Raw video files are never perfect; the footage always requires post-shooting editing, including resizing, adjusting the color palette, combining with audio or other elements, and cropping. You can easily crop a video clip with the help of built-in system tools, online solutions, or complex and costly professional software. Each approach has its advantages and drawbacks, which we'll cover in detail.

By the end of the article, you'll be able to distinguish between cropping, trimming, resizing, and zooming. You'll also learn how this technique can enhance your YouTube video and other visual content, and when exactly it should be applied. We'll also provide tips on how to crop a video most efficiently and a list of modern video cropper tools. Continue reading, and learn to crop videos like a pro!

Introduction to video cropping

Video cropping is a technique for resizing a frame and cutting out unwanted elements or distracting parts. Depending on the content type, it can be performed on video clips, GIFs, and still images during photo editing.

The importance of cropping videos

There are several main reasons why you might need to crop a video:

  • To remove unwanted portions and extra elements, such as strangers in the background, cityscape details, recognizable landmarks, someone's reflection in the mirror, etc..
  • To refine a frame by deleting watermarks or black sidebars.
  • Enhancing the composition and making the clip more engaging will draw viewers' attention to the most important part, such as the main character or a significant element.
  • To change the aspect ratio to optimize your video for social media. Each resource has its own specifications. For example, YouTube is designed for horizontal (16:9) recordings, so even though it accepts other aspect ratios, such as vertical (9:16), square (1:1), or custom ones, they display with black borders. There are also recommended sizes in pixels and other parameters to meet, which can be changed with the help of cropping.

Distinguishing various techniques

We have just explained what it means to crop videos. This technique is often mistaken for others that appear similar but aim to achieve different goals. But for the cropping, your video editor can also offer the following functions:

Trimming. This technique shortens the recording by removing the footage. It's a video duration that changes, not the frame.

Scaling. This technique changes the size of the frame without removing any parts of it. This way, the edited video can fit another aspect ratio while still maintaining the original visual. A point to consider: if you enlarge your video scale, the output might be blurred, as scaling affects resolution.

Zooming. While scaling changes the whole video file, zooming affects only a part of the frame. Technically, it's a combination of zooming and cropping, as it enlarges an image and removes everything that's outside the frame.

Understanding the aspect ratio

When editing, it is essential to consider the aspect ratio. This term is used to describe the correlation between the clip's width and height. There are several most popular and widely used aspect ratios:

  • Horizontal or Landscape (Widescreen, 16:9) is commonly used for full-screen high-definition videos, such as YouTube content and streaming.
  • Vertical or Portrait (9:16) is the standard format for platforms like TikTok and other smartphone-oriented apps.
  • Square (1:1) is the default aspect ratio for Instagram posts.
  • Standard (4:3), a classical ratio for old films and TV programs.
  • Ultrawide (21:9). An aspect ratio for video games.
  • Smartphone screen (2:1). This ratio means the screen is twice as wide as it is tall, which typically corresponds to holding the phone in a landscape, or horizontal, orientation.

Usually, video editors allow you to crop videos, even without adhering to a specific aspect ratio. Crop tools can help you set up custom dimensions of any width and height you need. Just remember that in such a case, your video clip may be incompatible with most platforms; you'll have to resize it anyway.

With a clear understanding of aspect ratio, let's explore how you can crop videos on various devices.

Cropping videos on various devices

Personally, I belong to the traditional school of video editing. I prefer cropping videos on my PC, where I can open a full-screen cropping window and use a mouse to select the necessary area. However, my method is far from the only valid one. Let's have a look at all the options on the table.

Tools for cropping on desktop

Windows users can avail of the built-in Photos app. If you want to crop a video on a Mac device, you'll have to master the iMovie application. It doesn't have inbuilt solutions, but you can install additional software, such as GNOME Video Editor or Kdenlive. Also, you can easily crop videos with the help of professional paid tools (like Adobe Premiere Pro).

Tools for cropping on mobile

Android devices often feature pre-installed Google Photos, and Samsung users can crop a video in the Samsung Gallery. iPhones with iOS 13 and more have the Photos app. Paid solutions look like more video editors with expanded functionality and advanced features and include KineMaster, Adobe Premiere Rush, etc.

Online cropping tools

Online video cropper tools allow users to edit their visuals without installing any additional software and wasting the device's memory. The output is often stored in cloud storage, hence it's accessible from any gadget.

Depending on the service you use, you can also edit your video clip in other ways (change a color palette, rotate it, add stickers, apply various video effects, etc.) and post it to the chosen social media right away, without previous downloading.

Some of the most popular solutions include Clideo and Adobe, among others.

Video cropping mistakes to avoid

Before you start using any cropping tool, take a moment to check these important tips to avoid common mistakes that can easily happen when cropping videos (trust me, they are more common than you would think):

  • Don't overcrop your video, as you can remove important parts or ruin the composition. The temptation to trim extensively is understandable, but resist it — what seems unnecessary now might prove crucial later.
  • Mind the aspect ratio to ensure compatibility and proper display on different platforms. Different social media channels and devices have their own preferences (e.g., Instagram Stories vs. YouTube vs. TikTok), so this consideration is vital.
  • Avoid cutting off key subjects, even if they seem insignificant in the current frame. What appears unimportant at first glance might become the focal point in subsequent scenes, so exercise caution here.
  • Always keep the original video safe, as cropping is often irreversible. This backup approach will save you countless headaches down the road.
  • Check the output on various screen sizes to prevent compatibility issues across devices. Your video might look perfect on your computer monitor but appear completely different on mobile screens, tablets, or other viewing platforms.
  • Choose the correct technique for your goal. Don't confuse cropping with zooming or reframing. These are distinct processes with different outcomes, and mixing them up can lead to suboptimal results (or worse, technical mishaps).
  • Maintain consistency in cropping and editing styles across all parts of your video project. Inconsistent approaches create a jarring viewing experience that can distract from your content's message and overall quality.
  • Avoid unnecessary cropping when the frame is already good as is. Sometimes, the original composition is perfect, and any additional modifications only detract from its natural flow and visual appeal.
  • Consider other elements that will appear later, such as subtitles, to avoid cutting them off. Forward-thinking during the cropping process prevents awkward text placement and ensures all components work harmoniously together.

How to crop a video online using Clideo

Now that you're familiar with the basics and common pitfalls, let's look at one of the easiest ways to crop a video online — using Clideo's video editor. This powerful online, multifunctional tool can replace a full range of niche services. It is available both as a web solution and an iOS app, but whichever you choose has a user-friendly interface and is intuitively comprehensive.

When I need to add text, GIFs, music with images, or stickers, Clideo's editor is my favorite choice. Here's a simple step-by-step instruction on how to crop your video and get the result in no time:

  1. Open the tools' page and click the "Get started" button. Then upload your file: you can select a clip from your device or import it from the cloud.
  2. First, you need to specify the final canvas size you need. Open the "Canvas" tab and choose the preset you need, for example, Square.
  3. Now let's crop the video to match this desired canvas. Select the media on the timeline or in the preview screen to open its settings and hit the "Crop" button.
  4. Select the square (1:1) preset or use the "Freeform" option and drag the yellow crop handles to set up the video frame as you need. Rotate, move, drag to find the ideal composition. Crop the video by hitting the "tick" icon at the top right of the cropping section to confirm your choice.
  5. Click "Fit" to match the cropped video with your canvas. Make other edits if necessary. You can always reverse any changes by clicking the left-facing arrow in the top right corner.
  6. To save video edits, click the "Export" button at the top right and select the export setting you need.
  7. Review your newly cropped video, and, if all looks fine, download it.

To crop videos without additional editing, you can use Clideo's simple video cropping tool that offers a crop option only along with a few extra useful perks, such as converting your video to a different format and creating a custom crop size.

If you want to learn more about Clideo tools and features, you can always find additional information in the Help Center.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the easiest way to crop a video on a Windows computer?

The Photos app or an online solution from Clideo will do the magic.

Can I crop a video on my iPhone?

You can crop videos with the help of the Photos app or use free online tools that work in your browser.

How do I maintain the aspect ratio while cropping a video?

The exact algorithm depends on the tool in use, but generally, look for an aspect ratio lock icon to maintain proportions while cropping.

Can I crop a video to custom dimensions or aspect ratios?

Yes, you can use tools like Clideo's mini Crop Tool to easily crop videos to your desired sizes or different aspect ratios.

What is the most common mistake when cropping videos?

The most frequent mistake is overcropping, which can remove important parts of the video or ruin its composition.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, by cropping videos, you can effectively enhance their composition and viewers' engagement. You may also choose to crop a video clip to post it on a specific social media platform.

The right tool lets you crop a video on any device and perform additional actions without looking for additional tools or services. Depending on your goals, you can use professional video editing software, the built-in system tools, or online options like Clideo's video editor.