How to Rotate and Flip a Video in VLC Media Player: A Comprehensive Guide
VLC Media Player: Do you enjoy capturing moments on video? If you do, you’re likely familiar with the importance of video recording techniques and how getting the right angles can make a significant impact. Whether you’re an Instagram influencer or simply someone who loves documenting life’s memorable moments, you’ve probably realized the importance of adjusting your phone’s orientation for the best results.
In this article, we’ll guide you on how to flip a video in VLC for windows, Mac and for Android. While VLC is a widely used and traditional video editor, it can be prone to lag and is often considered complex. If you prefer a simpler solution without dealing with technical processes, consider turning to roverstalk.co.uk, which provides an easy and efficient method for flipping videos quickly.
Why Rotate or Flip a Video in VLC?
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand why you might want to rotate or flip a video. Perhaps you recorded a video on your phone, and it ended up in the wrong orientation. Maybe you’re merging clips, and some need a different perspective. Whatever the reason, VLC simplifies the process.
How to Rotate Video in VLC on Windows?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to rotate a video in VLC on Windows:
Step 1: Download and Install VLC
If you don’t have VLC Media Player installed on your Windows computer, you can download it from the official VLC website (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/). Follow the installation instructions to set it up on your system.
Step 2: Open VLC Media Player
Launch VLC on your computer by double-clicking on the desktop shortcut or finding it in the Start menu.
Step 3: Load Your Video
- Click on “Media” in the top-left corner of the VLC window.
- Select “Open File.”
- Navigate to the location where your video is stored, select it, and click “Open.”
Step 4: Access Video Effects
Once your video is playing in VLC, go to the menu bar and select “Tools.” From the dropdown menu, choose “Effects and Filters.”
Step 5: Navigate to the “Video Effects” Tab
In the “Effects and Filters” window, click on the “Video Effects” tab.
Step 6: Choose the “Geometry” Tab
Within the “Video Effects” tab, select the “Geometry” tab.
Step 7: Rotate or Flip the Video
Here, you’ll find options to rotate or flip your video. Choose to rotate it by 90, 180, or 270 degrees. Additionally, you can flip the video horizontally or vertically based on your preference.
Step 8: Preview and Save Changes
- Click on the “Close” button to return to the main VLC window.
- Preview the changes by playing the video.
- If you’re satisfied with the rotation or flip, save the changes.
Step 9: Save the Video
- Go to the menu bar, click on “Media,” and select “Convert/Save.”
- In the “Convert” window, choose a destination file, specify the name, and click “Save.”
Step 10: Complete the Conversion
- Back in the “Convert” window, click “Start” to initiate the conversion process.
- Once completed, you’ll have a new video file with the desired rotation or flip.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully rotated or flipped a video in VLC on Windows.
How to Rotate Video in VLC on Mac?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to rotate a video in VLC on Mac:
Step 1: Download and Install VLC
If you don’t have VLC Media Player installed on your Mac, you can download it from the official VLC website (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/). Follow the installation instructions to set it up on your Mac.
Step 2: Open VLC Media Player
Launch VLC on your Mac by clicking on the VLC icon in the Applications folder or using the Spotlight search.
Step 3: Load Your Video
- Click on “File” in the top-left corner of the VLC window.
- Select “Open File.”
- Navigate to the location where your video is stored, select it, and click “Open.”
Step 4: Access Video Effects
While your video is playing in VLC, go to the menu bar and select “Window.” From the dropdown menu, choose “Video Effects.”
Step 5: Navigate to the “Geometry” Tab
In the “Video Effects” window, click on the “Geometry” tab.
Step 6: Rotate or Flip the Video
Within the “Geometry” tab, you’ll find options to rotate or flip your video. Choose to rotate it by 90, 180, or 270 degrees. Additionally, you can flip the video horizontally or vertically based on your preference.
Step 7: Preview and Save Changes
- Click on the “Close” button to return to the main VLC window.
- Preview the changes by playing the video.
- If you’re satisfied with the rotation or flip, save the changes.
Step 8: Save the Video
- Go to the menu bar, click on “File,” and select “Convert/Stream.”
- In the “Convert” window, choose a destination file, specify the name, and click “Save.”
Step 9: Complete the Conversion
- Back in the “Convert” window, click “Start” to initiate the conversion process.
- Once completed, you’ll have a new video file with the desired rotation or flip.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully rotated or flipped a video in VLC on your Mac.
Configuring Default Video Orientation in VLC for Android
If you’re an avid user of VLC for Android and wish to streamline your video viewing experience by setting a default orientation, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Download and Install VLC for Android
Begin by downloading VLC for Android from the Google Play Store. Locate the app by searching for “VLC for Android” and initiate the installation process.
Step 2: Launch VLC for Android
Once the installation is complete, open VLC for Android by tapping on its icon, usually found on your device’s home screen or in the app drawer.
Step 3: Navigate to Settings
Inside the VLC app, spot the three horizontal lines (hamburger icon) in the top-left corner, serving as the menu button. Tap on it to reveal the menu options.
Step 4: Access Video Settings
Among the various options, locate and tap on “Settings.” This will take you to a menu where you can fine-tune VLC’s configurations.
Step 5: Configure Screen Orientation
Within the “Settings” menu, scroll down to find the “Video” section. Here, you’ll discover settings related to video playback. Look for an option referring to screen orientation or rotation.
Step 6: Choose Default Orientation
Select your preferred default orientation from the available choices. VLC for Android typically offers options such as “Auto,” “Portrait,” and “Landscape.”
Step 7: Save Changes
After choosing your desired default video orientation, locate a “Save” or “Apply” button at the bottom or top of the screen. Tap on it to ensure your changes are saved.
Step 8: Test Default Orientation
To confirm that your changes have taken effect, play a video in VLC. The video should now adhere to the default orientation you’ve set.
Step 9: Adjusting Individual Videos
While the default orientation applies broadly, you can still manually adjust the orientation for specific videos using VLC’s rotation feature during playback.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully configured the default video orientation in VLC for Android, enhancing your overall video watching experience.
Conclusion
VLC Media Player proves to be more than just a media player—it’s a handy tool for basic video edits. Whether you need to correct an orientation mistake or flip a video for creative purposes, VLC’s user-friendly interface makes the process accessible to all.