how to rotate video in vlc

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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06-02-2025

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Rotating videos is a common task, especially when you record videos using your phone and accidentally film in the wrong orientation. Fortunately, VLC Media Player, a free and open-source media player, offers a simple way to rotate videos without needing external editing software. This guide will walk you through the process. This method works for various video formats, ensuring you can easily fix those pesky upside-down or sideways videos.

Understanding VLC's Video Rotation Options

VLC doesn't directly "save" the rotation. Instead, it applies a transformation while playing the video. This means the video file itself remains unchanged. To permanently rotate your video, you'll need a dedicated video editor. However, for quick viewing or sharing, VLC's built-in rotation feature is perfect.

How to Rotate a Video in VLC: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's how to rotate your video using VLC media player:

1. Open VLC: Launch the VLC Media Player application on your computer.

2. Open the Video: Click on "Media" in the menu bar, then select "Open File." Navigate to and select the video file you want to rotate. Click "Open."

3. Access the Tools Menu: Once the video starts playing, go to "Tools" in the menu bar.

4. Locate the "Effects and Filters" Option: Select "Effects and Filters" from the drop-down menu.

5. Navigate to the "Video Effects" Tab: In the "Effects and Filters" window, a new window will open. Click on the "Video Effects" tab.

6. Adjust the Rotation: Within the "Geometry" section, you'll find the rotation controls. You can use the slider or enter a specific value (in degrees) to rotate your video. Select 90 degrees for a clockwise rotation, 180 degrees for a complete flip, or 270 degrees for a counter-clockwise rotation.

7. Apply the Changes: Click "Close" to apply the rotation and return to the video player. Your video should now be playing in the correct orientation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No Rotation Option: Make sure you are using a relatively recent version of VLC. Older versions might lack this feature. You can download the latest version from the official VLC website.

• Rotation Doesn't Save: Remember, VLC only rotates the video during playback. The original video file remains unchanged. To permanently rotate the video, use a video editing program like DaVinci Resolve (free), Kdenlive (free and open-source), or others.

• Video Quality Issues: If the rotated video quality seems poor, it is not due to the rotation feature of VLC itself. The issue is most likely inherent to the source video.

Alternative Methods for Rotating Videos

While VLC provides a convenient solution for quick viewing, dedicated video editing software offers more control and allows you to save the rotated version as a new file. Consider exploring free options like Kdenlive or DaVinci Resolve if you need to permanently change the video's orientation.

Conclusion

Rotating videos within VLC is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes. This built-in feature is extremely useful for quickly correcting video orientation without the need for more complex video editing software. Remember, however, that this rotation only affects the playback; you'll need a video editor to permanently save the changes to your video file.