Trimming Video with MPEG Streamclip

Out of a fifteen minute video there is only three good minutes. What if you just want to snip a section of a video? You don’t want to edit but you just want to extract a segment from your recording. MPEG Streamclip has a trimming tool to help you extract a video.

As a reminder, MPEG Streamclip can open the following video file extensions: .ts, .ps, .vob, .vro, .dat, .vdr, .pvr, .rec, .mpeg, .mpg, .m2p, .m2t, .mts, .m2v, .m1v, .mpv, .mmv, .mod, .vid, .avr, .dcm, .tp, .tp0, .trp, .tod, .mov, .dv, .avi, .mp4, .m4v, .divx.

If your video is an .mpeg or you are trying to extract from a DVD you will need to purchase the QuickTime MPEG add-on. There is a version for Mac users and for PC users.

The current version 1.2.1b6 of the software will not work with AVCHD  or .wmv type videos. You will have to find a way to convert them before using the software.

I am using the menu for this demo but it is quicker to use the keyboard shortcuts.

Step 1. Open the program and locate the video you want to edit.

Step 2. Select the video you want to trim.

Step 3. Locate the Playerhead at the bottom of the screen. Click your left mouse button (PC Users) and press down it as you move the Playhead to the right. Release when you are at the starting point of your trim. This is the in-point or the start of your trim.

Step 4. Next, go to the Edit menu and select the Select In point command.

Step 5. Move the Playhead to the desired end point of your video. Return to the Edit Menu and Select the Select Out point command.

The Trim command will remove anything before the start point and end point of the video. Now that you have your in and outpoint set you are ready to trim the video.

Step 6. One more time, return to the Edit Menu and select the Trim command.

The video will be trimmed. Once trimmed you can export the video.

For example, you could export the trimmed video as an AVI:

You have options on changing the sound, the frame size or if you are working with interlaced video to de-interlace it. When you are ready, click the Make AVI button.

This is really important, save the trimmed video with a different name. Adding a number works fine. Also know where you are saving the trimmed video so that you don't have to go hunting for it.

Using the Trim command can be a time saver, you can rescue a good segment from a blah video and either upload to your video distribution service or edit in another program.

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