How to crop videos or images in Clipchamp
Applies ToClipchamp for personal accounts Clipchamp for work accounts

Note: The screenshots in this article are from Clipchamp for personal accounts. The same principles apply to Clipchamp for work.

Cropping is a video editing technique that lets you choose the visible part of a video or image frame. You can cut out unwanted elements or lines at the edges of a video or fit an image to a different aspect ratio.

How to crop a video, image, or asset

Option 1: automatic crop

There are two ways to crop and resize assets. Option one is to use the automatic crop feature to remove black borders. Option two is to use the freehand crop tool. 

To use option one – automatic cropping – click on any asset on your timeline so it's highlighted green, then click on the fit option in the floating toolbar.

Image of a user clicking an asset on the timeline then the fit

The fit button will remove black borders on your asset so it fits the video aspect ratio.

Image of a user making a video fit the stage

Option 2: freehand crop

Freely crop unwanted areas of your video using the cropping handles. Click on any asset on your timeline so it's highlighted green, then click on the crop button on the floating toolbar.

An image of a user clicking on the timeline then clicking crop button.

Cropping handles will appear on the sides, top, and bottom of your video preview. Drag the handles left and right, up or down, or diagonally to crop your asset freely. When you're finished, click on the done button.

Image of a user dragging the cropping handles

You can also reposition your media in the preview window. Drag and drop your asset left and right or up and down. Click on the done button to apply your action.

Image of a user moving the media around the preview window.

If you would like to undo any cropping changes, click on the undo button. You can also delete your video using the trash can button then drag and drop the same video onto the timeline from the your media tab to start again. 

Image of a user clicking undo to undo cropping changes

How to edit the look of your cropped video

If you want to keep your video in it's new size without using the fill or fit buttons, add a background to your video to hide the black border. Click on the content library, under the visuals drop down menu, choose backgrounds. Then drag and drop a video background onto the timeline below your video – this positions it behind your video.

Image of a user adding a background to the video

Preview and save your video

Before saving your new video, preview it by clicking on the play button. When you’re ready to save, click on the export button and select a video resolution. We recommend saving all videos in 1080p video resolution for the best quality. Paid subscribers can save in 4K video resolution.

Image of a user exporting their video at 1080p

How to crop a GIF

To use the online GIF cropper, add a GIF to your timeline. To use GIPHY stickers or GIFs, click on the content library tab on the toolbar. Then click on the visuals drop down arrow, then GIPHY. Drag and drop a GIF onto the timeline.

Image of a user adding and cropping a GIF

Next, click the crop button on the floating toolbar to open the GIF cropper. Follow the same cropping steps above to crop your GIF. Click on the done button to apply your action.

Image of a user dragging cropping handles to crop a GIF

How to crop a watermark out of a video

Trim away unwanted watermarks from your video and replace it with your own logo using the video cropper. Just add your video to the timeline and use the crop feature to remove the watermark.

Image of a user cropping a watermark out of a video​​​​​​​

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.