How to Crop Video: Ultimate Solutions for Windows & Mac

Cropping a video is an essential skill for anyone looking to enhance their visual content. Whether you're aiming to remove unwanted elements or focus on specific details, knowing how to cut and crop video effectively can significantly improve the final output. In this guide, we will explore various methods and the best tool available for both Windows and Mac, ensuring that you can achieve the desired results with ease. Let’s dive into the world of video editing and discover how simple adjustments can lead to stunning transformations!

Cropping vs trimming, scaling & zooming

Trimming refers to the process of cutting away parts of a video, either at the beginning or the end, to eliminate unnecessary footage and enhance narrative flow.

Scaling, on the other hand, adjusts the video's size without altering its aspect ratio; it can either shrink or expand the visuals while maintaining the original quality.

Zooming involves the act of magnifying a particular section of the video, drawing viewers' attention to specific details or actions by increasing the viewable area.

While cropping removes unwanted elements and captures a focused perspective, trimming, scaling, and zooming serve complementary roles in refining content, allowing for both precision and creative expression in video editing. Each method contributes uniquely to enhancing the overall viewer experience.



Now that we understand the differences between cropping, trimming, scaling, and zooming, let us further explore how to cut and crop video online using tools that can help us achieve the desired results.

Best Free video cropper online: CapCut Commerce Pro

CapCut Commerce Pro stands out as a versatile and all-in-one video cropper, offering users a seamless editing experience. With its user-friendly interface, it enables effortless cropping, trimming, and scaling, catering to both novices and seasoned editors. The platform also provides advanced features, such as customizable aspect ratios and precise controls, ensuring that every video can be tailored to perfection. Whether for personal projects or professional content, CapCut Commerce Pro simplifies the editing process, empowering creators to bring their visions to life.



How to crop video online using CapCut Commerce Pro

Describe three steps to crop video for CapCut Commerce Pro. Add images for illustration

Step
1. Sign up to CapCut Commerce Pro
2. To get started with CapCut Commerce Pro, click the button link above to sign up for your CapCut Commerce Pro account. By creating an account, you'll unlock a world of editing possibilities, including the ability to crop images and videos for your products and business effortlessly. Follow the simple steps below to begin your journey to professional-quality edits!
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   Try for free

   

   *No credit card required
Step
4. Crop video in one click
5. Go to the "Smart tools" interface and click on "Smart crop".
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7. You'll find various uploading options designed for your convenience. You can easily upload a video directly from your computer or connect to cloud services such as Google Drive and Dropbox for quick access to your files. This flexibility simplifies the uploading process, allowing you to get started without hassle.
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9. Once you’ve selected your video, choose the "Smart crop" option. Here, you can select your desired aspect ratio from a range of presets tailored for different platforms. After you’ve made your selection, simply hit "Generate," and CapCut Commerce Pro will automatically crop your video to fit your specified dimensions with precision, making the entire process efficient and user-friendly.
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Step
11. Export your videos and track data
12. After cropping your video, you can further refine it by clicking the edit button, which allows for both auto reframing and manual cropping options. This flexibility ensures that your video is perfectly tailored to your needs.
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14. Auto reframing intelligently adjusts your video’s composition to highlight the most important elements, while manual cropping gives you complete control over the framing.
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Once you’re satisfied with your edits, click on the "Export" button to save your cropped videos. You’ll have the ability to customize your exporting options, ensuring that your video is optimized for the platform of your choice.



Additionally, within the "Publish" category, you can schedule your publishing plan, while the "Analytics" category provides insights for tracking your video performance. This comprehensive approach enables you to manage and monitor your content effectively.



Key features:

• Automatic editing powered by AI
• Leverage advanced AI algorithms to make quick edits, enhancing your efficiency without sacrificing quality.
• Cloud integration
• Seamlessly integrate with cloud services, enabling easy access to your projects across different devices.
• Multiple aspect ratios
• Customize videos in various aspect ratios to fit different platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, making it easier to maintain brand consistency.
• Real-time preview
• Benefit from real-time previews to immediately see the effects and transitions as you apply them.
• Share on social channels instantly
• Export in configurations suitable for multiple social media channels at the same time.
• AI editing features and resources
• Utilize AI-driven tools and resources to help with automatic transitions, effects, and perfectly timed cuts, ensuring a professional finish to every project.

How to crop a video on Windows

Step
1. Open the video in the Photos app
2. To begin cropping a video on Windows, first locate the video file you wish to edit. Right-click on the video file, which will prompt a context menu to appear. From this menu, select the option labeled "Open with," and then choose "Photos" from the list of available applications. This action will launch the Photos app and display your video, allowing you to proceed with the cropping process seamlessly.
Step
3. Edit & crop the video
4. Once the video is open in the Photos app, click on the "Edit & Create" option in the top-right corner of the window. This will display a dropdown menu where you can select the "Trim" button.
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Step
6. Adjust and save
7. Utilize the white pins on the left and right to choose the portion of the video you wish to trim. The blue pin allows you to scrub through the footage, ensuring you trim the correct section.
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After cropping, you need to proceed by clicking on "Save a copy." Once you’ve done that, select a suitable location to save the cropped video, and then click on "Export" to finalize the process.

How to crop a video on Mac

Step
1. Import your video into iMovie
2. Open iMovie on your Mac. Once the application is running, click on the "Create New" button and select "Movie" from the options presented. This will lead you to a new project workspace. To import your video, locate the "Import Media" button, usually found in the toolbar or under the File menu, and click on it. A file browser will appear, allowing you to navigate to the video file you wish to crop. Select the desired file and click "Import Selected" to bring it into your project, making it ready for editing.
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Step
4. Select and crop the video
5. Drag your imported video into the timeline at the bottom of the screen. Once the clip is positioned in the timeline, click on it to select. Above the preview window, you'll see a button labeled "Crop to Fill," which resembles a crop icon—click on it to enable cropping. You'll then be able to adjust the crop frame by dragging the corners and edges to select the specific area you wish to retain. The preview window provides a real-time display of how the cropped video will appear once you've finished, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments before finalizing the crop.
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Step
7. Export the cropped video
8. Once you're satisfied with the crop, click on the "Apply" button to apply the changes. Following this, navigate to the top-right corner of the screen and click on the "Export" button, which resembles a share icon. From the export options, select "File" to save the cropped video to your Mac. You will then be prompted to set your desired export settings, such as resolution and quality, along with choosing the save location for your video file. After confirming these settings, click "Next," and finally hit "Save" to complete the export process. Your newly cropped video will now be saved to your chosen directory, ready for use.
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With your video successfully cropped and exported, it's essential to consider how to crop videos efficiently to optimise time and resources for future projects. Let us check it out in the next section.

How to make cropping video sizes more efficient

To make cropping video sizes more efficient, consider these tips:

1. Pre-production planning
2. Organize your project by outlining goals, timelines, and resources needed. This helps streamline the workflow and minimizes last-minute surprises.
3. Use guides and grids
4. Implement guides and grids to maintain alignment and consistency in your design. This ensures a professional look and enhances the overall visual structure.
5. Use aspect ratio presets
6. Utilize preset aspect ratios to ensure your content fits different platforms and devices seamlessly. This saves time and helps maintain the intended visual impact.
7. Batch processing
8. Process multiple files simultaneously to save time and effort. This is especially useful for tasks like resizing, formatting, or applying filters to a large set of images.
9. Automated tools
10. Leverage automated tools to handle repetitive tasks efficiently. This allows you to focus on more creative aspects of your project while speeding up the overall workflow.
11. Keyboard shortcuts
12. Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to navigate software more efficiently. This can significantly reduce the time spent on tasks and enhance overall productivity.

With efficient cropping techniques established, the next crucial step is knowing how to identify the specific sections of your video that require cropping. This ability not only enhances your editing process but also ensures that the final product is both visually appealing and focused on the intended message.

How to find a specific part of a video to crop

By considering these points, you can efficiently find and crop/resize specific parts of a video to highlight important content, ensuring it fits perfectly within the intended use context and platform specifications.

1. Consider where and how the cropped/resized video will be used (e.g., social media, presentations, advertisements).
2. Mark timestamps of important segments that you want to crop or resize.
3. Select a video editing tool that supports cropping and resizing features.
4. Ensure the cropped area includes all essential content and excludes unwanted sections.
5. Ensure the cropped video maintains the desired aspect ratio for its intended platform.
6. Preview the edited video to ensure the cropped/resized segment looks correct and flows smoothly.

By following these guidelines, you can efficiently enhance your video content's focus and quality, making it more impactful for your audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of video cropping not only promotes clarity and focus but also elevates the quality of your content, making it more engaging for your audience. As you implement these techniques, consider leveraging CapCut Commerce Pro, which offers user-friendly cropping tools tailored for various platforms. Plus, you can easily crop video online free with its advanced features, allowing you to optimize your videos effortlessly while ensuring they meet the necessary specifications. Start enhancing your video edits today with CapCut Commerce Pro and watch your content shine!

FAQs

1. How do I select the area of the video I want to crop?
2. To select the area of the video you want to crop, first open your video in CapCut Commerce Pro. Use the cropping tool to outline the section you wish to keep. You can adjust the frame by dragging the corners to ensure it captures all essential content while excluding any unwanted portions. With CapCut's intuitive interface, cropping is a seamless experience that allows you to enhance your video efficiently.
3. Can I crop videos to custom dimensions in CapCut Commerce Pro?
4. Yes, you can crop videos to custom dimensions in CapCut Commerce Pro. Simply choose the cropping option and input your desired dimensions. This feature allows you to tailor your videos precisely to fit the requirements of various platforms, ensuring optimal presentation and impact. With CapCut's flexible cropping tools, you can easily achieve the perfect framing for your content.
5. Are there preset aspect ratios available for common social media platforms?
6. Yes, CapCut Commerce Pro provides several preset aspect ratios tailored for popular social media platforms. This feature simplifies the process of adjusting your videos to meet the specific requirements of each platform, ensuring your content looks professional and engaging. By selecting the appropriate aspect ratio, you can avoid cropping essential elements and enhance viewer experience effortlessly.
7. How can I undo or modify the cropping if I am not satisfied with the result?
8. To undo or modify the cropping in CapCut Commerce Pro, simply use the 'Undo' button located in the editing toolbar or revisit the cropping tool to make adjustments until you are satisfied with the result. CapCut Commerce Pro offers a user-friendly interface that allows for quick and easy modifications, ensuring your video meets your creative vision.