How to Cut and Trim an MP4 Video Online and Offline

Have you ever recorded a long video that you wanted to shorten, or maybe you only needed a small segment from the middle? Whether you're working on a personal project, editing a vlog, or removing unwanted scenes, learning how to cut and trim an MP4 video is essential for creating polished content. In this blog, we'll guide you through the best methods and software for cutting and trimming MP4 videos with precision. From simple, free tools to advanced editing software, you'll discover the most efficient ways to edit your MP4 files and make your videos stand out.

Part 1. Best Editor to Free Cut MP4 Videos on Windows and Mac

HitPaw Univd is a versatile video editing software for Windows and Mac. With its user-friendly interface and powerful trimming features, HitPaw makes it easy to precisely trim MP4 file on desktop. It provides a simple interface, where you will be able to edit the videos and save them in different formats without a challenge.

How to Cut and Shorten MP4 Videos using HitPaw

Step 1: Import Your MP4 Video

First, launch HitPaw Univd and click "Editor" to open the video editing workspace. This is where you need to add to trim MP4 video. Next, click "Add Files" and browse your computer to import the MP4 video you want to cut and trim. You'll see the video appear in HitPaw's editing timeline once imported successfully.

Step 2: Set Cut Points in MP4 Video

With your video loaded, playback the footage and determine where you want to trim. Pause at the start and end points, then click the scissor icon to mark cut points in the timeline. This will split the video into multiple clips. Repeat as needed to divide the unused sections.

Step 3: Export the Edited MP4 Video or Clips

After finishing all trims, you can choose to export either the individual cut clips or check "Merge into one file" to join them back together. Finally, click "Export" to save your trimmed down MP4 video with all unneeded sections removed. After you shorten MP4 video, you can instantly share it as well.

Part 2. Top Tool to Cut MP4 Video Online

With cloud-based online video editors, you can conveniently trim MP4 clips directly within your web browser without downloading any software. Here are the top 4 MP4 video cutters online:

1. HitPaw Online Video Cutter

As the online version of the popular HitPaw desktop app, HitPaw's online MP4 trimmer provides smooth cutting and exports without quality loss. It supports trimming all major formats, allows precise frame-by-frame splits, and includes additional handy editing tools too. You can easily cut MP4 file using this.

Pros

Retains original quality after trimming
Allows frame-by-frame precise cuts
Supports all major formats
Clean and easy-to-use interface
Fast cloud-based processing

Cons

Must sign up for an account
Doesn't offer collaborative editing

2. Clideo

Clideo is an easy-to-use cloud video editor with a straightforward interface for quick MP4 trimming. Just drag clip endpoints to set cut points or enter exact timestamps. It retains 100% quality and automatically saves edits upon trimming. It makes life easy to cut MP4 video online.

Pros

Very simple and intuitive design
Trimmed videos automatically saved
No account sign-up required
Maintains 100% quality

Cons

Limited advanced editing functionalities
File size capped at 1GB

3. Invideo AI

Invideo leverages artificial intelligence to smartly analyze footage and suggest high-quality trim points. Beyond automated cuts, you can manually adjust clips on its timeline editor. Invideo also provides filters, text, transitions, and more creative editing options.

Pros

Automated smart cut suggestions
Creative editing features like filters
Enhanced analytics about video
Premium plans include more capabilities

Cons

Must pay for higher usage and features
Exports can be slow

4. FreeConvert

As its name suggests, FreeConvert's online video trimmer is 100% free with no limits on MP4 uploads or exports. It covers the basic functions like splitting clips and cutting out segments without downloading software. Anyone seeking Mp4 cut online free tool can use this.

Pros

Completely free with no limits
No account sign-up necessary
Easy-to-understand interface
Handy presets for common trims

Cons

Very basic editor functionality
1 hour processing time for exports
No advanced customization options

Part 3. Top Desktop MP4 Cutters to Shorten MP4 Free

1. iMovie - Cut MP4 Free on Mac

For Mac users, Apple's free iMovie app provides an intuitive and capable video editor right on your desktop. iMovie makes it easy to import MP4 clips, set precise start and end points, split videos, and remove unwanted sections. It includes tools to stylize footage, add music, overlay titles, and more. When finished trimming, iMovie exports cleanly edited MP4s or MOVs that retain source quality. With optimization for Mac systems, iMovie is likely the best free video cutting solution already on your computer.

Pros

Optimized for MacOS
Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
Multiple additional editing features
Retains original video quality
Seamless export to MP4 or MOV
Integrates with other Apple apps

Cons

Only available on Mac desktops
Limited advanced control compared to paid tools
Can experience lags on older Macs

2. VLC Media Player - Shorten MP4 Video on Windows

The VLC media player is a popular free, open-source app for Windows, Mac, and Linux renowned for supporting 1,000+ video formats. Lesser known is VLC's ability to edit as well - including cutting MP4 files. Open your MP4, navigate to the precise start/stop points, then select that segment and export only that shortened portion. The trimmed video can then be exported. It takes more work than dedicated video editors, but it gets the job done to shorten mp4 without any costs. If you are looking for a MP4 cutter free, go for this.

Pros

Completely free and open source
Works on Windows, Mac, Linux
No limits on file formats or lengths
Lightweight app with small storage footprint

Cons

Confusing interface for beginners
No timeline editor to visualize trims
Manual process prone to imprecise cuts
Limited export options and customization
Other players offer better stability

Part 4. How to Choose the MP4 Cutter Between Online and Offline

When choosing an MP4 cutting solution, two main options exist - online cloud-based editors or offline software installed locally on your device. Here are some key differences:

Feature

Online Tools

Offline Tools

Ease of Use

User-friendly and requires no installation.

May require installation and setup, but often more advanced.

Internet Dependency

Requires a stable internet connection.

Can be used without an internet connection.

Cost

Often free but may include ads or limited features.

Usually requires a one-time purchase or subscription for premium tools.

Performance

Limited by browser and internet speed.

Utilizes full power of your computer hardware.

Privacy and Security

Data is uploaded to the cloud, raising privacy concerns.

Files remain on your device, ensuring better privacy.

Features

Basic cutting and editing options.

Advanced features like transitions, effects, and format conversion.

File Size Limits

Often has restrictions on upload size.

Can handle large file sizes efficiently.

Compatibility

Works on most browsers and devices.

May require specific OS compatibility (Windows, macOS, etc.).

As you can see, online cloud video cutters offer simplicity, easy access from anywhere, and instant collaboration. But desktop tools provide deeper customization options, better performance, and avoid monthly fees. Evaluate if you need advanced editing capabilities or multi-device access to determine if online or offline MP4 trimming software fits your needs. The good news is both free and paid options exist across platforms if your cutting requirements change over time.

FAQs about Cut and Trim MP4

Q1. Why might need to cut MP4 videos?

A1. Trimming long MP4 footage into smaller clips allows you to remove unwanted sections and focus viewers on only the most relevant parts. Common reasons to cut MP4s include splicing together highlights to share on social media, deleting unwanted footage, creating shorter compilation clips, customizing concise segments to use in other videos, and more.

Q2. How do I trim an MP4 video in Windows Media Player?

A2. In Windows Media Player, open your MP4 file, select the "Now Playing" tab, pause playback at the start and end points you want, hold Ctrl and press "I" to set the beginning marker and Ctrl + "O" to set end. Then under the "Rip" menu choose "Trim This Clip" to export just that shortened selection from your MP4.

Q3. How to trim an mp4 without re-encoding or losing quality?

A3. To retain 100% of the source MP4 quality after trimming, use a non-destructive video editor like HitPaw. Such tools cut footage without needing to re-encode the clip, avoiding any degradation or compression. This ensures your trimmed video matches the original in file size, resolution, bitrate and visual fidelity.

Conclusion

Trimming MP4 videos to remove excess footage or splice together highlight reels provides endless creative options. As we covered, you can easily cut MP4 files both online using intuitive web-based apps or offline leveraging desktop software. Cloud services offer simplicity while installed programs provide deeper controls. HitPaw Univd stands out as the top MP4 cutting solution. Whether you're editing vacation clips or creating viral content, HitPaw simplifies the process while delivering precise results. Try the software's free trial today and experience how easy it is to cut and enhance your MP4 videos with no hassle.

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