- Rachel Bistricer
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Let's say you made a great video but then there’s a problem. Maybe a distracting object is sitting on the edge of the frame, or you filmed horizontally but now you need a vertical version for social media. Whatever the reason, the current video dimensions you have just aren't working. You need to reframe your shot but how do you do that without having to reshoot everything?
The answer is cropping. Unlike learning how to trim a video, which shortens a video’s length, cropping changes its dimensions. It lets you zoom in on the important action, remove unwanted distractions and repurpose your content for different platforms. Learning how to crop a video is a simple video editing skill that gives you incredible control over editing your video and this guide will show you how to do it.
TL;DR: How to crop a video
Getting your video to fit the right frame by cropping it is simple. Here’s a quick overview of the process.
Step | Action | Why it matters |
01. Choose a video editor | Select a video editor with cropping features. | Gives you the software needed to reframe your shot. |
02. Import your clip | Add your video file to the editor. | Loads your footage into the workspace. |
03. Find the crop tool | Locate the crop or transform function. | This is the specific feature that allows you to resize. |
04. Adjust the frame | Drag the corners or choose a preset ratio. | Reshapes the video to your desired dimensions. |
05. Preview the result | Watch the newly framed video. | Ensures you haven't cut off important details. |
06. Export the file | Save your cropped video as a new clip. | Finalizes the changes and creates a shareable file. |
How to crop a video in 6 steps
Follow these six easy steps to crop your video with ease.
01. Select the right video editor
First, you need a tool that can handle cropping. While many basic media players can trim videos, not all of them can crop. For this task, you’ll likely need a dedicated video editor.
Many smartphones have this capability built into their native photo and video editing apps, which is great for quick fixes. For more control, desktop software or a powerful web-based video maker or editor like Wixel is your best bet. These editors generally all offer precise controls and presets for common aspect ratios (like 9:16 for TikTok or 1:1 for Instagram posts), making the job much easier.
Learn more about how to edit a video with AI.
02. Import your video footage
Once you’ve launched your editor, bring your video into the project. Use the Import or Add Media button, or simply drag and drop the file from your computer's folder directly onto the editor's timeline or media bin. Your video will appear in the preview window, showing its original dimensions.
03. Locate the crop function
Now, find the right tool for the job. The name and location will vary depending on your software, but you're generally looking for a button labeled Crop, Transform, or Crop and Rotate.
It’s often represented by an icon of overlapping corners forming a square.
In some editors, you may not see a dedicated Crop button. Instead, you might click directly on the video in the preview window to reveal adjustable handles at its corners and sides. These transform controls often serve the same purpose.
04. Reframe your video
This is where you make your adjustments. You typically have two options:
Freeform crop: Click and drag the handles on the corners or edges of the video frame. This allows you to create a custom-sized frame, which is perfect for zooming in on a specific detail or cutting out an awkward object on the side.
Aspect ratio presets: Most video editors offer a list of preset ratios. This is incredibly useful for social media. If you need a vertical video for Instagram Reels, you can select the "9:16" preset. The tool will automatically create a cropping box with the correct dimensions that you can then move around to frame the best part of the action.
05. Review the new composition
Before you commit, play back the cropped video and pay close attention to the new framing. Did you accidentally cut off someone’s head or a crucial piece of information? Cropping involves zooming in, which can slightly reduce the video’s sharpness, so check to make sure the quality is still good enough.
If the main subject moves around in the video, you may need to use a more advanced feature called keyframing to have the crop-box follow the action. However, for most simple crops, its enough to check that the main subject stays within your new frame for the entire duration of the clip.
06. Export your final video
Once you're satisfied with the new look, it’s time to save your work. Export the video, making sure to save it as a new file so you don't overwrite your original, uncropped footage. Choose your desired resolution—1080p is a safe bet for most web uses—and select MP4 as the video format. Your perfectly framed video is now ready to be shared.
How to crop a video FAQ
What's the difference between cropping and trimming a video?
Trimming affects the length of a video (its duration). It’s like cutting out pages from a book. Cropping affects the dimensions of the video (its frame). It’s like cutting a photo out of a newspaper. You trim to remove unwanted time and you crop to remove unwanted visual space.
Will cropping a video reduce its quality?
Yes, it can. When you crop a video, you are essentially enlarging a smaller portion of the original frame to fill the screen. This is a form of digital zoom, which can result in a loss of sharpness or resolution. If you shoot in a high resolution like 4K, you have much more flexibility to crop without a noticeable drop in quality compared to a standard 1080p video.
How do I crop a video for Instagram or TikTok?
The key is using the correct aspect ratio. For Stories, Reels and TikTok, you need a vertical 9:16 ratio. For a standard Instagram feed post, you can use a square 1:1 ratio or a vertical 4:5 ratio. Use the preset aspect ratios in your video editor to double check that your video fits these platforms perfectly without any awkward black bars.
