VLC Media Player: The Complete Guide (2025)

By Amily Smith Last updated Jan 13, 2025

VLC Media Player is a free, open-source, and incredibly versatile media player capable of handling almost any video or audio format you throw at it. This comprehensive guide is your one-stop shop for mastering VLC, from basic playback to advanced features and troubleshooting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned techie, you’ll find valuable tips and tricks to enhance your VLC experience. Click here to download VLC media player.

VLC for Beginners: Getting Started with the Basics

New to VLC? Don’t worry, we’ll start with the fundamentals:

How to Play Videos with Subtitles in VLC

Subtitles can enhance your viewing experience, especially for foreign language films or when watching in noisy environments. Here’s how to add and manage subtitles in VLC:

Open Your Video: Launch VLC and open your video file (File > Open File).
Add Subtitle File: Go to Subtitle > Add Subtitle File.
Select the Subtitle File: Choose the subtitle file from your computer (common formats include .srt, .sub, .ass, .ssa).
Adjust Subtitle Settings (Optional): Go to Tools > Preferences > Subtitles/OSD. Here you can change the font, size, color, and even the subtitle position.
Syncing Subtitles: If the subtitles are out of sync, go to Tools > Track Synchronization. Adjust the “Subtitle track synchronization” value. Positive values delay the subtitles, while negative values advance them.

Finding Subtitle Files: Popular websites like OpenSubtitles.org and Subscene.com offer a vast library of subtitles.

How to Rotate a Video in VLC Player on Windows 10/11 and Mac

Sometimes videos are recorded in the wrong orientation. Here’s how to rotate them:

1. Open the Video File:
  - Open VLC Media Player.
  - Click on the **Media** menu and select **Open File…**.
  Opening a video file in VLC Media Player (Windows)
2. Access Effects and Filters:
  - Go to **Tools > Effects and Filters** (or **Tools > Adjustments and Effects** on older versions).
  Accessing Effects and Filters
3. Navigate to Geometry:
  - Click the **Video Effects** tab, then the **Geometry** tab.
  Navigating to the Geometry Tab
4. Transform the Video:
  - Check the **Transform** box and select the desired rotation (90°, 180°, 270°). You can also use the **Rotate** option for finer adjustments.
  Transforming the Video
5. Save Changes (Optional):
  - To permanently save the rotation, you’ll need to convert the video (**Media > Convert/Save**).
  Saving Changes

Pro Tips: Transpose the video

Flip or transpose the video in VLC media player — Flip and Transpose video

If you need to both flip and rotate your video, select either “Transpose” or “Anti-transpose” from the dropdown menu located below the “Transform” checkbox. Choosing “Transpose” will rotate your video 270 degrees clockwise and flip it horizontally. Selecting “Anti-transpose” will rotate it 90 degrees clockwise and flip it horizontally.

How to Take a Screenshot of a Video in VLC

Capturing a still image from a video is easy:

Play and Pause: Play the video and pause at the exact frame you want to capture.
Take Snapshot: Go to Video > Take Snapshot (or use the keyboard shortcut Shift+S on Windows/Linux, Command+Option+S on Mac).
Locate the Screenshot: The screenshot is saved to your Pictures folder by default. You can change the default save location in VLC’s preferences (Tools > Preferences > Video).

How to Create a Video Playlist in VLC Media Player

Creating playlists helps organize your video collection:

Open Multiple Files: Go to Media > Open Multiple Files.
Add Files to Playlist: Click “Add” and select the video files you want to include.
Play the Playlist: Click “Play.”
Save the Playlist: To save the playlist for later use, go to Media > Save Playlist to File. You can then open this playlist file (.xspf) to quickly load your saved videos.

VLC Media Player Basic Controls Explained

Here’s a quick overview of essential VLC controls:

Play/Pause: Spacebar
Stop: S
Fullscreen: F
Volume Up/Down: Up/Down arrow keys
Seek Forward/Backward (Small Jumps): Left/Right arrow keys
Seek Forward/Backward (Large Jumps): Ctrl + Left/Right arrow keys
Jump to Specific Time: Right-click on the playback bar and select “Jump to Time.”

VLC for Advanced Users: Unleashing the Power of VLC

Ready to go beyond the basics? Let’s explore some advanced features:

How to Convert Video Formats Using VLC Media Player

VLC can also convert videos to different formats. This is useful for compatibility with different devices or reducing file size.

Go to Media > Convert / Save.
Click “Add” and select the input video file.
Click “Convert / Save.”
Choose a Profile (Output Format): Select the desired output format from the dropdown menu (e.g., MP4, Webm, Ogg). You can also customize profiles by clicking the wrench icon.
Destination File: Choose where to save the converted file and give it a name.
Start Conversion: Click “Start.”

Understanding Codecs and Containers:

Codecs (Compressors/Decompressors): These encode and decode the video and audio data (H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9, MPEG-4).
Containers (File Formats): These hold the encoded video and audio data (MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV).

Choosing the Right Format:

MP4: Highly compatible, good balance of quality and file size.
MKV: Supports multiple audio and subtitle tracks, ideal for high-quality video.
WebM: Optimized for web use, supported by most modern browsers.

Bitrate: Higher bitrate means better quality but larger file size. Adjust this in the profile settings.

How to Stream Online Videos with VLC

VLC can play online streams directly:

Go to Media > Open Network Stream.
Paste the URL of the online video stream (e.g., a YouTube link or an IPTV stream URL).
Click “Play.”

How to Record Your Desktop with VLC on Mac

VLC can capture your Mac’s screen:

Go to File > Open Capture Device.
In the “Capture mode” dropdown, select “Desktop.”
Adjust settings like frame rate and capture area.
Click “Open.”
To start recording, click the “Play” button. To stop, click the “Stop” button.
The recording will be saved as a video file.

How to Use VLC to Play DVDs with Menus

Playing DVDs with full menu navigation:

Insert the DVD.
Go to Media > Open Disc.
Select the DVD drive.
Check the “No disc menus” option if you want to skip the menus and play the main movie directly. Otherwise, leave it unchecked to navigate the DVD menu.
Click “Play.”

How to Fix VLC Audio Delay Issues

Audio out of sync? Here’s how to fix it:

Go to Tools > Track Synchronization.
Adjust the “Audio track synchronization” value. Positive values delay the audio (if the audio is playing too early), and negative values advance it (if the audio is playing too late).

VLC on Specific Devices/OS

VLC works across many platforms. Here are some device-specific tips:

How to Set Up VLC on Android TV for Streaming

(Detailed instructions with Android TV interface specifics and remote control navigation)

Best VLC Settings for Mac for Optimal Performance

(Mac-specific settings like hardware acceleration, interface customization, and integration with macOS features)

Troubleshooting VLC Crashing on Windows 11

(Windows 11-related issues and solutions, including driver updates, compatibility settings, and clean installations)

Using VLC on Chromebook Without Android Apps

(Using the Linux (Beta) environment on Chromebooks to install and run the Linux version of VLC)

VLC and Specific File Types

VLC excels at playing various file types:

How to Play MKV Files with VLC Without Stuttering

(Tips for smooth MKV playback, including hardware acceleration, codec packs (if necessary, though usually not), and adjusting caching settings)

How to Play 4K Videos Smoothly in VLC on a Low-End PC

(Optimization tips for playing high-resolution videos on less powerful hardware, including hardware acceleration settings, lowering video output resolution, and adjusting caching settings)

How to Play FLAC Audio Files in VLC Media Player

(Simple instructions for playing FLAC files and adjusting audio settings. Mentioning VLC’s support for lossless audio formats)

VLC Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Issues

Encountering problems with VLC? Here are some common solutions:

VLC Not Playing Sound on Windows 10/11: Fixed

(Troubleshooting steps for sound issues on Windows, including checking audio devices, VLC audio settings, and driver updates. Covering scenarios like no sound at all, sound only from one speaker, and distorted sound.)

How to Fix VLC Black Screen Issues

(Solutions for black screen problems, including video output settings, hardware acceleration settings, codec troubleshooting, and checking for conflicting software. Covering scenarios like black screen with sound, black screen with no sound, and intermittent black screen.)

VLC Media Player Error Messages and Their Solutions

(Explanation of common error messages like “VLC is unable to open ‘location’,” “No suitable decoder module,” and “Codec not supported.” Provide specific solutions for each error message.)

VLC Advanced Features: Taking it to the Next Level

VLC has a wealth of advanced features for power users:

VLC’s Audio and Video Effects

(Explanation of VLC’s built-in equalizer, compressors, spatializers, and other audio effects. Covering how to access and use them to enhance audio and video playback.)

Streaming Protocols (HTTP, RTP, RTSP) in VLC

(Explanation of different streaming protocols supported by VLC and how to use them to stream media over a network or the internet. Covering basic setup and configuration.)

Using VLC’s Command-Line Interface (for Advanced Users)

(Brief introduction to VLC’s command-line interface and some basic commands for controlling playback, converting files, and other advanced tasks. This section can cater to more technical users.)

VLC’s Plugins and Extensions

(Explanation of how to install and use VLC plugins and extensions to add new features and functionalities to the player. Mentioning some popular and useful plugins.)

VLC on Specific Devices/OS

How to Set Up VLC on Android TV for Streaming

(Detailed instructions with Android TV interface specifics, remote control navigation, and tips for streaming from local networks and online sources.)

Best VLC Settings for Mac for Optimal Performance

(Mac-specific settings like hardware acceleration, interface customization, integration with macOS features, and troubleshooting common Mac-related issues.)

Troubleshooting VLC Crashing on Windows 11

(Windows 11-related issues and solutions, including driver updates, compatibility settings, clean installations, and checking for software conflicts.)

Using VLC on Chromebook Without Android Apps (Using Linux Beta)

(Detailed steps on enabling Linux (Beta) on Chromebooks, installing the Linux version of VLC, and configuring it for optimal performance. Addressing potential issues and limitations.)

VLC and Specific File Types

How to Play MKV Files with VLC Without Stuttering

(In-depth tips for smooth MKV playback, including hardware acceleration, codec packs (if absolutely necessary), adjusting caching settings, and troubleshooting common MKV playback issues like audio/video sync problems.)

How to Play 4K Videos Smoothly in VLC on a Low-End PC

(Advanced optimization tips for playing high-resolution videos on less powerful hardware, including hardware acceleration settings, lowering video output resolution, adjusting caching settings, and using specific video output modules.)

How to Play FLAC Audio Files in VLC Media Player

(Simple instructions for playing FLAC files, adjusting audio settings, and utilizing VLC’s audio equalizer for optimal listening. Briefly explaining the benefits of lossless audio formats like FLAC.)

VLC Login FAQs

Is VLC Media Player completely free?: Yes, VLC is completely free and open-source software. There are no hidden costs or subscriptions.
Can I use VLC to play DVDs and Blu-rays?: Yes, VLC can play DVDs out of the box. For Blu-rays, you might need to install additional libraries (instructions for which can be found online).
Does VLC have a mobile app?: Yes, VLC has mobile apps for Android and iOS devices.
How do I update VLC Media Player?: You can usually check for updates within the VLC application itself (Help > Check for Updates) or download the latest version from the official VLC website.
Where can I download the VLC Media Player safely?: Always download VLC from the official VideoLAN website (videolan.org) to avoid malware or corrupted installations.

Conclusion: Your Journey to VLC Mastery

From playing basic video and audio files to converting formats, streaming online content, and troubleshooting common issues, VLC Media Player is a powerful tool with a wealth of features for users of all levels. This comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and skills to navigate VLC effectively across various platforms and use cases.

Whether you’re a beginner just starting your VLC journey or an advanced user looking to unlock its full potential, remember these key takeaways:

VLC is incredibly versatile, supporting a vast array of media formats.
Its interface is user-friendly, even for complex tasks like video conversion and streaming.
VLC is completely free and open-source, making it accessible to everyone by it’s developers VIDEOLAN.ORG
With a little exploration, you can customize VLC to suit your specific needs and preferences.

We encourage you to experiment with the different features and settings we’ve covered in this guide. Don’t be afraid to dive into the advanced options and discover even more ways to enhance your media experience. With regular use and exploration, you’ll soon become a true VLC master.

This guide will be regularly updated with new tips, tricks, and troubleshooting advice. Check back often to stay up-to-date with the latest VLC knowledge.