How to Trim Video Clips Effectively

Let's face it - trimming is an essential aspect of video editing. Whether you're looking to remove shaky or useless parts of a video, you want to share a funny clip in a YouTube video with your friends, or more. Trimming out the unwanted video part is the best way to achieve your objective without compromising the quality.

If you don't know how to trim videos, don't panic. This guide will walk you through various methods to seamlessly trim video clips on a PC or Mac using various video editing tools. So, without wasting much time, let's dive into the article to find out more.

Part 1. Easiest Way to Trim Videos on PC and Mac

Trimming videos on PC and Mac is straightforward once you have a powerful video editor like Filmora at your fingertips. The video editing powerhouse offers many features, including a video trimmer. It can come in handy for users to trim videos without requiring technical knowledge.

Besides, unlike regular video editors, Filmora supports many innovative AI tools that allow anyone, with or without video editing knowledge, to perform basic and advanced video editing tasks seamlessly. All it takes is only a few clicks.

Key Features:

• Supports a wide range of video formats, including MP4, AVI, MPG, M4V, FLV, MPEG, MOV, and many others.
• Simple drag-n-drop using-friendly interface with shortcuts "Ctrl + X," improving editing efficiency to the next level.
• Supports a plethora of video editing tools, including video trimmer, AI portrait, speech-to-text, audio editor, etc.

Here is how to trim videos on PC and Mac with Filmora;

Step 1: Install the latest version of the Filmora software on your PC or Mac and start the program.

Step 2: Click Create New Project and the Import button to upload the video you want to trim.

Step 3: Drag-n-drop the imported video to the timeline. Then, drag the red Playhead in the timeline to the part of the video you want to trim. After that, click the Scissors icon at the top-left side of the timeline and click the Delete icon to trim the unwanted clip.

Step 4: Finally, use the Export button at the top to save the trimmed video clip to your PC's local storage.

Part 2. How To Trim a Video on Windows 11

The above method can be used to trim video on macOS and PC. However, if you have a Windows 11 PC and don't want to install a third-party app, you can easily approach the situation using the built-in Clipchamp video editor. Although Clipchamp does not support the same quality of features Filmora offers, it allows you to trim a video losslessly.

The steps to trim video with Clipchamp video editor are outlined below;

Step 1: Go to Start Menu and type Clipchamp in the search box. Then, click the top search result.

Step 2: Now, click Create A New Video.

Click the Import button at the top-left side and upload the video you want to trim. Then, drag-n-drop the footage to the timeline.

Step 3: Drag the play head in the timeline to the part of the video you want to trim out. Then, click the scissors icon at the top of the timeline to trim the video.

Afterward, click the Delete icon to complete the operation.

Part 3. The Quick Way To Trim Videos on Windows 10

Windows 10 also supports a built-in tool that can come in handy to trim videos without installing a third-party app. You guessed it right. It's the Photos app. The Photos app allows users to save and edit photos or videos for free and is easy to use.

Step 1: Open the video you want to trim with the Photos app.

Step 2: Click the Trim icon at the top of the screen.

Step 3: Use the Playhead to trim the unwanted part of the video.

Step 4: Click Save As Copy at the top right side. Then, choose a preferred location to save the file on your PC to finish.

Part 4. Two Fixes To Trim Video Clips on Mac

Like Windows PC, Mac's built-in QuickTime Player and VLC Media Player can trim video clips for free on Mac. Although both tools are not native video editors, they support video trimmer that allows users to cut video quickly and easily. We've explained how to use each tool below.

Way 1. Use QuickTime Player

QuickTime is Mac's native video player. The tool is popularly known for playing videos in various formats, including MPEG-4. However, it supports a video trimmer that users can easily trim video on Mac.

Step 1: Open the Video that needs to be trimmed in QuickTime. Then, click Edit from the top bar and select Trim.

Step 2: Drag the yellow handle to the area of the video you want to keep.

Step 3: Click Trim to remove the unwanted clip. Then, save the video to a preferred location on your PC.

Way 2. Use VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is not a built-in program for Mac. Instead, it's a freeware video program supported on various computers, including Mac, and it supports essential editing tools that you can use to perform multiple operations, including video trimming.

Step 1: Install the latest version of VLC for Mac.

Step 2: Launch VLC Media Player and click VLC from the top bar. Then select Preferences.

Step 3: Click Inputs/Codecs tab. Then, click Browse and select the preferred location to save the video file.

Step 4: Upload the Video you wish to trim to VLC.

Step 5: Navigate to the timeline and move the Playhead to the start point of the video where you wish to trim.

Step 6: Click Playback from the top bar and select Record.

After that, click the Spacebar on your keyboard to resume Playback. Then, once the Playhead reaches the desired point, pause the video and click the Record option from Playback again.

Your video should be successfully trimmed after that. You should find the file in the storage location chosen in "Step 3".

Part 5. Three Fixes To Trim Videos Online

If you're looking to use an online tool for the operation, there are plenty of options for you to employ online. But keep in mind that not all of them have what it takes to trim video and maintain the quality. Plus, most online tools usually add a watermark to the video.

To help you out, we've selected three reliable tools that are 100% trusted for trimming videos online.

Way 1. Trim Videos Online by Kapwing

Our first recommended online video trimmer is Kapwing. It's an online video editing tool that offers great features for editing videos online. It doesn't matter if you're looking to rearrange, combine, add subtitles, or trim a video. It does the job perfectly. Unfortunately, though, it usually adds watermarks to the edited video.

Step 1: Open the Kapwing online video trimmer in your browser and click Choose a video to upload the video you want to trim.

Step 2: Drag and drop the uploaded video file to the timeline.

Step 3: Click the Video clip from the timeline and select Trim from the right side of the page.

Step 4: Drag the Playhead to the end of the video. Then, drag it from the endpoint to the part where you want to trim out and click the Trim button to trim the unwanted clip.

Step 5: Click the Export Project button from the top right side.

Select the Format and resolution you want to export the file as and click the Export Media button to finish.

Way 2. Trim Videos Online With Clideo

Clideo is another popular online tool that allows video trimming online. It's an easy-to-use online video editor that is very popular amongst professionals. But just like Kapwing, it usually adds a watermark to the trimmed video and uploads videos slowly.

Step 1: Open Clideo Online Video Trimmer and use the Choose File button to upload your video.

Step 2: Once the video file is uploaded, use the yellow handler to select the start and end points of the part of the video you want to save. Then, click Export and wait for the tool to complete the trimming process.

Step 3: After trimming the video, click Download to save it to your PC storage.

Note: Watermark will be added to the video.

Way 3. Trim Videos Online With Veed.io

If you search for online video editors regularly, you might have come across Veed.io online video editing tool. It's also a great tool that offers various video editing features, including a video trimmer. Thanks to its simple interface, you don't need any learning curve to navigate your way around the interface.

Step 1: Veed.io Online Video Cutter in your browser. Click Choose File to upload the video that needs to be trimmed.

Step 2: Drag the handles at the beginning and end of the video in the timeline. Then, you can select the part of the clip that needs to be saved.

Step 3: Click the Download Section from the top-left side of the timeline. Then, click Download from the pop-up on your screen to download the clip you trimmed out.

Part 6. How To Trim Videos on iPhone and iPad

If the video you want to trim is on an iPhone or iPad, don't worry. We also got you covered with the ideal techniques for the operation. You can either use the Photos app or iMovie, and we've explained how to operate with either of both tools below.

Way 1. Use Photos App

Photos App can be used to execute several basic video editing tasks. It offers features that allow you to add filters, adjust, straighten, and trim video handily. The following steps explain how to use it.

Step 1: Open the Video that needs to be trimmed in the Photos app. Then, tap Edit from the top right side.

Step 2: Tap the Video Camera icon at the bottom of the screen. Then, use the yellow slider at the bottom to select the clip you need.

Step 3: Tap Done at the bottom left. Then, please choose whether you want to save the video or save it as a new clip to finish.

Way 2. Use iMovie

iMovie is a tool developed by Apple to facilitate the creation of quality videos without requiring advanced knowledge. It allows you to easily trim clips, combine videos, add photos and videos, and lots more. Here is how to use the app to trim video on iPhone;

Step 1: Open iMovie on your iPhone and upload the video clip you want to trim.

Step 2: The uploaded video should appear in the timeline. Move the white Playhead to the part of the video you want to cut. Then, tap on the Playhead and select Split at the bottom left side.

Step 3: Once the video is split into two parts, tap on the part that needs to be trimmed out. Then, tap Delete at the bottom.

Step 4: Tap Done at the top left side and tap the Share icon on the new page. Then, select Save Video to save the clip.

Part 7. Best Video Trimmer for Android Phones

Android users can always count on the built-in app or third-party app to trim videos. But if you're unfamiliar with how to go about the process, the steps in the methods explained below should help you out.

Way 1. Android Built-in App

Any Android user can use the built-in gallery app to trim out a clip. Yes, the process is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is to follow the following steps to complete the task.

Step 1: Open your Video in the Android Gallery app.

Step 2: Locate and tap on the Scissors icon and tap on the same icon to proceed to the screen to trim your video.

Step 3: Drag the slider in the timeline so it will contain the clip you need. Then, tap the checkmark icon at the bottom right corner to trim out the clip.

Step 4: Tap the relevant button to save the video once you're done!

Way 2. Samsung Gallery App

The Samsung Gallery app can come in handy for Samsung users to trim out video clips. It does not matter how you've shot the video. Instead, the app will help you trim the video smoothly.

Step 1: Open the video in your Gallery App. Then, tap the Pencil icon at the bottom left corner.

Step 2: Move the Slider in the timeline until it contains the video you need.

Step 3: Tap Save to save the trimmed video clip.

Way 3. Use KineMaster

KineMaster is an efficient video editing app for Android that allows users to edit videos on a mobile phone effortlessly. It supports great features that can be used to ease video editing tasks. Thanks to its user interface, you don't need advanced knowledge to employ it in your video editing endeavors.

See how to use KineMaster to trim videos on Android below;

Step 1: Install the KineMaster app on your Android from Play Store.

Step 2: Launch the app and tap the large plus icon to upload the video.

Step 3: Once the video is uploaded, tap the check mark at the top right side and select the Scissors icon. Doing so will allow the border around your video in the timeline to turn yellow.

Step 4: Drag the yellow slider to contain the part of the clip you wish to save. Then, tap the relevant button to finish. Save the cut video afterward.

Part 8. Related FAQs About Video Trimming

Besides exploring various techniques to trim videos, we also took our time to check what questions regular users are asking, and here are our takes on some of the popular questions below;

1. How do I trim a long video?

You can use any of the methods introduced in the article above to trim a long video. However, it's highly recommended to use Filmora software as it'll help maintain the quality of your video.

2. How do I trim an MP4 video?

It's simple to trim MP4 video. You just need an advanced MP4 trimmer like Filmora to operate.

3. What is the best video trimmer?

Filmora is the best video trimmer for PC, Mac, and mobile devices. It boasts superior technology that allows it to handle video quality efficiently.

4. How can I trim a video for free?

Your PC, Mac, or mobile device's built–in photos app can be used to trim video for free.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking to trim video on a computer or mobile phone, the article above has covered the most reliable techniques to get the job done using various tools. After that, it's up to you to choose an approach that best suits your requirements.

However, we recommend using Filmora for Mac or Windows, as it trims videos losslessly and offers other advanced features that allow you to enjoy video editing at its finest.