The VLC Media Player is celebrated as one of the most popular and feature-packed media players available today. While its primary function is to seamlessly play a wide variety of media files and discs, VLC offers numerous lesser-known yet incredibly useful features that can significantly enhance your multimedia experience.
Let’s delve into these features and explore how they can make your digital tasks easier.
Useful Features of VLC Media Player
Here are some useful features of VLC Media Player that you might not know. You can use these features to improve your experience.
1. Convert a Video File
Did you know that VLC Media Player can convert media files? Beyond just playing videos, VLC allows you to transform your video and audio files into various formats. Here’s how:
Steps to Convert Videos Using VLC:
1. Open VLC Media Player and click on Media > Convert/Save.
2. In the new window, add the file you want to convert under the File Selection section.
3. Then, click on Convert/Save.
4. Select a video codec from the Profile drop-down menu, choose a destination folder by clicking Browse, and give the file a name.
5. Click Start to initiate the conversion. VLC’s progress bar will show the process. Be patient; conversions may take some time.
Note
You can convert files into audio formats by selecting an audio codec such as MP3 from the profile menu.
Once everything is done sit back and relax. The player will stream the video and convert it. It may take some time to convert your file, so be patient. VLC’s progress bar gradually fills up as it completes the conversion process.
2. Record Desktop Using VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player doubles as free screen recording software, allowing you to capture your desktop activity. Whether you’re creating tutorials, recording gameplay, or documenting issues, VLC has you covered.
Here are the steps; you can follow to use VLC Media Player to record your desktop screen.
1. Open the VLC Media Player app. If not installed, you can download the latest version of VLC.
2. Click the Media tab from the top menu.
3. Then click on the Open Capture Device option, or use Ctrl + C to open it.
4. It will open the Open Media window. Here, choose the Capture Device tab and select the Desktop option from the drop-down menu next to the Capture Mode option.
5. After that, choose your desired frame rate from 25-30 f/s.
6. Now, click the drop-down arrow next to Play and choose the Convert option.
7. Select the video and audio profile from the drop-down menu.
8. After that, select the destination file – where you want to save the file. For that, click the Browse button, select the location, name your file, and click the Save button.
9. Then click on the Start button to begin the recording.
10. VLC will start recording your computer screen, just minimize VLC Media Player and do what you want to record.
11. After the recording is complete, open VLC Media Player and click the Pause Icon to save the recorded video.
12. To view the recorded video, navigate to the destination location that you have selected.
3. Record Your Webcam Using VLC
Another exciting feature of VLC is its ability to record videos using your computer’s webcam. This feature is perfect for creating video messages or capturing moments directly through your webcam.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to find out:
1. Open the VLC Media Player app.
2. Click the Media tab from the top menu.
3. Click on the Open Capture Device option, or use Ctrl + C to open it.
4. It will open the Open Media window. Here, choose the Capture Device tab and select the DirectShow option from the drop-down menu.
5. Then click on the Capture Mode option.
6. Now, select your video and audio device name.
7. After that, click on the drop-down menu icon next to the Play option and select the Convert option.
Note
It will record your video in default settings. You can use the Advanced Options button to change the video size and aspect ratio of the video.
8. Select the video and audio profile from the drop-down menu.
9. Then select the destination file – where you want to save the file. For that, click Browse, select the location, name your file, and click the Save button.
10. After that, click the Start button to record the webcam. The moving time counter tells us that the video is recording. You will then see yourself or whatever you have the camera pointed at in the main window.
11. After the recording is complete, click the Pause Icon to save the recording. The video will be saved as the file you specified before.
4. Set a Video as Your Desktop Wallpaper with VLC
Transform your desktop into a dynamic, video-powered experience with VLC Media Player. If static wallpapers feel dull, use VLC to play a video as your wallpaper.
Follow the following steps to set a video as your wallpaper with VLC Media Player:
1. Open the VLC Media Player app.
2. After that, play the video file – you want to set it as video wallpaper.
3. Then click on the Video tab and click on the Set as Wallpaper option from the menu that appears.
4. You can also right-click on the video area and select the video option from the context menu.
5. Then choose the Set as Wallpaper option.
6. After the wallpaper is enabled. Minimize the VLC Media Player and enjoy the live wallpaper.
7. After that, when you are ready to switch back to your static wallpaper. Click Video and then close out of VLC.
5. Check Video Resolution and Frame Rate in VLC
VLC is not just a player; it’s a utility tool. Use it to check a video’s resolution and frame rate, which is essential for ensuring compatibility during video editing.
Steps to Check Video Resolution and Frame Rate:
1. Open the VLC Media Player and open the video file you want to check.
2. Click the Tools tab from the top menu.
3. Then select the Codec Information option or use the Ctrl + J shortcut key. For macOS, press Command (⌘) + I and click on the Codes Details tab to access the media information.
3. The Current Information window will appear. Under the Stream tab, you can see the video resolution and frame rate. The resolution will be displayed as “Width x Height” (e.g., 1920×1080), and the frame rate will be displayed in frames per second (e.g., 30).
Conclusion
These features make VLC Media Player an indispensable tool for both casual users and professionals. Whether you’re converting files, recording your screen, or setting a live wallpaper, VLC goes beyond expectations to deliver functionality and ease of use. Explore these features today and unlock the full potential of this powerful software!
