Remove unwanted edges
Cut out empty space, a window border, an accidental object or an edge that distracts from the subject.
Crop Video
Remove distracting edges, center the subject or adapt a video to a new aspect ratio with a visual crop editor.
Visual crop boxAspect-ratio presetsPreview before export
Read the full guideCrop Video
Private, browser-based processingFiles selected from your device stay in this browser while they are processed.
Video cropping removes the outer part of every frame and keeps the selected rectangle for the full duration. Use trimming when you need to remove time, and resizing when you want different output dimensions without discarding part of the picture.
1. Select video
Drop a video here
or click to choose a file
Supported formats: MP4, WebM, MOV, MKV, AVI, FLV
Maximum file size: 2 GB
How do I crop a video without stretching it?
Select an aspect ratio, resize and move the crop box over the source frame, then export. Cropping removes pixels outside the box; it does not stretch the retained image. Review the full timeline because a moving subject can leave the crop area later.
Cropping changes composition, not duration
Video cropping removes the outer part of every frame and keeps the selected rectangle for the full duration. Use trimming when you need to remove time, and resizing when you want different output dimensions without discarding part of the picture.
When cropping a video is useful
Reframe a horizontal recording
Create a portrait or square version while placing the important subject inside the new frame.
Focus on a product or speaker
Tighten the frame around the information that matters and remove background space that adds no value.
Standardize a media collection
Give clips from different sources a consistent aspect ratio before merging or publishing them together.
How to crop a video
Add the source
Choose a local file or a public direct URL. Wait for the browser to read the source dimensions and duration.
Choose the target shape
Start with a preset such as 1:1, 9:16, 4:5 or 16:9, or unlock the ratio for a custom rectangle.
Position and size the crop
Move the box over the important subject, then resize it without leaving the source frame. Use the composition grid when alignment matters.
Review motion across the timeline
Scrub and play several points, especially where the camera or subject moves. One fixed crop rectangle is normally applied to every frame.
Export and inspect the result
Choose a supported output format and quality, process the video, then inspect the beginning, middle and end before using the file.
Choose a crop that works for the whole video
Crop and resize are different
Cropping changes which part of the picture remains. Resizing changes pixel dimensions. A crop operation can also encode at new dimensions, but the composition change comes from removing outer pixels.
A fixed crop may not follow motion
Unless the current source includes motion tracking, the crop coordinates remain fixed. Leave enough room for camera movement, gestures and captions that appear later.
Presets describe shape, not platform guarantees
A 9:16 or 1:1 frame is commonly used for vertical or square content, but publishing services can change recommended resolutions, duration and file limits. Check the destination's current requirements before final delivery.
Cropping cannot restore missing detail
A tight crop uses fewer source pixels. Upscaling that crop can make softness, noise and compression artifacts more visible. Start from the highest-quality source you are allowed to use.
Protect text and safe areas
Keep essential text, logos and faces away from the crop boundary. Interfaces can cover edges during playback, and a later edit may require a little extra framing room.
How video data is handled
For a file selected from your device, cropping should run in the current browser when the existing pipeline is client-side. URL mode still contacts the source host. Do not describe remote media as offline, and do not promise that every codec can be processed locally.
Cropping limitations
- A single fixed crop does not automatically follow a moving subject unless motion tracking is actually implemented.
- Very tight crops contain fewer source pixels and can look soft when enlarged.
- Browser memory and codec support determine the practical file size and resolution that can be exported.
- Re-encoding can change file size and introduce generation loss even when the crop itself is correct.
Crop video FAQ
Does cropping shorten the video?
No. Cropping changes the visible rectangle of every frame. Use Video Trimmer or Split Video to remove or separate time ranges.
What is the difference between crop and resize?
Crop removes outer image content to change composition. Resize changes output pixel dimensions and can contain, cover or stretch the picture depending on the selected fit mode.
Will a 9:16 crop automatically follow a person?
Not unless motion tracking is explicitly implemented. A standard crop uses the same coordinates throughout the video, so review scenes with movement before export.
Why are output dimensions slightly different?
Some codecs require even width and height values. The encoder may round one edge by a pixel to create a compatible frame.
Does cropping reduce file size?
It can reduce the number of output pixels, but final size also depends on duration, codec, bitrate, frame rate and audio. A crop alone does not guarantee a smaller file.
Why does the cropped video look blurry?
A tight crop may be enlarged to the selected output size, exposing limited source detail and compression artifacts. Use a larger crop, lower output resolution or a better source.
Can I crop a video from a URL?
Only when the URL points directly to a readable media file and the source permits browser access. CORS, authentication, expiry and byte-range support can prevent loading or export.
Is the original file changed?
No. The tool creates a new output file. Keep the original until you have reviewed the exported video.
Related video tools
Video SubtitleAdd or burn subtitles after the final crop so text stays inside the new frame.Video TrimmerRemove time before or after the useful section.Video ResizerFit the cropped composition into a specific pixel canvas.Video CompressorReduce the file size after the composition is final.Merge VideoCombine clips after standardizing their framing.