VLC Media Player It has established itself as one of the most widely used programs in the world, and it's no wonder: its ability to play virtually any video or audio file, along with its many hidden functions, make it one of those essential applications that you probably already have installed. And it gets even better when we learn how to use the best VLC tricks, which we compile in this entry.
Want to take your VLC experience to the next level? If so, keep reading.
Convert videos and audios to any format with VLC
One of the most unknown but powerful functions is that of convert media filesVLC not only plays virtually anything you throw at it, but it also lets you transform those files into different video and audio formats, saving you the hassle of installing additional programs.
Converting a video is as simple as going to the menu Medium and select Convert. From there, just add the file, choose the destination format (MP4, AVI, MP3, etc.), Customize the parameters if you need to and define the folder where the resulting file will be saved.This trick is ideal for both videos in unusual formats and audio that you need to play on another device.
Play online videos from any website, including YouTube
Would you like to watch internet videos in VLC, taking advantage of all its benefits (quick controls, filters, stability, etc.)? You can do it without downloading anything! Just copy the video URL and, in VLC, select Medium > Open network location. Paste the address and click on Play to watch the video streaming directly from the network. On macOS the option is in Archive > Open network.
This is useful for any online video, but it can also be the first step to download YouTube videos without having to install suspicious programs or lose your mind with websites full of ads.
Download videos from YouTube and other platforms with VLC
More VLC tricks: Did you know that in just a few steps you can Download any video from YouTube using only VLCThat's right, and it's completely safe. Here are the steps:
- Open VLC and go to Medium > Open network location.
- Paste the URL of the YouTube video and press Play.
- When the video is loading, open the menu Tools > Codec information. On Mac, Window > Multimedia information.
- In the countryside Place (o Location), copy the long address that appears.
- Paste that URL into your browser and once the video loads, right click and select Save video as.
Works with most platforms and It is ideal for saving favorite videos without risks or unnecessary installations..
Record your desktop, webcam, or video clips
Do you want to make a tutorial, explain something remotely, or record what's happening on screen? VLC makes it easy for youbecause it allows record desktop without resorting to another program. You just have to enter Medium > Open capture device and select Capture Mode: Desktop. You can adjust the frame rate (recommended between 15 and 30 fps) and choose the output quality or format before saving the recording wherever you prefer.
The same trick works if you want record the webcam: Choose Capture mode: DirectShow and choose your camera and microphone. You can even adjust recording parameters in Advanced, and press Play o Convert as you need.
On the other hand, if you already have a video running and just want to record or save a specific fragment, activates the Advanced controls on the menu EyeglassesA record button will appear (the typical red circle) that you can use to capture the exact section you want. VLC will automatically save that clip to your videos or music folder, as appropriate.
Add subtitles quickly and easily
One of VLC's strong points is its ease of use. add subtitles, either manually or automatically. You have several options:
- From the menu Subheadline, choose Add subtitle file and select the corresponding SRT file.
- Drag the subtitle file directly into the playback window.
- If the SRT file has the same name as the video and is in the same folder, VLC will automatically pair them when playing.
Also, with these VLC tricks you can control the subtitle sync en Tools > Effects and filters, adjusting possible audio or text delays so that everything fits together perfectly.
Edit and customize audio and video: filters, effects, and normalization
VLC includes a complete effects and filters panel for both video and audio. From Tools > Effects and filters, you can play with the equalizer, the different color profiles (brightness, contrast, gamma...), rotate the image or even normalize volume of the videos so that you don't get scared by ads or unexpected scene changes.
This normalization is activated from Tools > Preferences, in the section of Audio: Check 'Normalize Volume' and set the value you prefer. You will have to restart VLC for it to take effect. It is also possible to correct the audio and subtitle synchronization, perfect if you have any files with mismatches.
Manage podcasts and online radio stations
Another interesting trick of VLC, highlights the one that allows us to have all your podcast o online radio stations organized favorites in VLC, without installing anything else? That's right:
- To podcast, locate the RSS address of the program you want to follow. Open the Play list (Ctrl+L), search in the section Internet the option Podcast and click on the + to add the URL. All available episodes will be automatically added to your library.
- To radio stations, Accede to Medium > Open network location, enter the station's URL and press PlayFrom the playlist, you'll see all the radio stations you've added and can move them to your library so you always have them handy.
In this way, VLC also becomes your complete media manager, allowing you to listen to streaming content, organize favorites, and enjoy online radio with the quality and convenience you expect from a player.
Add watermarks, text, or logos to your videos
Do you want to protect your creations, presentations or recordings by inserting watermarks or custom text? VLC makes it easy. From Tools > Effects and filters > video effects, access the tab Overlap, where you can add a logo or text, adjust its position, and adjust its transparency. This is very useful for content creators or if you simply want to make sure your videos aren't distributed without your approval.
Remote control VLC from the web browser
If you are one of those who connects the computer to the TV or uses VLC as part of a Media Center, you will be interested in this trick: you can control VLC from any browser on your local network (mobile, tablet, laptop). Just activate the web interface from Tools > Preferences > Show Settings: All, Then in Interface > Main interfaces active Website. Set a password in the section Moon, restart VLC, and accept the firewall prompt. Now, access it from any browser on the same network. http://localhost:8080/ and log in with your password. Now you can turn your phone into the most complete remote control!
Mark key moments in your videos with personalized favorites
Do you watch long series, movies, or tutorials and need to remember key moments? Use the feature markers from VLC. During playback, go to the menu Reproduction > Custom FavoritesYou can create a new bookmark at the exact moment, rename it, and edit its time later if needed. This way, you can jump directly to scenes or chapters that interest you, without wasting time searching through the progress bar.
Play videos without unzipping compressed files
One of VLC's most interesting tricks: Many videos circulating on the Internet come compressed in .zip or .rar files, sometimes even divided into several parts. You don't need to unzip them to view them! Only drag the compressed file into VLC or open it from the menu. The player is able to manage these files directly.; just make sure all the parts are in the same folder if they are split files.
Customize the user interface and most useful keyboard shortcuts
Finally, we highlight the capacity of Customizing the VLC interface. From Tools > Customize interface You can drag and rearrange the buttons to your liking, adapting the player to your habits or needs. In addition, there are multiple key combinations (shortcuts) that will make your life much easier, saving you time and effort:
- Full Screen: F (activate), Esc (exit)
- Pause/Resume: Space
- Next frame: E
- Subtitles: V (on/off), G/H (adjust delay)
- Volume: Ctrl + up/down arrows
- Screenshot: Shift + S (Windows), CMD + Alt + S (Mac)
- Change screen format: A or C
- Play next/previous: N/P
- Stop playback: S
- Slow/Fast Playback: – / +
- Play list: Ctrl + L (open), Ctrl + Y (save)
- Preferences: Ctrl+P
- Edit bookmarks: Ctrl+B
- Effects and filters: Ctrl+E
- Quit VLC: Ctrl + Q or Ctrl + W
These shortcuts They will allow you to navigate through large lists of videos, skip chapters, fast forward or rewind, adjust the sound and much more without taking your hands off the keyboard.
Thanks to these advanced features and tricks, VLC becomes an incredibly complete tool For any user. From converting files, playing online content, recording screens, editing videos, managing your favorite podcasts and stations, and customizing your experience to the fullest, VLC is ready for it all. If you've been using only the basic options for years, it's time to rediscover this software in all its potential!