# Trim a clip

Cut a few seconds off the start or end of a clip so it opens and ends right where you want.

Cliphi cuts each clip to a good length for you, but sometimes you want to shave a
little off the start so it opens on the strong line, or trim the end so it stops
before someone trails off. That is what trimming is for.

## Steps

### 1. Open the Trim controls

Open the clip, tap **Edit** under the preview, and pick **Trim** (the scissors).

![The Trim tab, showing the slider with the start time, the new length, and the end time.](/help/trim-a-clip/01-trim-tab.png)

### 2. Set the start and end

Drag the two handles on the bar. The left one sets where the clip starts, the
right one sets where it ends. As you drag, the preview jumps to that exact spot so
you can land on the right moment.

The three times above the bar tell you where you are: the **start** on the left,
the **new length** in the middle, and the **end** on the right. Watch the middle
number to keep the clip the length you want.

### 3. Check it plays right

Play the clip back. It should open on your strong line and stop before anything
trails off. Nudge the handles until it feels right.

## Good to know

- **It is free.** Trimming just changes which part of the clip plays, so drag the
  handles as much as you like. You only spend a credit when you make the final clip
  with **Get Clip**.
- **Nothing is lost.** Trimming does not throw anything away. Drag the handles back
  out any time to bring the trimmed bit back.
- **Reactions come off.** If the clip has a [reaction](/help/record-a-reaction)
  on it, trimming removes it, since your recording was timed to the old length.
  You can record a fresh take after trimming.

## Quick check before you Get Clip

- [ ] The clip opens right on the strong moment.
- [ ] It ends before anyone trails off or pauses.
- [ ] The length in the middle is where you want it.

## What's next

- What every side control does: [The quick edit rail](/help/quick-edit-rail).
- Ready to save it? [Download a clip](/help/download-a-clip).