- Rachel Bistricer
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
We’ve all been there you capture the perfect moment but the video starts five seconds too early with a shot of the floor, or ends with an awkward fumble as you reach for the stop button. Or maybe you have a long recording of a meeting or event but you only need to share one specific highlight. Sharing the whole raw video file is messy and wastes your viewers' time.
The solution is simple, trimming. It’s the most fundamental video editing skill, yet it makes the biggest difference in how professional your content looks. Removing the fluff and focusing on the action keeps your audience engaged and gets your message across clearly. The best part? You don’t need a film degree or expensive software to do it.
Whether you’re a business owner, a creator or just someone who is understand how to create a video that needs to be trimmed, this guide will show you exactly how to trim videos quickly and efficiently.
TL;DR: How to trim videos
Cutting the excess footage is the first step to a polished video. Here's the cheat sheet to getting it done.
Step | Action | Why it matters |
01. Pick your tool | Choose a video editor like Wixel or built-in app. | Gives you the platform to make your edits. |
02. Import footage | Upload or drag your video into the editor. | Gets your raw file ready for work. |
03. Find the cut points | Watch and mark where the action starts/ends. | Identifies the exact moments you want to keep. |
04. Make the trim | Drag the edges or use the split tool. | Removes the unwanted footage permanently. |
05. Preview the edit | Watch the new version to check flow. | Ensures the cut feels natural and smooth. |
06. Export & save | Save the file as a new video. | Finalizes your changes without losing the original. |
How to trim videos in 6 steps
Ready to clean up your clips? Follow these six steps to cut the clutter and keep the quality.
01. Choose the right video editor
The first thing you need is a pair of digital scissors. Luckily, you have plenty of options. If you're on a smartphone, your built-in gallery app likely has basic trimming features. For desktop users, standard media players often include simple edit tools.
However, if you want more precision or plan to do more than just chop off the ends, you might want a more robust tool. Wixel offers an intuitive video maker and editor that makes how to edit videos and trimming effortless while giving you access to AI-powered features for future edits.
Choose a tool that fits your workflow—if you just need a quick fix, keep it simple. If you’re building a larger graphic design project, go for a dedicated video editor.
02. Import your video file
Once you’ve opened your chosen video editor, it’s time to bring in your footage. Look for an "Import," "Upload," or "Add Media" button. In many online tools, you can simply drag and drop your file directly from your computer folder onto the editing timeline or canvas.
Its important to organize your files if you're trimming multiple clips. Renaming them (e.g., "Interview_Take_1") before importing can save you a headache later, especially if you have several similar-looking files.
03. Identify your start and end points
Now, play your video. Watch it carefully to find the exact moment where the good stuff begins. Maybe it’s right after the clapperboard snaps, or the moment your subject stops laughing and starts speaking seriously. This is what you need to do next:
Pause the video at that exact spot., this is your In point.
Then, scrub forward to the end of the action—before the camera shakes or someone yells "Cut!"—and pause again. This is your Out point.
Being precise here is key, a video that starts instantly with action grabs attention much faster than one with three seconds of dead air.
04. Trim your video
The exact trimming method depends slightly on your tool but the concept is generally universal.
Drag handles: Most editors have handles at the beginning and end of the video clip on the timeline. Click and drag the left handle to the right until you reach your In point. Then, drag the right handle to the left to reach your Out point.
Split and delete: Alternatively, you can move your playhead (the vertical line marker) to your cut point and use the Split or Cut tool (often looking like a razor blade or scissors). This slices the video in two. Simply click on the unwanted section and hit delete.
05. Review your work
Never export your trimmed video without watching first. Play back your trimmed clip and check:
Does it start abruptly?
Did you accidentally cut off the first word of a sentence?
Does the ending linger too long?
Trimming is often about feeling the rhythm. If the cut feels jarring, undo it and try adjusting by a few frames. You want the start and end to feel intentional. If you're combining multiple trimmed clips, check the transition between them to ensure the flow is smooth and logical.
06. Save and export
Once you are happy with the trim, it’s time to save it. Most editing tools will ask if you want to overwrite the original file or save it as a new copy.
Save as a copy: This is usually the safer bet. It preserves your original raw footage just in case you need to go back and use a different part of it later.
Export settings: Choose a standard video format like MP4 and a resolution that matches your original video (usually 1080p or 4K). Hit export, and your lean, mean, polished video is ready to be shared with the world.
Learn more: How to crop a video
How to trim videos FAQ
Does trimming a video reduce its quality?
If you're just trimming the start and end points and exporting with the same settings (bitrate, resolution) as the original, the quality should remain virtually identical. However, repeatedly re-saving and re-compressing a video file can eventually cause some quality loss, so try to do all your edits in one session.
What's the difference between trimming and cutting?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference.
Trimming usually refers to removing the unwanted beginning or end of a clip (shortening it).
Cutting (or splitting) often refers to slicing a clip in the middle to remove a section or to break it into two separate parts.
Can I trim a video after its been posted?
On most social media platforms (like Instagram or TikTok) or video hosting sites (like YouTube), you cannot change the video file once it is uploaded without losing your views, likes and comments. You'd have to delete the post, trim the file on your device and re-upload it. YouTube Studio is a rare exception that allows for some basic trimming on already uploaded videos but it’s a limited feature.
