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How to Rotate a Video in VLC

Ethan Martinez

Ever recorded a video on your phone only to discover it’s sideways or completely upside down? We’ve *all* been there. Fear not — VLC Media Player is your superhero in disguise. It’s not just for playing back random video files. VLC also has some magical powers, like rotating a video with a few simple clicks. And yes, it’s totally free!

Let’s dive into the easy, breezy process of spinning your video right side up using VLC. 🍿

Why Would You Rotate a Video?

Good question! Here are a few common reasons:

Whatever the reason, VLC’s got your back.

Step-by-Step: Rotate a Video in VLC

Grab yourself a cup of coffee and open VLC. You’re about five clicks away from fixing that awkward angle.

Step 1: Open Your Video

Simple stuff!

  1. Launch VLC Media Player.
  2. Click Media in the top-left corner.
  3. Select Open File.
  4. Choose your wonky video file and hit Open.

It should begin playing. If it doesn’t, hit the play button, ya know?

Step 2: Access the Tools to Rotate

This is where the magic happens:

  1. Click Tools in the top menu.
  2. Select Effects and Filters.
  3. In the new window, go to the Video Effects tab.
  4. Then click on the tab called Geometry.

Step 3: Check the Rotation Box

Once inside the Geometry tab:

  1. Check the box that says Transform.
  2. Now, click the dropdown menu just below it.

This is where the fun begins. 🎉

Step 4: Choose the Rotation Angle

You’ll see several options:

Pick one. Watch your video twist and turn into the correct view.

If you want more flexibility (exact angles), check the box for Rotate instead of Transform. You’ll get a circle dial where you can rotate the video at any angle.

Step 5: Watch the Video Rotate

Your video will now be rotated in the player. *But wait!* This fix is only temporary until you save it. Let’s do that next.

Saving the Rotated Video

What good is rotating if you can’t save it, right? Here's how to make the rotation permanent:

Step 6: Go to Convert/Save

  1. Click Media in the top menu again.
  2. Select Convert / Save.
  3. Under the File tab, click Add and pick your video again.
  4. Now click the Convert / Save button.

Step 7: Adjust the Profile Settings

You’ll see a window with conversion options:

  1. Under Profile, choose a format (we recommend MP4 for most people).
  2. Click the little wrench icon next to the profile (this opens Edit Selected Profile).
  3. Go to the Video Codec tab.
  4. Check the Video box and make sure Keep original video track is NOT checked.

Now go to the Filters tab under that same menu.

Step 8: Check the Video Transformation Filter

Scroll down and check the box for:

Video transformation filter

Click Save. You’re almost there!

Step 9: Choose Where to Save the File

  1. Back in the main Convert screen, click Browse.
  2. Pick your output folder and name your file something cool like my-fixed-video.mp4.
  3. Click Start.

VLC will now process your rotation, and the saved video will permanently have the correct angle. Boom! 🎬

Helpful Tips

Using Hotkeys? Not an Option

Some people ask: *Can I rotate with keyboard shortcuts?* Sadly, not in VLC. You'll need to use the method above. It’s not too hard, trust us.

Bonus Tip: Flip That Video!

Want to mirror your video instead? Just check the Flip or Transpose box in the same Geometry tab we visited earlier. Use it to fix mirrored videos or get artsy!

That’s a Wrap!

Rotating a video in VLC is way easier than most people think. Once you do it a couple of times, it becomes second nature. Plus, VLC can do so much more — trimming videos, adding subtitles, and even streaming. So keep exploring!

Next time your video looks like it’s doing yoga poses, open up VLC and straighten things out. Happy rotating! 🎉

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