How to Crop Video on iPhone

 

 

 Table of Contents

 

- Introduction

- Accessing the Photos App to Select Videos

- Choosing the Video File to Crop

- Opening the Editing Tools to Crop

- Using the Crop Tools to Change Framing

- Adjusting the Crop Box Precisely

- Changing Aspect Ratio for Social Media

- Cropping Vertically for Instagram or TikTok

- Cropping Horizontally for Landscape Video

- Cropping Into Square Aspect Ratio

- Using Rotate and Straighten Before Cropping

- Zooming In to Crop Details

- Panning to Re-position Crop Frame

- Cropping Out Unwanted Areas or Subjects

- Highlighting Subjects by Cropping Background

- Previewing the Crop Changes in Real Time

- Saving the Cropped Video

- Finding the Newly Cropped Version

- Checking Crop Quality Before Sharing

- Cropping Multiple Sections of One Video

- Doing Additional Edits After Cropping

- Cropping Existing Videos from Your Library

- Cropping Videos Just Recorded on iPhone

- FAQs

 

 Introduction

 

Cropping video clips on an iPhone is a useful skill for any content creator :smile:. The built-in Photos app makes it easy to edit and adjust framing right on your device. By cropping videos, you can reframe shots, highlight subjects, remove distractions, and tailor aspect ratio for sharing on social media. With iOS's intuitive editing tools, you can produce perfectly cropped square, vertical, or widescreen videos in just minutes! Read on to learn how to crop videos directly on your iPhone with step-by-step instructions using the Photos app. We'll cover how to access the editor, use cropping tools precisely, adjust aspect ratios, save edits, and everything in between. Let's dive in and elevate your iPhone videography!

 

 Accessing the Photos App to Select Videos

 

The first step in cropping a video on iPhone is accessing the Photos app. This is the default app for viewing all your photos and videos in one place. To find it, swipe left on your home screen to browse all your iPhone's built-in apps.

 

You should see the Photos icon, which looks like a colorful pinwheel of images. Tap to open it.

 

If you can't locate the Photos app, try searching for it using the search bar at the top of your home screen. Just type "photos" and tap the app icon to launch it.

 

With Photos now open, you can access your video collection to choose a clip to crop. By default, your photos and videos will be organized into albums and memories.

 

Tap into the Albums tab at the bottom of the screen to browse albums. Or check Recently Added to see your latest videos ready for cropping.

 

Once you've found your video masterpiece begging to be cropped, tap to open it.

 

 Choosing the Video File to Crop

 

Now that you've accessed and opened the Photos app on your iPhone, it's time to select the specific video you want to crop.

 

Your videos will be sorted into various albums and categories, with options to browse as follows:

 

- Albums: This organizes your videos into albums like Camera Roll, Selfies, Screenshots and more based on metadata. Tap into albums to find videos.

 

- Recently Added: See your latest videos here in chronological order. Scroll to browse recently recorded clips.

 

- Media Types: Videos are sorted by content types like Videos, Selfies, Screen Recordings, etc.

 

- Places: Videos are grouped based on location metadata if available.

 

- Favorites: Videos you've marked as favorites are located in this album.

 

Tap into any album or category, then continue tapping a video to open it. You can also search using the bar at the top to find a specific video by name.

 

Once you've found the video you want, tap to open it into fullscreen portrait or landscape view. Now you're ready to move on to cropping!

 

 Opening the Editing Tools to Crop

 

With your chosen video open in Photos, it's time to access the editing suite to start cropping.

 

Look for the word "Edit" in the upper right corner. Tap it to launch the editing interface.

 

At the very bottom, you'll see a row of editing tools like filters, cropping, and more.

 

Find the crop icon, usually on the far left. Tap "Crop" to open the crop editing window.

 

If you don't see the Edit option, make sure you have an actual video selected, not a photo. The editing tools will only appear for video clips and Live Photos.

 

Once Crop is selected, you'll see the video filled the screen with cropping guides visible. Now just adjust the frame to your desired crop!

 

 Using the Crop Tools to Change Framing

 

After tapping the Crop tool, you'll enter the cropping interface. This gives robust controls to change video framing and perspective:

 

Corner Handles: Drag these in or out to resize the entire crop area and change framing.

 

Lock Aspect Ratio: Pick from preset ratios like Original, Square, 16:9, etc.

 

Move Tool: Pan the crop box around to reposition the framing.

 

Straighten: Rotate to fix a crooked horizon line.

 

Reset: Undo all cropping to start over.

 

Done: Save crop edits and return to viewer.

 

With these tools, you have complete creative control to crop your video how you envision. Play around with the handles and move tool to reframe the shot. Lock aspect ratio if needed. Straighten the horizon before cropping if the angle is off.

 

Use guides like the rule of thirds to perfectly frame your subject matter within the crop box as you adjust. Keep cropping and previewing until you achieve the ideal cut!

 

 Adjusting the Crop Box Precisely

 

Using the crop handles and move tool, you can tweak the crop area very precisely. Here are some tips for controlled, exact cropping:

 

- Pinch and drag the corners to subtly resize the crop box

- Slowly drag the move tool to inch the area into place

- Lock aspect ratio first, then position for clean edges

- Use Zoom to finesse the edges of your crop

- Check the thirds grid to precisely balance elements

- Frame portraits with headroom above the subject

- Straighten horizon before finalizing crop

- Use Reset to undo any mistakes

- Preview often as you precisely dial in crop

 

Take your time making micro-adjustments to the crop boundaries, aspect lock, rotation, zoom, and move tools. Framing the perfect cut just takes some finesse and precision. With practice, you'll be able to crop pro-level videos on your iPhone reliably.

 

 Changing Aspect Ratio for Social Media

 

One of the most useful aspects of cropping iPhone videos is changing their shape and dimensions with aspect ratio presets.

 

This allows tailoring videos for optimal viewing on different social media platforms. For example:

 

Square 1:1 - Ideal for Instagram feed posts and stories.

 

Vertical 4:5 - Made for newer vertical videos on TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

 

Horizontal 16:9 - Widescreen for YouTube, Facebook, landscape viewing.

 

Original Ratio - Keeps the existing video dimensions.

 

Freeform - Manually adjust crop box to any custom shape.

 

Tap the aspect ratio lock icon in the crop editor to cycle through these preset options. Choose what fits your destination platform, then position the crop area accordingly!

 

 Cropping Vertically for Instagram or TikTok

 

To crop a horizontal iPhone video into a tall vertical shape, follow these steps:

 

1. Tap the aspect ratio lock and choose 4:5 vertical.

2. Move and straighten the crop box to frame the focal point.

3. Drag the handles to adjust height as needed.

4. Make sure your subject is centered and level.

5. Tap Done and save the vertically cropped edit.

 

Cropping vertically is perfect for platforms like Instagram and TikTok where users engage with portrait orientation. Set the 4:5 aspect and slide the crop box up and down to find the ideal vertical framing that still looks natural.

 

 Cropping Horizontally for Landscape Video

 

For a widescreen landscape video crop, use these steps:

 

1. Set the aspect ratio to 16:9 in the crop editor.

2. Reposition and straighten the crop area.

3. Use the top and bottom handles to letterbox the framing.

4. Ensure your subject matter fits within the horizontal space.

5. Adjust the shot to align with the horizontal thirds.

6. Tap Done to save the perfectly cropped widescreen video.

 

This technique works great for cinematic widescreen results. Landscape orientations are preferable for YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, and other sites where videos play horizontally.

 

 Cropping Into Square Aspect Ratio

 

Instagram still favors the square 1:1 aspect ratio for feed posts. To crop videos to square, follow these iPhone cropping tips:

 

1. Tap the aspect lock and select 1:1 or Original ratio.

2. Drag the crop handles equally to resize into a square.

3. Reposition the move tool to center your subject.

4. Straighten the angle if the horizon is off.

5. Adjust zoom if needed to finesse the crop edges.

6. Tap Done, export, and share your perfectly square video!

 

Square cropping gives videos maximum impact on Instagram feeds and stories. Make sure your main focus fits nicely within the centered crop area.

 

 Using Rotate and Straighten Before Cropping 

 

If your video has a skewed horizon or tilted angle, use the Straighten tool before cropping. Here's how:

 

1. In the video Crop editor, tap Straighten.

2. Drag left or right to rotate and level the video.

3. Watch the guides and horizon line as you straighten.

4. Tap Done when the video angle looks straight.

5. Now crop your leveled video with a clean horizon.

 

Rotating to straighten off-kilter videos makes a big difference in perceived production value. Always take a moment to straighten crooked shots for more pleasing results.

 

 Zooming In to Crop Details

 

Cropping videos on iPhone allows zooming in to frame details and cutaways. To zoom before cropping:

 

1. In the Crop editor, pinch and drag outward to digitally zoom in.

2. Position the crop box over your close-up scene.

3. Adjust zoom level and crop position as needed.

4. Refine the edges with the handles and move tool.

5. Tap Done to save just the tight zoomed footage.

 

Zoom cropping isolates specific areas of action, emotions, or other relevant details. Use it to create dramatic zoomed cuts and highlights!

 

 Panning to Re-position Crop Frame

 

The move tool lets you pan and slide the crop box around to totally reframe shots. To pan crop:

 

1. In the crop editor, tap and hold the move icon.

2. Slowly drag your finger to slide the crop area.

3. Reposition it over your intended focal point.

4. Release to set the new crop position.

5. Refine with handles and straighten if needed.

6. Done! A quick pan completely changes perspective.

 

Panning the crop gives you freedom to transform the viewpoint and reorder visual elements. Get creative with panning to find interesting new compositions!

 

 Cropping Out Unwanted Areas or Subjects

 

One of the most useful cropping techniques is removing distractions and unwanted elements by framing them out. To crop them out:

 

1. Review your video and decide what must go.

2. In crop editing, use the handles to isolate your main subject.

3. Cut out people/objects by tightening the crop boundary.

4. Crevice- by cropping too much on the edges if necessary.

5. Finalize cropping when only your intended focus remains.

6. Done! A clean concise crop that tells the story you want.

 

Don't be afraid to aggressively crop away excess background, clutter, marginal action, or anything that doesn't enhance the video. Cropping should spotlight your strongest content.

 

 Highlighting Subjects by Cropping Background

 

Cropping not only removes distractions, but also highlights subjects by downplaying background. To emphasize subjects, crop to:

 

- Frame faces/actors in close-up.

- Include just the key action or emotion.

- Minimize negative space around your focal point.

- Cut background to simplify and draw attention.

- Adjust framing to abide by the rule of thirds.

- Focus viewer attention fully on the most important element.

 

Tasteful cropping directs all viewer attention right where you want it. Their eyes go straight to your stellar subject!

 

 Previewing the Crop Changes in Real Time

 

As you adjust the crop box, the iPhone editor shows a live preview of how the changes will look when applied. Make sure to:

 

- Play the video as your crop to see the framing in action.

- Scan for any unwanted edges or objects encroaching.

- Check how elements are balanced within the frame.

- Look for proper headroom above subjects.

- Mind the direction subjects face toward the crop edge.

- Verify the resolution stays crisp within the crop.

- Review from start to finish to perfect the crop effect.

 

The live preview feedback helps finesse your cropping for ideal framing every time before committing changes.

 

 Saving the Cropped Video

 

When you finish cropping your iPhone video masterfully, it's time to save those edits.

 

In the upper right, tap "Done" to exit the Crop tool. Your video will now render with a progress bar.

 

Once it finishes processing, you have the option to:

 

- Save Video: Overwrite the original with your new crop.

- Save as New Clip: Keep the original, save crop as copy.

 

Choose "Save as New Clip" to preserve both versions. Name your new cropped clip.

 

The cropped edit will be saved right alongside the original in your Photos library so you can access it anytime. Share away!

 

 Finding the Newly Cropped Version

 

After saving your cropped iPhone video clip, locate it quickly in your Photos app:

 

- Check Recently Added albums for the newest clips.

- Search the video name you saved it under.

- Look in the Videos or Media Types > Videos categories.

- Scroll through the main Photos feed, sorted chronologically.

- Tap the original video, then select the cropped version beside it.

- If needed, open editing again and tap "Revert" to return to the cropped file.

 

The cropped edit will live right next to the original video in your camera roll for easy access later.

 

 Checking Crop Quality Before Sharing

 

Before posting your newly cropped iPhone video online, be sure to preview the exported quality:

 

- Play the video in fullscreen to check resolution.

- Scan edges for any pixelation or artifacts from cropping.

- Verify your subject is correctly framed as intended.

- Make sure stabilization or focus wasn't degraded.

- Watch for any unintended objects/distractions.

- Review both muted and with sound enabled.

- Check playback on multiple devices if possible.

- Re-crop if needed based on quality checks.

 

It's worth reviewing your editing work to ensure the crop enhanced the video as desired before sharing!

 

 Cropping Multiple Sections of One Video

 

With longer videos, you may want to crop out different sections as separate clips. To multi-crop:

 

1. Choose the starting point for clip 1, crop and export.

2. Skip ahead to the second point, reset crop, repeat.

3. Jump around the timeline, cropping unique moments.

4. Save each section as its own new cropped clip.

 

This lets you break a long video into bite-sized highlights perfect for social media. Get creative with multi-cropping!

 

 Doing Additional Edits After Cropping

 

The Photos app allows using other edits in addition to cropping, like:

 

- Apply music, titles, filters after cropping.

- Trim the new cropped length if needed.

- Stabilize shakiness cropped sections now show.

- Enhance light and color as desired.

- Rotate/straighten further to perfection.

- Add slo-mo, time-lapse effects post-crop.

 

Cropping is often the first step in video editing workflows. Continue refining with any other edits you need!

 

 Cropping Existing Videos From Your Library

 

Not just for new footage, you can also crop existing videos in your iPhone library:

 

1. Open the Photos app and locate the video.

2. Tap into it, then tap Edit.

3. Select Crop and adjust the framing as desired.

4. Save a copy with the new crop applied.

 

Try cropping old footage in new creative ways. Breathing new life into your archives!

 

 Cropping Videos Just Recorded on iPhone

 

Videos fresh from recording are perfect to immediately crop before sharing:

 

1. In Photos, go to your most Recent camera roll shots.

2. Tap into your latest video then Edit.

3. Crop and finesse the framing while it's still fresh in mind.

4. Export a copy with your edits.

5. Post quickly while the content is most timely!

 

Fast workflows crop videos minutes after filming for instant social media engagement.

 

 FAQs

 

 What is the best app for cropping videos on iPhone?

 

The native Photos app that comes pre-installed on iPhones has the best and easiest tools for cropping videos directly on your device. It gives precise control over the crop frame and aspect ratios.

 

 Can I crop a video on my iPhone without an app?

 

Yes, you can crop videos directly in the Photos app without needing to download any additional apps. Just tap "Edit" on the video then select "Crop" to access the editing tools.

 

 How do I crop a video into a square on iPhone?

 

In the Photos app video editor, tap the crop lock icon after entering the "Crop" tool. Choose the 1:1 ratio for a perfect square crop. Position the crop area and tap "Done" to apply the changes.

 

 How do I crop out part of a video on iPhone?

 

Use the corner handles of the crop tool in Photos to manually resize the cropping frame and cut out portions of the video. Drag inwards to crop out the edges or reposition the entire framing with the move tool.

 

 Can I crop a video on iPhone after I record it?

 

Yes, you can edit and crop videos on your iPhone anytime after recording them. Just open the video in Photos, tap "Edit", select "Crop" and make your adjustments to change the framing.

 

 Is there a way to zoom in and crop a video on iPhone?

 

The Photos app has a built-in zoom tool in the crop editor. Pinch and drag to zoom the crop area to frame closer with more precision.

 

 What happens when you crop a video on iPhone?

 

Cropping trims and removes outer portions of the video, changing the framing and focus. The original full video stays in your library while the Photos app saves the cropped edit as a new file.

 

 Does cropping a video reduce quality?

 

Cropping may slightly reduce video resolution depending on the amount you crop, but typically doesn't affect noticeable quality loss. As long as you export with optimal settings, cropped videos retain high quality.

 

 How can I crop a video and save it on iPhone?

 

In the Photos app, tap "Save As New Clip" after cropping your video to save the edit as a new file. Give it a name and export settings, then the cropped version will be saved in your camera roll.

 

 How do I crop a video on iPhone to post on social media?

 

Use the crop editor's aspect ratio presets to get the right sizing, like 1:1 for Instagram square videos or 16:9 for widescreen YouTube videos. Crop to horizontal or vertical as needed.