This post explains how to trim a video in Shotcut. Simply import the target video file and drag the handles to set precise start and end points. It also offers an alternative to Shotcut, MiniTool MovieMaker, for video trimming and editing.

Shotcut is a free, open-source, cross-platform video editor for Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD. This free video editing software offers essential tools and effects. While its dated interface and non-intuitive layout are less friendly for absolute beginners, it is still preferred by many entry-level users because it’s completely free.

How to trim a video in Shotcut? Many novices ask this question. This post offers a step-by-step guide to precise cutting.

How to Trim a Video in Shotcut

Fast Track Steps:

  1. Download and install Shotcut.
  2. Add the target video file.
  3. Trim the video in the source clip player or timeline.
  4. Export the result.

Shotcut allows you to trim videos in the source clip player or on the timeline. Here are the detailed steps.

Option 1. Trim a Video in the Source Clip Player

1. Import the video

Open Shotcut and start a new project. Click File > Open File to open the file explorer and browse for the video you’d like to trim. Select the video and click Open to add the video to the Shotcut playback section. Alternatively, you can directly drag the video to the playlist section of Shotcut.

2. Trim the video

Click the Play button to stop the video playback. In the preview section, drag the starting edge of the clip and move it to the right, then drag the end edge to the left. You can drag the edge many times to trim the video to meet your needs.

Shotcut interface showing how to trim a video in the source clip player.

3. Save the video

Click the Export button from the toolbar at the top of the screen to open the Presets window. Then click Default under Stock to set it as an H.264/AAC MP4 file. You can also choose other formats.

Next, click the Export File button, enter a file name, choose a destination folder, and click Save to export the trimmed video.

Option 2. Trim a Video on the Timeline

The above part shows you how to trim a video in Shotcut before adding it to the timeline, and this part will describe how to trim a video after putting it on the timeline.

1. Add video to the timeline

Open Shotcut, click File > Open File to open the target video, then drag the clip to the timeline. Or drag a video to the playlist, and then drag it to the timeline.

2. Trim the video

On the timeline, hover over the start or end of the video until the double-headed arrow appears. Then, drag the arrow inward to remove unwanted parts from the beginning or end of the video.

Shotcut interface showing how to trim a video on the timeline.

Option 3. Split a Video on the Timeline

1. Add the target video clip to the timeline.

2. Move the playhead to the place where you want to cut the video, then click the Split At Playhead button or press S on your keyboard. You can repeat this step many times to get multiple cuts.

Shotcut interface with the selected Split At Playhead button on the timeline toolbar.

3. To delete a segment, select it on the timeline and click the Ripple Delete button

User friendliness doesn’t exactly spring to mind when thinking of Shotcut, but everything you need to cut a video is there, and it shouldn’t take you long to get to grips with the interface.https://www.techradar.com/reviews/shotcut-2203

How to Trim a Video in MiniTool MovieMaker

Fast Track Steps:

  1. Download and install MiniTool MovieMaker.
  2. Add the video to the timeline.
  3. Drag the trim icon to set the start and end points of the desired clip.
  4. Save the final result.

As one of the most user-friendly video editing software options, MiniTool MovieMaker is a great choice for beginners. It’s also one of the best alternatives to Shotcut. Thanks to its intuitive, drop-and-drop interface, it’s easy to trim, split, and crop videos, apply effects, add text, and more.

Here is how to trim a video:

1. Install the Video Trimmer

Download and install the software on your Windows PC.

2. Add the Video

Run the software and close the pop-up window to access the main interface. Then, click Import Media Files on the left side to add your video. Next, drag and drop it to the timeline.

3. Trim the Video

Hover over either end of the video clip until the Trim icon appears, then drag it inward to trim unwanted footage from the beginning or end.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface showing how to trim a video.

4. Export the Video

Click Export in the upper-right corner. On the Export window, configure the save path, format, resolution, and frame rate. Finally, click Export again to begin rendering the video.

Trimming is intuitive. You drag the left or right edge of your clip in the timeline to shorten it, or you can use the Split tool to cut it at the cursor location. There’s no chance of having empty space in your video, since the clips always snap together after you make a trim.https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/minitool-moviemaker

Conclusion

You can follow the steps to trim videos in Shotcut easily. If you want a modern alternative, then MiniTool MovieMaker is a reliable choice.

People Also Ask

Can I crop a video in Shotcut?
Yes, you can crop a video in Shotcut.
1. Add the desired video to the timeline.
2. Click Filters at the top of the interface.
3. On the left side, click the plus (+) icon in the Filters panel and type crop into the search bar.
4. Choose a way to crop the video. Crop: Rectangle, Crop: Circle, or Crop: Source.
5. Depending on your chosen method, make the necessary settings on the left panel to crop the video.
6. Save and export the video.
Can CapCut trim a video?
Yes, you can trim a video in CapCut.
1. Open the desktop app and open a project or start a new one.
2. Click Import to add a video and drag it to the timeline.
3. Hover over either edge of the video on the timeline and drag the trim handle.
4. Export the video.
Do YouTubers use Shotcut?
Yes, some YouTubers use Shotcut to edit and create videos, especially beginners, budget creators, and users with low-spec computers.
Can I trim a video on my phone?
Yes, you can trim a video on your phone using the built-in tools, such as Apple Photos or Google Photos. You can also use other apps like CapCut, InShot, and VN to trim and edit your footage.
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