How to Crop Video with FFmpeg Using Command and GUI Tools

Do you want to learn how to use FFmpeg as a video-editing tool for basic adjustments, such as cropping and resizing? You are in luck, as this article provides two solutions for using FFmpeg to crop videos, whether for single files or in batches. For beginner video editors, we will also provide a solid web-based tool as a perfect alternative.

GUIDE LIST

Part 1. How to Crop Video with FFmpeg Command Line

Part 2. How to Crop Video Using a GUI Tool Based on FFmpeg

Part 3. Best Alternative to FFmpeg to Crop Video Free Online

Part 4. FAQs About Cropping Videos in FFmpeg

Part 1. How to Crop Video with FFmpeg Command Line

Primarily designed for advanced users with extensive command-line knowledge, using FFmpeg to crop and scale video is one of the most efficient options for watermark-free video cropping. whether for single file or batch editing. Using the proper command lines is a prerequisite, and entering the wrong command can mess up not only your file but also your system.

Proceed with extreme caution when using FFmpeg. We recommend using this option only for advanced users, since there are more user-friendly editors for adjusting media files without relying on FFmpeg to crop video aspect ratios or make other adjustments.

In our tutorial below, we use the placeholder names input.mp4 and output.mp4. When handling your own files, make sure to rename the input to the name of the video you want to crop, then rename the output to the name you want the video to be saved.

Center Crop: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "crop=1280:720" output.mp4

Remove Black Bars: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "cropdetect" -f null -

Manual Coordinate Cropping: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "crop=640:480:100:50" output.mp4

The center crop option is the easiest to use, since it automatically applies the crop command from the center of the video when no coordinates are provided. The removal of the black bar is also a direct effect.

For experienced editors, manual coordinate cropping is the most advanced, since it requires specifying the width, height, and the x- and y-coordinates where you want the video to be cropped. In the example command above, 640 = width, 480 = height, 100 = horizontal axis (X), and 50 = vertical axis (Y).

If you are an intermediate video editor, we recommend using only the basic center-crop command in FFmpeg. However, if you are a complete amateur, we don’t recommend using FFmpeg commands as your primary tool for video cropping. There are options that are way simpler to use, such as the programs we will discuss in the next sections of the article.

Part 2. How to Crop Video Using a GUI Tool Based on FFmpeg

If you’ve heard great things about FFmpeg for cropping video and adjusting aspect ratio, but using the command line is too steep for your current skills, you can use tools with a graphical user interface (GUI) that use FFmpeg as their engine. A good example is Shutter Encoder.

What could be considered an in-between of traditional editors and command-based editing, Shutter Encoder offers an actual main menu with labeled buttons for basic editing. Unfortunately, it is far from being intuitive and easy to use. It may be easier than FFmpeg commands, but it is harder to use than regular video editing tools.

To learn how to use it, please read our guide below.

Since the Shutter Encoder serves as a bare-bones video editor, it works perfectly as an alternative to FFmpeg for cropping video length. This makes it a good option for intermediate editors.

Part 3. Best Alternative to FFmpeg to Crop Video Free Online

Since both FFmpeg and FFmpeg-based programs are inherently complex and designed for experienced users, the need for a beginner-friendly alternative when selecting video cropping options is hard to ignore. Fortunately, web-based solutions such as ArkThinker Free Video Cropper Online offers a clear advantage over FFmpeg-based options in terms of simplicity and accessibility.

Unlike FFmpeg and Shutter Encoder, no installation or initial setup is required if you plan to use this option. Its interface is also designed to be as intuitive and clear as possible, while offering three video cropping options. However, it has a small setback: a file size limitation of 50MB to 100MB.

With that in mind, ArkThinker Free Video Cropper Online holds a strong case for users who prefer function, simplicity, and a practical solution. To learn how to use the program, please read our three-step guide below.

Among the options in this article, the web-based solution ArkThinker Free Video Cropper is by far the most beginner-friendly, in both accessibility and ease of use. With ArkThinker, you don’t have to learn complex command lines or install any software to begin cropping videos.

Part 4. FAQs About Cropping Videos in FFmpeg

Conclusion