how to turn video in vlc

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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06-02-2025

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VLC Media Player is a versatile, free and open-source media player capable of handling a wide variety of video formats. One handy feature is its ability to rotate videos, correcting those accidentally filmed sideways or upside down. This guide will show you exactly how to rotate videos in VLC, whether you're using a desktop or mobile version.

Rotating Videos in VLC on Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)

The process is straightforward on desktop versions of VLC. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open VLC and Load Your Video: Launch VLC Media Player and open the video you want to rotate. You can do this by dragging and dropping the video file into the VLC window, or by using the "Media" menu and selecting "Open File."

2. Access the Tools Menu: Once your video is playing, click on the "Tools" menu located at the top of the VLC window.

3. Select "Effects and Filters": In the "Tools" menu, select "Effects and Filters." This will open a new window.

4. Navigate to the "Video Effects" Tab: A new window will appear. Click on the "Video Effects" tab.

5. Adjust Rotation in the "Geometry" Section: Within the "Video Effects" tab, find the "Geometry" section. You'll see options to rotate your video 90 degrees clockwise, 90 degrees counter-clockwise, or 180 degrees. Select the appropriate rotation for your video.

6. Close and Save Changes: Once you've chosen your rotation, click "Close" to apply the changes. VLC will now play your video with the corrected orientation. Note that this only affects playback within VLC; the video file itself remains unchanged.

7. Saving the Rotated Video (Optional): If you need to permanently rotate the video file, you'll need to use video editing software. VLC doesn't directly save rotated versions. Popular free options include Kdenlive and DaVinci Resolve.

Rotating Videos in VLC on Mobile (Android and iOS)

The mobile experience slightly differs. While the core functionality remains the same, the interface is adjusted for touchscreens.

1. Open VLC and Load Your Video: Open the VLC app and locate the video file you want to rotate.

2. Start Playback: Begin playing the video.

3. Access the Playback Controls: During playback, you'll see a set of controls at the bottom of the screen. These usually include a play/pause button, volume control, and potentially a screen rotation button.

4. Use the Rotation Controls (If Available): Some mobile versions of VLC include a dedicated rotation button within these controls. If present, tap this button to rotate the video as needed.

Note: Not all mobile versions of VLC include built-in rotation controls during playback. If your version doesn't offer this, you'll need to use a mobile video editor app to permanently rotate your video.

Troubleshooting

• No "Effects and Filters" option: Ensure you have the latest version of VLC installed. Updating might resolve this issue.
• Rotation doesn't work: Try restarting VLC. If the problem persists, check your video file; it may be corrupted.
• Video appears stretched: After rotation, the aspect ratio might be affected. Some video editors can help you adjust this.

By following these steps, you can easily rotate your videos within VLC and correct any accidental misorientations. Remember that VLC only rotates the video during playback, requiring external video editing software to permanently save the changes.