How to Trim a Video in VLC and Save the Clip
Use VLC's recording controls to save part of a video, find the recorded file, and choose a browser range export when you need several clips.
By VideoMultiCut · Published · Updated
Record the portion during playback
VLC can save a portion of a video by recording its playback. Open the source, seek near the beginning of the portion you need, start recording, and stop recording at the end. You then have a new file to open and check.
This method suits a short excerpt you are watching. For several ranges whose start and end times you already know, VideoMultiCut provides a clip list with separate boundary fields and downloads.
Use VLC's Record control
On the desktop interface described in VideoLAN's guide, View > Advanced Controls exposes the Record button. The Playback menu also provides Record. Menu placement varies across desktop platforms, so use the available Record command when your interface differs.
Start normal playback at the desired point, turn recording on, and turn it off at the ending point. VLC saves recordings in the computer's default video or music storage folder, with names beginning vlc-record. In the Windows-style interface, Tools > Preferences > Input/Codecs lets you choose the recordings folder. Check that location when a clip seems to be missing.
Check the recorded boundaries
Open the new file from its saved location. The source continuing to play in VLC does not show you what the recorded file actually contains. Listen to the first sentence and check the last visible action in the saved clip.
For example, to keep a repair step around 01:12 to 01:28, watch for the hand reaching the connector and the finished connection. If the saved clip starts after the explanation, record again with more lead-in. Leave the original recording intact while you check the new file.
A clip made through playback recording should not be assumed to begin on the exact frame where you pressed Record. If precise boundaries matter, compare the downloaded result with the source or use an editor that offers the required accuracy.
Enter several ranges in VideoMultiCut
Choose the local video in VideoMultiCut and confirm that picture and sound play. A file VLC can decode may use a codec your browser cannot open. If the browser preview fails, use VLC for the supported recording workflow or prepare a compatible copy before trying the browser again.
Create a clip and enter Start 72 and End 88 for the example repair step. Name it connect-cable. Add a second range for the later test, using the source times for that action, and name it test-connection. The two selections remain available while you export each file.
Previewing a range checks your selection. Export it and open the downloaded file to check the encoded result. VideoMultiCut re-encodes the selected video and does not guarantee lossless output or frame-perfect boundaries.
Keep a recognizable name for each result
Rename a VLC recording after you have checked it, so it is recognizable among other vlc-record files. With VideoMultiCut, set the clip name before exporting. Keep the source timestamp in your notes if you will need to revisit the full recording.
The excerpt should play from its own beginning in the destination app. A source timestamp such as 01:12 becomes the start of the extracted clip. Check one saved file in the player where you intend to use it before recording or exporting the rest.