I'm sure it's happened to you. 📱 You record a video with your cell phone and, when you play it back on your computer, you discover that it's twisted, upside down or sideways.
The good news is that VLC Media Player not only plays almost any format, but it also allows you to rotate a video in seconds.
In this article you will discover how to rotate a video in VLCWe will also provide you with additional tips so that you will never again suffer from a misdirected video.
Why use VLC to rotate a video? 💡
Most video editing programs are heavy, expensive and complicated.
On the other hand, VLC is free, lightweight and available on all operating systems: Windows, macOS and Linux.
In addition, your video rotation is fast, straightforward and works even with unusual formats.
In other words, it is the ideal solution for those who just want to correct the orientation of their recordings without having to install professional software.
How to quickly rotate a video in VLC ⏱️
Sometimes you just want to watch the video correctlywithout the need to store it.
Here are the steps:
- 📂 Open VLC and load your video from "Media > Open File".
- 🛠️ Click on the menu Tools and select Effects and filters.
- 🎛️ Go to the tab Video effects.
- Select the subtab Geometry.
- Check the option Transform and choose the angle: 90°, 180°, 270° or even horizontal/vertical flipping.
👉 Just like that, your video will be played in the correct orientationThe data will not yet be saved permanently.
How to rotate a video in VLC and save it 🔒
If you want your video to look definitely rotatedIf you are not sure, you must follow a slightly longer process:
- 📂 Open the video in. VLC.
- 🛠️ Go to Tools > Effects and filters and enter Geometry.
- Brand Transform or use the Customized rotation with an exact angle.
- Click on Save and close the window.
- Now, go to Medium > Convert/Save.
- Add the video and select the option Convert.
- In the profile section, choose an output format (MP4 is usually the best).
- Click on the wrench in the profile and in the Video codecactive Video transformation filter.
- Select the destination folder and press Start.
The result will be a new file with rotation applied permanently.
Difference between temporary and permanent rotation 🔄
- Temporary: only affects the playback, it does not modify the original file.
- Permanent: saves a new video with the corrected orientation.
If you only want to watch a rotated video once, use the quick option.
If you want to share or edit it afterwardsit is best to do so permanent.
Tips to avoid crooked videos in the future 📱
- Activates automatic rotation on your cell phone camera.
- Before recording, make sure that the orientation lock is not activated.
- If you use a digital camera, be sure to keep it stable and in the correct position.
- Remember that some editing programs detect the orientation automatically, but not everyone does.
Summary table on Rotating a Video in VLC 📊
Here is a summary for you to compare the two ways to rotate a video in VLC:
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary rotation | Quick and easy | Change is not saved | Watch videos only once |
| Permanent rotation | It is saved in a new file | Requires more steps | Share or edit after |
Other alternatives to VLC 🖥️
Although VLC is very complete, there are also other options:
- 🎬 HandBrakeFree program to convert and rotate videos.
- ✂️ Shotcutopen source video editor with turn-around functions.
- 💻 Movavi Video Editormore intuitive, although there is a fee.
However, if you are looking for something that is fast and uncomplicated, VLC is still king.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to rotate a video in VLCeither to view it instantly or to save it in the correct orientation.
You have seen that the process is simpler than it sounds and that you can do it in just a few clicks.
So the next time you shoot a video and it comes out crooked, you no longer have to re-record it or look for complicated programs.
👉 Just open VLCFollow this guide and enjoy your videos as they should look.