All You Need to Know About Using FFmpeg to Trim Video

When we are filming or producing a video, we inevitably record some unnecessary parts. In order to make our videos look more attractive, we often need to use special editing techniques to ensure that the most effective information can be conveyed in the shortest possible time. Moreover, the most basic function of video editing software is to edit the length of the video. FFmpeg is a relatively unique tool to use. It does not provide the function of dragging the progress bar but instead supports users in completing all operations using commands. Therefore, we cannot use some conventional methods when using it. Many users may not know how to use FFmpeg to trim videos. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide and the text commands you may need. We have conducted real trials before writing the content. You can refer to it with confidence.

Part 1. Use FFmpeg to Trim Video

FFmpeg is a professional multimedia file editor. It can cut the length of videos, convert video formats, and output files in a lossless format. However, it does not have a colorful interface or buttons like other applications. Users generally need to download it to the computer first and then enter the corresponding code instructions. The instructions must include the name of the file to be processed and the name of the function. Therefore, it is more suitable for users with experience. Of course, if you are a novice, you can also refer to the guides uploaded by other users. In this section, we will give you a detailed introduction to how to use FFmpeg to cut videos without losing quality.

Here is what you need to do to achieve this operation.

Trim Using A Duration

To use FFmpeg to trim a video and remove a certain part of it, you need to locate that part first. We generally call this operation seeking parameter -ss. If we want to start editing from the fifth second of the video, it is equivalent to calling FFmpeg seek to the 5th second. Then, the FFmpeg command to trim the video we need is as follows.

./ffmpeg -ss -i …….

In the place where the word time is located, we need to enter the starting point of the video clip and the length of the edited-out clip. After -ss, we first mark the beginning of the edit.

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss 00:00:50 -t (length) -c:v copy -c:a copy output1.mp4

Okay, now we can tell FFmpeg where we want to go. Here, we take the fifth second of the video as an example. In the part where we indicate the length, we need to add the length of the edited clip. We use -t to bring up the specific number.

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss 00:00:50 -t 00:10:00 -c:v copy -c:a copy output1.mp4

This command means that we want to start editing from the fifth second of the video and that the edited clip will be 10 minutes long. In other words, we will export the clip that starts at the fifth second and ends at the tenth-fifth second.

Trim Using A Specific Time

Another way is to indicate the end of the fragment directly.

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss 00:00:50 -to 00:00:08 -c:v copy -c:a copy output1.mp4

Just by adding an o, the meaning of this command is completely different. It means that we will cut out the part that starts at the fifth second and ends at the tenth second. In other words, the length of the exported clip is 5 seconds.

We should preferably not use both -t and -to. In this case, only the meaning of -t will take effect.

Trim the End of the Video

In addition to cutting out part of video with FFmpeg, we can also use FFmpeg to cut end of video. The command we will use here is a variation of the seeking command, namely -sseof.

ffmpeg -sseof -N -i input.mp4 -c copy output5.mp4

In place of N, we need to fill in the length of the clip we want to edit, i.e., the number of seconds at the end. For example, when we want to cut the last five minutes, the command used is as follows.

ffmpeg -sseof -300 -i input.mp4 -c copy output5.mp4

You can also choose to enter the numbers in minutes format.

ffmpeg -sseof -00:05:00 -i input.mp4 -c copy output5.mp4

The meaning of the above two commands is the same.

This is the command you need to use FFmpeg to cut video by time. Once you have the command, you just need to make sure that FFmpeg is installed on your computer, enter the video you want to edit, and adjust your command according to the above example to complete the operation successfully.

Part 2. My Feeling About Using FFmpeg to Cut Video

We have also had ample opportunity to experience the capabilities of FFmpeg when preparing the content of our instructions and have some opinions about its performance. You can decide whether or not to choose it as your assistant based on our experiences.

Works Very Quickly

FFmpeg is very fast at processing tasks. After we enter the command, it can automatically complete all operations. Compared with traditional video editors, using FFmpeg to cut videos means we no longer need to adjust the progress bar bit by bit manually. Best of all, it's free.

Has A Strong Community Support

FFmpeg has been around for a long time. Because it is very powerful and runs very stably, it has accumulated a large number of loyal users. FFmpeg often publishes detailed operating guides on different platforms, so when we encounter problems during operation, we can find many reliable answers.

Not Friendly to New Beginners

FFmpeg is not the best choice for users who are not familiar with the code. After entering the command, we cannot visually see the editing process and result. To determine the start and end points of the edit, we also have to watch the original video and locate the precise point in time. For some users, it is better to use the traditional video trimmer directly and manually control it precisely.

Cannot Preview

When we use FFmpeg to trim video length, we cannot preview and make timely adjustments before the output result. Therefore, if we are not satisfied with the result, we have to repeat the editing process over and over again.

Part 3. Tips of Using FFmpeg to Trim Video

Find the Right Moment

Before starting the operation, we must remember the starting point of the edited clip; the more accurate, the better, so that we do not need to make too many adjustments in the later stage.

Do Not Confuse Commands

The most important thing to pay attention to when using FFmpeg to clip video is the command. A command involves many letters and numbers. Many commands have a similar structure, such as -t and -to. Although they are only one letter apart, they represent different meanings. Therefore, we must remember their rules well and choose the one that meets our needs.

Part 4. Best Alternative Way

Suppose you encounter problems while splitting videos with FFmpeg, such as finding it too cumbersome to use codecs or wanting to preview the result before exporting the video. In that case, we recommend using an FFmpeg alternative, Vidmore Video Converter , a professional video editor. It provides a beautiful video editing window and allows users to view the editing effects at any time. In addition to video editing, it also has other FFmpeg functions, such as converting video formats and cropping frames.

Here is what you need to do to trim videos using Vidmore Video Converter.

Step 1. Download and install the Vidmore Video Converter on your device. Open it, and click Add Files to upload your video.

Step 2. Click the Cut button. A trim window will be launched. You can adjust the video length here. You can choose Save to keep the change.

Step 3. Finally, click Convert All to export your video.

Part 5. FAQs of Using FFmpeg to Trim Video

Can you edit videos with FFmpeg?

Of course, it can. It can edit the length of videos and convert formats. It supports more than 100 codecs and can handle all kinds of multimedia files.

How to resize a video using FFmpeg?

Use the command ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf “scale=length:width” output.mp4. Complete it with the actual value of your target length and width—for example, 1280:720.

How to crop mp4 FFmpeg?

Use the command ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -filter:v “crop=w:h:x:y” output.mp4. Replace input.mp4 with the name of your file, and replace w:h:x:y depending on your needs.

Conclusion

This is a complete guide to using FFmpeg to trim videos. We have listed the commands you may need and pointed out the differences between them. Based on our real-life experience, you can decide whether to use FFmpeg. If you want to use a more intuitive video editing software, we recommend Vidmore Video Converter.