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To cut a section from a video in VLC on Windows, show the Record control, start playback at the point you want, and click Record to begin. Click Record again at the endpoint. VLC saves the captured playback as a separate file; check the result because this is a simple playback-based extract, not a frame-accurate editing timeline.
How to cut a video in VLC on Windows
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Install VLC if needed. Download it from VideoLAN’s official Windows download page. VideoLAN describes VLC as free and open source; check the page for the current Windows version, since version listings can change.
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Open the source video in VLC.
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Reveal the Record button. Select View > Advanced Controls. VideoLAN’s VLC Desktop documentation says this displays an advanced toolbar above the playback controls, including Record.
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Go to the desired start point. Play or seek through the video. You can pause and reposition before recording. Frame-by-frame movement may help you position playback, but it does not guarantee a frame-accurate exported cut.
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Guermok Video Capture Card, 4K USB3.0 HDMI to USB C, 1080P 60FPS & 2K 30FPS | Capture Card for Streaming, Compatible with iPad Mac OS Windows, Quest 3, OBS, PS5/4, Switch2/1, Xbox, Camera (Silver)- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
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- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
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Start recording. Click the Record button, usually shown as a red circle, when the portion you want begins.
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Stop at the endpoint. Click Record again when the portion you want ends. VideoLAN documents the button as starting and stopping a recording of the audio or video currently playing.
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Find and review the saved file. Play it back and check the beginning, ending, picture, and sound before deleting or replacing the source.
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Where VLC saves the recording
VLC saves recordings to the default folder for videos or music on your computer. The exact folder can vary with Windows configuration and VLC build, so check or change it in Tools > Preferences (or press Ctrl+P), then open Input/Codecs > Files. VideoLAN documents this setting in its recording instructions.
Rank #3
- 【4K HDMI Input, 2K@30Hz Recording】Powered by a true USB 3.0 high-speed interface, the capture card supports up to 4K@30Hz HDMI input and records at 2K@30Hz or 1080P@60Hz. Perfect for gamers, streamers, and professionals who need crisp, smooth video for live streaming, gameplay recording, or online meetings.
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- 【Wide Compatibility & Multi-Device Support】Compatible with Windows 7 8 10 11, macOS, Linux,Android and supports most popular software such as OBS, Zoom, VLC, Twitch Studio, and more. Works seamlessly with PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch, DSLR cameras, TV boxes, and other HDMI-output devices for streaming to YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- 【What You Get】Includes: HDMI Capture Card, USB 3.0 to USB-C Adapter, User Manual. Tips: Make sure your tablet’s OTG function is enabled before connecting. Test your HDMI device with a monitor first to confirm video and audio output, then connect to the Video Capture Card for recording.
What VLC’s Record method can—and can’t—do
The Record control captures content VLC is playing. It is useful for making a quick extract without opening a separate editor, but it does not provide a timeline for arranging edits. The reviewed documentation does not establish frame-accurate in and out points, a universal output extension, or identical output behavior for every codec, input file, and VLC version. Check the saved clip rather than assuming those details.
VLC’s separate video-recording documentation covers capture jobs such as recording video, including profile and destination choices. That is a different workflow from recording a segment of a video already playing in VLC.
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When to use a dedicated video editor
Use VLC for a straightforward one-off segment when a playback-based recording is sufficient. Choose a dedicated editor if you need multiple cuts, clip rearrangement, titles, transitions, precise frame-level boundaries, or a repeatable non-destructive timeline. VLC’s documented Record workflow captures playback; it does not provide those timeline-editing controls.
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Best Value
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
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