---
title: "Crop"
description: "When your shot was perfect, except for everything around it."
url: "https://www.clueso.io/glossary/crop"
updated: "2026-09-11T08:57:55.212Z"
---

# Crop

When your shot was perfect, except for everything around it.

## What it is

Cropping is the process of cutting away the outer edges of a video frame to change composition, reframe action, remove unwanted elements, or fit a specific aspect ratio.

## Why it's important

Cropping helps refine framing, eliminate distractions, and focus attention on the subject. It also helps repurpose content - like reformatting a 16:9 video into a 9:16 vertical video for social media.

## When/how to use

Use cropping to remove dead space, center a subject, or adapt content for vertical or square formats. Avoid over-cropping, which can reduce resolution and image quality.

## Best Practices

1. **Preserve composition –** [Crop](https://help.clueso.io/clips/crop) in a way that maintains balance, framing, and the rule of thirds.
2. **Avoid over-cropping –** Too much cropping reduces resolution and can degrade image quality.
3. **Stay format-aware –** Crop to match aspect ratios needed for specific platforms without cutting off key elements.

\| 📖 Read more: [How to Make Tasteful Screen-Capture Videos](https://www.clueso.io/blog/how-to-make-tasteful-screen-capture-videos)