The iPhone camera is a powerful tool, but sometimes your videos capture a little more than you intended. Fear not, fellow filmmaker! Cropping your videos directly on your iPhone is a breeze. Here’s how to do it with two readily available apps:

Method 1: Using the Photos App

  1. Launch the Photos App: Open the Photos app, where your videos are stored.

  2. Select Your Video: Find the video you want to crop and tap on it to open it.

  3. Hit the Edit Button: Once the video opens, locate the “Edit” button at the top right corner and tap on it.

  4. Enter Cropping Mode: At the bottom of your screen, you’ll see several editing icons. Look for the crop icon (it resembles a square with corners) and tap on it.

  5. Pinch and Drag to Crop: A grid will appear over your video. Pinch and drag the corner handles of the grid to adjust the crop area. You can also move the entire grid to reposition the focus of your video.

  6. Preview and Fine-Tune (Optional): A preview window displays the cropped video. Play it back to ensure you’re happy with the selection. You can further refine the crop by tapping and dragging the video within the frame.

  7. Save Your Work: Once satisfied, tap “Done” in the bottom right corner. You’ll be prompted to choose between “Save Video” (creates a new cropped video) or “Save Video as New Clip” (keeps the original and saves the cropped version as a separate clip). Choose your preference.

Method 2: Using iMovie (Optional)

  1. Download iMovie (if not already installed): iMovie is a free video editing app by Apple. If you don’t have it, head over to the App Store and download it.

  2. Open iMovie and Create a New Project: Launch iMovie and tap on the “+” icon to create a new project.

  3. Import Your Video: Tap “Movie” and then “Create Movie.” Select your video from your Photos library and tap “Create Movie” again.

  4. Enter Editing Mode: Your video will appear on the timeline. Tap the video clip to enter editing mode.

  5. Crop Using the Ken Burns Effect: While iMovie doesn’t have a dedicated crop tool, you can achieve a similar effect using the Ken Burns effect. Tap the “Crop” icon (looks like a rectangle with arrows) and choose “Ken Burns.”

  6. Adjust the Crop Area: Drag the pinch points on the preview window to define your crop area. You can also use the handlebars to adjust the zoom and pan animation of the Ken Burns effect.

  7. Export Your Cropped Video: Once you’re happy, tap “Done” in the top left corner. Then, tap “Done” again in the top right corner to export your video. Choose a resolution and tap “Save Video.”

Cropping Champions: Both Methods Have Advantages

  • Photos App: This method is quick and straightforward, perfect for basic cropping needs.

  • iMovie: While offering more steps, iMovie provides the creative freedom of the Ken Burns effect, allowing for a more dynamic cropped video.

So, sharpen your focus, choose your method, and get cropping! Remember, a well-cropped video can significantly enhance the impact of your iPhone filmmaking.