I was recently asked to convert some existing camcorder video footage, into multiple video files. One stumbling block, was that two different video camcorder's were used. Also, I had to work with two different video file types, .mov and .avi.
Currently, I like to use OpenShot video editor for basic editing of videos. However, I do not think this program allows you to cut and then save new video files, without converting them. Cutting and then saving video into new files can save a lot of time.
I was able to easily cut and then save new video files with Avidemux, which is available for Apple Macintosh, Linux, and Microsoft Windows operating systems. This saved me lots of time waiting for these files to go through a conversion process. This is how I quickly made new video files from existing .avi files without converting them:
You will want to start Avidemux and then click on Open in order to browse to a video file you want to work with. Avidemux supports many file types, including .avi, digital video disc compatible moving pictures experts group files, .mp4 and .asf. You may receive this error message below when trying to open some video file types:
H.264 detected
If the file is using B-frames as reference it can lead to a crash or stuttering.
Avidemux can use another mode which is safe but YOU WILL LOSE FRAME ACCURACY.
Do you want to use that mode?
You will want to click on “Yes” or “Use safe mode”. Once your video file is loaded, you will then mark your points where you want to cut and save a new video file. On that timeline you will want to move to that time or frame that you want your new video file to start.
Then you can click on a button with an A below your time line or select “Edit” from a menu and then choose “Set Marker A”. This now marks your “Selection: Start” location. Now you can move on that timeline to a time or frame that you want your new video file to end.
You will want to click on a button with a B below your time line or select “Edit” from new and then choose “Set Marker B”. This now marks your “Selection: End” location. You can select “File” then choose “Save” or click on a “Save” button on a toolbar in order to save your new video file.
Then a “Select File to Save” dialogue will open. You will want to browse to where you want to save your file on your computer. Also, you can name your new file in a “Name:” box.
You will see a “Done File xxx.xxx has been successfully saved” pop up window. You can then click on “OK. You now have just created a new video file without having to convert that original video file. The actual length of time for Avidemux to save that new file depends on the size of your new video file and speed of your computer.
You can download Avidemux from their downloads page. Using Avidemux to create new video files can potentially save you time instead of having to convert the original video file(s). These instructions were written for Avidemux installed on a Linux operating system. However, you could still use them as a basis point with Avidemux software installed on Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems.