VLC media player is a versatile and powerful tool that goes beyond its reputation as a simple media player. While it's already an excellent choice for playing video and audio files, there are several lesser-known features that can significantly enhance its functionality. Here are some of the most impressive tricks I've discovered over the years, which I wish I had known about sooner.
Desktop Recording
One of the most handy features I recently discovered is VLC's built-in desktop recording capability. This eliminates the need for third-party apps like Fraps or Bandicam, which I used in the past for creating tutorials or troubleshooting. With VLC, you can easily record your desktop without any additional software.
To start, navigate to the Media menu, select Open Capture Device, and set the Capture Mode to Desktop. Choose your preferred frame rate (30 or 60 FPS is recommended), and then hit Play. Your desktop will now be mirrored in VLC. When you're ready to record, go to Playback > Record, and stop when you're done. The desktop capture will be saved to your Videos folder as an MP4 file.
File Conversion
VLC also offers a convenient built-in tool for converting files, which I've found incredibly useful for my projects. Instead of relying on editing software like Premiere Pro, you can quickly convert video files to audio formats like MP3 directly within VLC.
Start by clicking Media > Convert/Save, then select the file you want to convert using the Add button. Click Convert/Save at the bottom, and a new Convert window will appear. Choose the output format from the Profile dropdown (Audio - MP3 in my case), select the save location, and click Start. The conversion process might take a few seconds, depending on the file size.
Screenshot Tool
VLC's built-in screenshot tool is a game-changer for capturing perfect frames from movies or gameplay footage. It's much more convenient than using Snipping Tool or similar apps. To take a screenshot, pause the video, click Video > Take Snapshot, and VLC will capture the frame at full resolution, saving it to your PC's Photos folder by default.
Puzzle Game
One of the most unexpected and fun features I discovered is VLC's ability to turn any video frame into a jigsaw puzzle. This adds a unique twist to your movie-watching experience and provides a fun break from gaming. To enable this, pause the video, press Ctrl+E to open the Adjustments and Effects menu, navigate to Video Effects, and select the Geometry tab. Toggle on the Puzzle Game option, choose the number of rows and columns, and click Save. Now you can solve the puzzle you've created.
Dark Mode
VLC recently introduced built-in dark mode support, which is a welcome addition for those who prefer a dark interface on their PCs. This feature not only enhances the user experience but also reduces eye strain, especially during late-night sessions. To enable dark mode, ensure VLC is up-to-date, then go to Help > Check for Updates. Once updated, navigate to Tools > Preferences, and toggle on Use a dark palette under Look and Feel. You may need to close and reopen VLC for the changes to take effect.
In conclusion, VLC media player is far more than just a media player. These lesser-known features showcase its versatility and power, making it an even more valuable addition to your digital toolkit. By utilizing these tricks, you can unlock new levels of productivity and entertainment, all while enjoying the convenience of a free, open-source tool.
