Export no re encode, why is it not an option

[brianappj]

I see that export with a straight copy function without rencoding is not an option in this software. Is there a reason? It would seem to be an easy process and much simpler editors can do this. Otherwise you always have to make the compromise between size and render time vs quality.

[GordC]

@shotcut provides an explanation here:

Cut without re-encode. Possible?

This is asked numerous times, and it is in the FAQ. However, not mentioned in the FAQ is that now, if you only need to trim a single clip with re-encode, you can use Properties > menu > Extract Sub-clip… but this is not guaranteed to work depending on the file format and its encoding parameters.

[PoisonedSlice]

In addition to @GordC’s response; in cases where you just want to trim or remove parts of your footage and aren’t planning on any other edits (else, copy is invalid anyway) then something like Avidemux is a simple and excellent tool that is very easy to use.

Not everyone sees it that way and consider the use of an additional piece of software unacceptable, but IMO they are wrong. I personally use it for removing sections from tennis footage where I have no plans on additional editing.