VLC Frame-by-Frame Tutorial: 2 Ways to View and Move a Video

Lynn Hu
Sep 01, 2023 / Updated by Lynn Hu to Playback

VLC is one of the best media players you can download for free on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It has gained a lot of users over the years because of its special features, including VLC frame-by-frame function. This function lets you see the details in a frame from a video clip and precisely take a screenshot. This post shows the guide on how to use VLC’s frame-by-frame and how to activate it with shortcuts.

How to Go Frame by Frame on VLC

VLC Media Player is known for having a user-friendly interface, but it can be more advanced if you know your way around it. When it comes to frame-by-frame in VLC, you can use it with two methods. Here’s how to elaborate on the feature of the media player.

1. Use Shortcut

This step will show how you can use the VLC frame-by-frame feature using only a shortcut on your keyboard. You can also use the following instruction to change the hotkey for this feature.

Step 1.Launch VLC Media Player and open the "Media" menu. Click the "Open File" button to upload the video you want to watch. Pause the video and proceed to the next step.

VLC Open File

Step 2.Press the "E" key on your keyboard, and the word "Next Frame" will appear in the upper alright corner. Keep tapping the "E" button until you reach the frame you need. Use a screenshot app to capture the frame from the video clip.

VLC Next Frame

Step 3.To change the shortcut key of frame-by-frame in VLC, go to the "Tools" menu and open "Preferences." Navigate through the "Hotkeys" tab and search for the "Next Frame" option.

VLC Preferences Hotkeys

Step 4.When a dialog box appears, double-tap "Next Frame" and press the desired button as the new shortcut for the feature. Click the "Assign" button to confirm your action.

VLC Assign

2. Use the Onscreen Button

Alternatively, you can find the VLC frame-by-frame feature on your screen. Here’s how you can find and activate it.

Step 1.Upload the video file to the media player’s interface. Pause the clip and go to the "Tools" menu. Choose the "Customize Interface" option from the dropdown list.

VLC Tools Customize

Step 2.When the "Toolbars Editor" window opens, search for Frame by Frame in VLC by scrolling through the "Toolbar Elements" menu.

VLC Tools Frame by Frame

Step 3.Drag and drop the feature to Line 2, and place it near the Play button so you can access it anytime. Click the "Close" button to save the changes.

VLC Tools Line 2

Step 4.After editing, you can see the "Frame-by-frame" feature on the main interface. Click on it, and the video will automatically pause and show the next frame. You can also trim a video in VLC after finding the desired frame.

VLC Frame by Frame Features

Preview Frame by Frame as VLC Alternative

VLC only has a limited feature for video editing, but you can use AnyRec Video Converter with its Next Frame option to view frame-by-frame of VLC videos. Its Next Frame option can be found along Play, Pause, Previous, and Forward Second control, along with the Split feature to create segments of clips. For editing, the Video Converter offers various tools, including effects, filters, a video watermark maker, an audio booster, and more. Furthermore, you can change the output settings, such as the video/audio format, resolution, encoder, etc. Download the best VLC alternative to see frame-by-frame videos on Windows and macOS.

AnyRec Video Converter Package
AnyRec Video Converter

Next frame function to check videos frame by frame like VLC.

Built-in Snapshot to capture one video frame with hotkeys.

Over essential tools for video, image, and audio editing.

Best for creating video collages and movies with preset themes.

Free Download

100% Secure

Free Download

100% Secure

Step 1.Free download the software and install it on your device. Once the app is running, click the "Add" button to upload the video from your folder. Click the "Cut" button (Scissors) under the uploaded video to see VLC videos frame by frame.

AnyRec Add

Step 2.Click the "Pause" button to stop the video from playing. Then, click the "Next Frame" button to play the footage frame by frame. You can also create clip segments or trim them in this window to remove unwanted parts. Click the "Play" button to preview the result. Save the changes and go back to the main menu.

AnyRec Next Frame

Step 3.Choose the output format from the "Format" menu or edit the "Custom Profile" for a new encoder, resolution, etc. Choose a location folder in the "Save To" menu. Finally, click the "Convert All" button to export the video.

AnyRec Save to Convert All

FAQs about Frame by Frame on VLC

Conclusion

To conclude, the VLC Frame-by-Frame function is a helpful option to see the details of the video. It can also capture the frame as an image and save it as JPEG, BMP, PNG, etc. While the media player is accessible, it has not many editing tools. So, an alternative like AnyRec Video Converter is a go-to since it also has a Next Frame feature with functions to enhance, improve, and create original videos. Try the free trial version to see its awesome offers!

Free Download

100% Secure

Free Download

100% Secure

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