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Video cropping means you can cut out an unwanted background or adjust your video layout for a specific content platform. But without the right software, cropping can take hours instead of minutes.
The good news is that plenty of free and paid video cropping software solutions exist. Some form part of a full-featured editing platform, whereas others are purely for cropping. But where do you start on choosing the right one for your needs?
Check out our list of the best video cropping software. We cover free and paid options and help you find the most suitable one.
What is video cropping?
Video cropping allows you to choose the frame size for your video content. You can select video dimensions and what you’d like to appear in your frame. For example, you can use video cropping to adjust your footage to align with the aspect ratio requirements of your chosen publishing platform. Alternatively, you can crop your video frame to zoom in closer to your subject or obscure background details.
What software can I use to crop videos?
There are many software options available to help you crop videos. Some software solutions are based online, while others may require an application download.
By choosing the right video cropping software to suit your needs, you can ensure that you always achieve the best possible quality results.
How to choose a video cropper: What to consider
When choosing a video cropping software tool, there are a few things you should consider.
Quality
First, you need to consider your video project's quality. If you’ve recorded a high-definition video, you don’t want the cropping process to compromise this quality by pixelating your video. Ensure that you select a video cropping tool that preserves visual clarity.
Functionality
Next, think about your software’s functionality. Look for a software tool that provides easy-to-use cropping tools and a range of frame size options. This will help you save time on video editing while ensuring your system can support your production goals.
Cost
Finally, consider the cost of your chosen video cropping tool. Some software programs may be available for free. Others may require a purchase to access the full suite of editing tools or to save video without a watermark. Aim to balance your requirements with your budget.
10 best free & paid video cropping software
Fortunately, there are many excellent video cropping software systems on the market, with free and paid tools available. You’re bound to find a program that works for you from our list below:
5 best free video cropping software
Looking for free video cropping software? Try these tools!
1. Online Video Cutter
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Price: Free
Compatibility: Online
The Online Video Cutter tool offers simplicity! This platform lets users quickly and easily upload video content, trim content length, and adjust cropping settings. The system is 100% web-based with no download required, and it includes in-built security features so that you know your data is protected.
Key features
- Web-based free video editing tools
- Both cropping and trimming functionalities included
- Automatic file deletion process for optimal security
How to crop videos with Online Video Cutter
To crop videos with Online Video Cutter, simply navigate to the site and choose ‘open file’. Select your video file, and choose the crop icon from the menu bar at the top of your screen. Then click and drag the cropping box to frame your video.
2. Free Video Cropper
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Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows
The Free Video Cropper is a part of Easy Video Maker software. It is a user-friendly cropper available free of charge. This program supports a range of video file types. Users can input cropping dimensions, relying on digital automatic to crop content without distortion. The system is easy for beginners and creates videos compatible with most major publishing channels.
Key features
- 100% free video cropping tools available
- Wide variety of popular video formats supported
- User-friendly tools that simplify the production process
How to crop videos with Free Video Cropper
To crop your video, first download and install the application. Upload content to Free Video Cropper. Select the cropping tool to prompt the dialogue box. Then input your cropping specifications before selecting OK to finalize your edits.
3. Clideo
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Price: Free
Compatibility: Online
Clideo helps users quickly and easily crop video content. This web-based software tool offers excellent security and fast video conversion. The platform is intuitive to use so that even complete beginners can create high-quality content.
Key features
- Social media template tools for cropping in just minutes
- Supports all major video file formats
- Intuitive, user-friendly cropping and editing functionality
How to crop videos with Clideo
To get started, select choose file, and upload your chosen video. When your video finishes processing, use the right-side panel to choose your aspect ratio, or click and drag the cropping frame. Export when finalized.
4. Apple Photos
Price: Free
Compatibility: iOS & Mac
Apple Photos is a built-in application for mobile and desktop Apple devices. This app allows users to natively access basic cropping tools with no extra download required. The system also offers template options and other simple editing features.
Key features
- Native cropping and editing functionality
- User-friendly tools that simplify video cropping
- Click-and-drag editing suitable for even complete beginners
How to crop videos with Apple Photos
To crop a video with Apple Photos, simply navigate to the app and select the correct video. Tap the edit button at the top of your screen, followed by the crop icon at the bottom of your screen. (Select the Crop tab from the top on a Mac desktop.) Then press and drag the white frame that appears to alter video size.
5. Google Photos
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Price: Free
Compatibility: Android
Google Photos is Android’s built-in photo and video application. This system allows users to easily adjust video settings and access basic cropping and editing functionalities. The application is simple and intuitive, meaning that even novice users can easily edit.
Key features
- Native, no-download editing and cropping tools
- Cloud storage and media management available
- User-friendly features designed for simplicity
How to crop videos with Google Photos
To crop with Google Photos, you’ll need to access your chosen video file within the app. Select edit, go to the ‘Crop’ tab then use the draggable cropping frame to set the dimensions for your video project.
5 best paid video cropping software
Willing to pay for quality? Try these paid video cropping solutions.
1. Riverside
Price: From free to $24 / month
Compatibility: Online
Riverside is an all-in-one recording and editing platform. You can capture video in up to 4K video resolution with separate tracks for all participants. This gives you more editing control, but there’s no need to use advanced editing software to create professional videos. Riverside’s editor makes video editing as easy as editing a text. The editor comes with Ai transcriptions in over 100 languages that you can use to trim and edit your recordings. You can also choose one of the customizable layouts to crop and setup your video best for your publishing platform.
Key features
- Studio-quality recording tools with 4K video resolution and 48kHZ audio
- Aspect ratio templates based on common social media dimensions
- Intuitive editing tools to suit novices and advanced users alike
- Text-based editing so you can easily create videos by simply editing a transcript
- Automated tools for customizing your layout, background and branding
- Magic Clips creator for effortlessly turning one long-form recording into short shareable clips
How to crop videos with Riverside
To crop a video with Riverside, simply record your video using the platform, then navigate to the editing suite. Here, you can select an aspect ratio that aligns with your project goals.
2. Kapwing
Price: From free to $16 / month
Compatibility: Online
Kapwing is an online video editing software program with great features. This system supports easy video cropping with both custom and preset aspect ratios to choose from. Users can quickly export cropped videos while maintaining the best possible visual quality.
Key features
- User-friendly interface with easy-to-use editing and cropping options
- Both custom and preset aspect ratios available
- Integration with a variety of other video editing functionalities
How to crop videos with Kapwing
Crop videos with Kapwing by navigating to your account and uploading a new video project. Use the panel on the right side of your screen to crop, and select your chosen aspect ratio. Alternatively, click and drag the frame over your video screen to set a custom size.
3. Moviemator
Price: $29.99
Compatibility: Mac or Windows
Moviemator is a downloadable video editing system with advanced features for high-quality editing results. This software tool supports various formats and styles while allowing users to completely control video angles and aspect ratios as required.
Key features
- Advanced video editing tools available
- Intuitive video frame adjustment and cropping functionality
- Range of formats and platforms supported
How to crop videos with Moviemator
To crop a video with Moviemator, download and install the program to your device. Then follow the prompts to upload your video. Select cropping tools, and set a custom or predetermined aspect ratio before finalizing edits and exporting your video project.
4. Zipp Apps Video Editor
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Price: From free to $149.99
Compatibility: Android
The Crop, Cut & Trim Zippo App Video Editor is an Android-compatible app offering professional-looking video results. The system supports easy video resizing, including both preset and custom sizes. This application also allows users to access a variety of other editing tools and functionalities.
Key features
- Intuitive, user-friendly functionalities for editing video content
- Preset templates available alongside custom frames
- Easy export for social media publishing and sharing
How to crop videos with Crop, Cut & Trim Video Editor
To get started, download the Crop, Cut & Trim Video Editor app to your device. Open the app, and upload your video. Then use the editing menu to access cropping tools, applying a custom or preset size before saving and exporting.
5. Filmora
Price: From free to $69.99
Compatibility: iOS
Filmora is ideal for ease of use and editing control. This software solution allows users to easily adjust video settings, including frame size and aspect ratio details. The application supports advanced customization for a range of formats and project types.
Key features
- Wide selection of video editing tools available
- Easy-to-use system for adjusting video settings
- Simple compatibility with a variety of formats and publishing options
How to crop videos with Filmora
To edit with Filmora, you’ll need to download the app to your device. Upload your chosen video files, and navigate to the editing suite. Here, you should select the cropping tools and input your chosen video dimensions. Then save and export.
What is the best video cropper?
There are so many great video cropping options available! It all depends on what you need and what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for all-in-one recording and editing software, we recommend trying Riverside. Riverside supports superior video quality while providing you with easy, intuitive access to extensive cropping options and editing features.
Best video cropping software for Mac
If you’re using a Mac device, you can access Riverside’s online system. Other options include Clideo or another web-based free video editor.
Best video cropping software for Windows PCs
For Windows, you can choose Free Video Cropper, where you can access basic cropping tools completely free of charge.
Best free video cropping software without a watermark
While some free video cropping software come with a watermark on your edited videos, you can definitely find ones without. From the list above you can try Google Photos or Apple Photos.
Best video cropping app for mobile
The best video cropping tool for mobile will depend on your operating system! On an iOS device, you can use Apple Photos, while Android devices offer Google Photos access. There are also several paid apps available, offering more advanced features.
How to crop videos seamlessly with Riverside
Riverside is a high-quality recording and editing tool. The system is simple to use, while ensuring the best quality in the market. Riverside allows users to crop videos automatically, aligning with common aspect ratios. We also offer the option to remove sections from your video or create short, shareable Clips for social media.
Step 1: Log in to your Riverside account, and select your chosen video project from the studio dashboard.
Step 2: Click on your video project, and choose Go to Editor at the top right of your screen.
Step 3: From the menu, choose an aspect ratio. Your options are 9:16 (best for stories), 1:1 (best for social posts), and 16:9 (best for full-length content).
Step 4: Use the text-based editor you can then refine your video with editing and trimming your content. You can also create shareable clips, customize your background and dine-tune your audio automatically.
Step 5: When your video is complete, Export at the top right of your screen to save, download, and share.
Learn more about our editor with the video below:
FAQs on video cropping software
Still unsure about video cropping software? Here are our answers to a few frequently asked questions.
How can I crop a video on my computer for free?
It’s easy to crop a video for free using your computer! All you need to do is choose one of the free video editing tools from our list and ensure it is compatible with your device. Then follow the instructions to get started.
How do you selectively crop a video?
Depending on your software program, you may be able to crop your video content selectively. This is usually easiest when you use click-and-drag cropping tools, as opposed to preset cropping.
Can you crop videos in Windows Media Player?
Windows Media Player will allow you to crop a video. Simply open your project in the app and navigate to the edit menu. Use the rotate and crop tab to access basic cropping tools, including a list of possible aspect ratios.
Want to get started with video editing now? Try Riverside today.
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