This post explains how to trim MP4 videos using MiniTool MovieMaker, Online Video Cutter, and FreeConvert. Select a video editor, upload your MP4 file, drag the sliders, or set the start and end times to trim the video quickly.
Why Should We Trim Videos
- Trim the beginning and end
- Time control
- Moment highlight
In what circumstances do we need to apply the video trimming function to our videos? Here are some situations:
1. Trim beginning and end: Cut off unnecessary startup preparation shots, such as pauses and blank frames, which may increase the audience’s waiting time to enjoy the videos. Remove invalid frames at the end of the video to avoid dragging and make the end part of the videos smooth and efficient, so as to optimize the video content.
2. Time control: If your videos need to be restricted to a duration limit, you can also adopt this method to delete the redundant parts in the beginning and ending clips.
3. Moment highlight: If your shooting purpose is to show only those wonderful moments to the audience, then you can capture the corresponding duration you want by trimming unnecessary content.
How to Trim MP4 Videos
Fast Track Steps:
- Choose an MP4 trimmer.
- Upload the target video.
- Drag the trim handles to select the portion you want to keep.
- Save and export the video.
With the right tool, it is easy to trim MP4 videos. Here are 4 reliable options: MiniTool MovieMaker, Online Video Cutter, and FreeConvert.
| Tool | MiniTool MovieMaker | Online Video Cutter | FreeConvert |
| Platform | Desktop software (Windows) | Web-based (browser) | Web-based (browser) |
| Installation Required | Yes | No | No |
| Maximum File Size | No; depends on local system resources | No upload limit | 1 GB for free users |
| Precision Control | Frame-by-frame editing | Precise start and end time selection | Precise start and end time selection |
| Key Advantage | Full editing suite; Supports multi-track timeline editing. | Quick, simple, and no registration required for basic cuts. No watermark on exported videos. | Frame-accurate cutting with quality preservation |
| Key Limitation | Requires installation; Windows desktop only. | Limited advanced editing capabilities; requires stable internet | Uploading and downloading can take time. |
| Best for | Users who need video trimming and further editing. | Users who need to quickly trim videos. | Users who need to trim or convert videos in different formats. |
Method 1: Use MiniTool MovieMaker
MiniTool MovieMaker is a professional Windows MP4 trimmer. It is free and efficient, especially for novices who are beginning to edit videos. It has a clean and intuitive interface. The software offers all the essential editing features, such as video transitions, trimming, speed changes, keyframes, 4K editing, etc.
When exporting videos, the application allows you to modify the video resolution, frame rate, format (MP4, AVI, MOV, MP3, GIF, etc.), and bitrate.
MiniTool MovieMaker-
Split and trim videos to remove redundance. - Change video aspect ratio to match screen sizes.
- Add bubble texts, bgm, transitions, and more effects.
- Create PiP or split-screen videos by multitrack editing.
How to trim an MP4 video using MiniTool MovieMaker? Here is the guide.
1. Download and install
Download the MP4 trimmer for free and install it on your Windows PC.
2. Import an MP4 file
After opening the software, close the pop-up window to access the main interface. Then, click Import Media Files to choose the MP4 file you want to trim from File Explorer. Next, hover your mouse over the video and click the + icon to add it to the main video track on the timeline.
3. Trim MP4
Hover your mouse over the beginning or end of the video clip. Then, the Trim icon appears; drag the icon inward to trim the unwanted footage and adjust the duration. For precise trimming, don’t forget to zoom in on the timeline.
4. Export video
Then click Export in the upper-right corner to open the export window, where you can select the video resolution, name, save location, file format, and frame rate, etc. Click Export again to save the trimmed video.
Method 2: Use Online Video Cutter
The second MP4 trimmer I’d like to recommend is Online Video Cutter, which is a safe and free online video cutting tool. You can make use of it to achieve video trimming. It supports current mainstream video formats. Online Video Cutter also values data privacy and security. The following steps are for MP4 video trimming:
1. Upload an MP4 file
Visit https://online-video-cutter.com/ in your web browser and click Choose File to import the target MP4 video from your PC.
2. Trim the video
At the bottom of the interface, click and drag either edge of the video track inward to remove unwanted footage from the beginning or end of the clip. Click the Trim/Cut icon to delete the selected middle part and keep the remaining parts at either end.
3. Save video
Click Save to download the trimmed video.
Method 3: Use FreeConvert
There is still another MP4 trimmer named FreeConvert. It is an online file converter that is suitable for many operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux…) and any mobile devices. The following is the video trimming process of FreeConvert:
1. Find the trimmer tool on FreeConvert
Visit www.freeconvert.com. On the main interface, click the Tools option, and click the Trim Video option.
2. Upload an MP4 file
Click the Choose Files button to upload your video from your device.
3. Trim video
Select the duration for the trimming. Select the time where you want to trim the start and end. After setting, click the Trim Video option to trim the video.
4. Download the trimmed video
Just wait for a short time. Then, you can click Download to save the trimmed video file.
Conclusion
After my above elaboration on these 3 cost-effective and useful mp4 trimmers, have you learned and remembered them? Are you clear about how to trim MP4 videos? Are you ready to start your video editing journey? I hope this post can be of help to you and also hope you can enjoy the process of video editing.
People Also Ask
2. Add the MP4 video to the timeline.
3. Click the Crop icon on the timeline toolbar.
4. Drag the crop handles to select the area you want to keep.
5. Save the cropped video.
2. Tap the edit icon.
3. iPhone: drag the border arrows at the beginning or end of the timeline to shorten the clip.
4. Android: go to the Video tab and drag the vertical handles from the start or end to trim the unwanted section.
5. Save the video.
2. Drag and drop your MP4 file into the window.
3. Set start and end points by scrubbing the timeline and clicking the mark-in/mark-out buttons.
4. Export the segment.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Cora is a tech writer specializing in digital media workflows, with over six years of hands-on experience in video post-production, media transcoding, and screen capture. Her writing is always clear and practical. Cora also produces in-depth software reviews for users across skill levels to help them find the right tool and enjoy video editing.
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