How to Cut Videos Without Losing Quality on Windows 11

If you need to quickly trim a video without losing quality, don't use professional video editors like Premiere Pro or DaVinci resolve. Because they typically re-encode the video, which can lead to quality loss and larger file sizes.

Instead, use Avidemux, a lightweight video cutter that allows you to cut and trim videos quickly without re-encoding, saving both time and file size.

How to Download and Install Avidemux on Windows

You can download Avidemux for Windows from https://avidemux.sourceforge.net/.

Make sure to download the 64-bit Windows installer and Install it with the default options.

Cutting Videos Without Re-Encoding

To get started drag and drop your video file into the Avidemux interface.

Next, choose the Video and Audio Output. If you don't want to lose quality, set both "Video Output" and "Audio Output" to "Copy". This tells Avidemux to keep the original encoding.

For the output format, we'll select MP4, as it's a widely compatible format.

Next in the timeline, use the A and B button to mark the starting point and end points of your cut.

However, here's the thing: if you want to copy the original encoding, you have to mark the starting point at a keyframe, not just any frame. This isn't specific to Avidemux; it's how it works when you don’t want to re-encode a video.

We can move between frames using the left and right arrow keys. To jump between keyframes, use these double-headed arrow buttons, or the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard.

Once you make your selection, you can save it as a new clip by going to the File menu and clicking Save, or by using the Save button at the top. The keyboard shortcut is Ctrl + S.

Instead of saving the selection, if you want to remove it, click the Delete button or press the Delete key on your keyboard.

What if You Can't Cut at Keyframes? (Re-encoding)

If you can’t cut at keyframes, Avidemux will need to re-encode the video:

• Select MPEG-4 AVC (x264) for Video Output.
• Choose MP3 for Audio Output if needed.
• For "Output Format," choose MP4.
• Save the video as before, but expect longer processing time.

Quick Avidemux Tips:

• Close Current Video: To open a new video without closing Avidemux, go to File > Close.
• Reset Edits: To undo all your edits and start over, go to Edit > Reset Edit.
• Multiple Clips: You can add multiple video clips to the timeline by simply dragging and dropping them one after another.

Avidemux makes it easy to cut and edit videos without complex software. Give it a try and see how fast it works!