing VLC?
VLC does not automatically save bookmarks between sessions unless stored via playlists or plugins.
Conclusion
The VLC bookmarks feature offers a convenient way to mark and revisit important parts of your videos or audio files. Though the default system is limited to the current session, with a bit of effort you can enhance its functionality and retain bookmarks permanently.
From learning tools to editing hacks, VLC bookmarks make media navigation more efficient and tailored to your needs.
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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