How to Get a Still Image from a Video
Have you ever watched a movie and wished you could save a perfect moment as a picture? Whether it’s a breathtaking scene, a candid expression, or a crucial detail, knowing how to get a picture from a video allows you to preserve that frame as a standalone photograph.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a still photo from a video using a variety of methods. No technical expertise is required, there’s an easy solution for everyone.
How to get a picture from a video with screen recorder?
Screen recording is a simple and versatile way to capture specific moments from a video. This method is particularly useful if you don’t have access to advanced video editors or if you’re looking for a quick solution.
In the steps below, we’ll guide you through the process of using an Icecream Screen Recorder to pull stills from video effortlessly.
Step 1. Install the program
If you haven’t already, download free screenshot maker from the official website and install it. Once done, open the software.
Step 2. Adjust the settings (optional)
Before capturing, it's important to adjust your settings for the best image quality. To do this:
- Click the gear icon.
- If you prefer using a keyboard shortcut for quick screencast, set your desired key combination.
- Select your needed image format (JPEG, PNG, WebP) and set the location where you'd like the picture of a video to be saved.
Step 3. Play the video
Launch your media player (e.g., VLC, Windows Media Player, or any other) and open the clip you want to grab picture from.
Pause it at the exact frame. This step is crucial because the screenshot will cast whatever is on the display at that moment. If you’re utilizing a video editing software, you can use frame-by-frame navigation to precisely select the scene you want.
Step 4. Use the screenshot tool
Click the "Screenshot" button and select how you’d like to capture the still image from the video. Options are: choose a custom area, capture the full screen, or use the auto-detection mode. Alternatively, you can press the hotkey you set earlier.
If you want to highlight or annotate parts of your video screenshot, the program provides drawing tools that allow you to add shapes, arrows, text, and more directly onto the working area before capturing the image. This feature is perfect for emphasizing specific details or providing visual explanations.
Step 5. Save
Once you've made the picture of a video, it will automatically be saved to the location you specified. You can rename the file or move it to another folder for better organization.
Pros:
- A simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy for anyone to take a photo from a video without technical expertise.
- Built-in drawing panel that allows you to add markers and other elements during the screencast.
- The ability to assign a custom hotkey, speeding up the process, especially when making multiple images in a short time.
- Possibility to blur sensitive areas, annotate with text or shapes, and customize the image further after capturing it to meet your needs.
- Resolution options for screenshots, ensuring high-quality graphics suitable for various uses.
How to get a picture from a video with media players?
VLC is a popular open-source program that also allows you to export frame to pictures. If you want to capture still image from video while watching it, here’s a guide to help you do it.
- Visit the official website and download the version suitable for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Open the app by double-clicking the icon on your desktop or from the "Start" menu.
- Hit "Media", then "Open File", and select the video from which you want to get an image.
- Use the pause button or press the spacebar to stop the playback. If needed, you can move frame-by-frame using the E key to find the exact time.
- Press "Video" in the top menu and pick "Take Snapshot". Alternatively, you can utilize the keyboard shortcut Shift + S (Windows/Linux) or Command + Alt + S (macOS).
Pros:
- You don’t need any special screenshot makers or video editing software to take a photo from a video.
- Free media player that doesn’t require any subscriptions.
Cons:
- Does not offer advanced video editing options.
- Doesn’t provide any drawing or annotation tools.
How to take pictures from a video with hotkeys?
Taking a video screenshot with hotkeys is a fast and efficient way to get the task done. Below are the methods to capture photo from video for both Windows and Mac.
| Area | Windows | Hotkey |
|---|---|---|
| Entire screen | Windows + Print Screen | Command + Shift + 3 |
| Active window | Alt + Print Screen | (No built-in hotkey) |
| Selected area | Windows + Shift + S | Command + Shift + 4 |
| Specific window | (No built-in hotkey) | Command + Shift + 4, then Spacebar |
Pros:
- No need to open any apps or menus—just press the right combination, and the picture of a video is taken instantly.
Cons:
- Lack features like automatic timestamps, text annotations, or advanced editing.
- To save the screenshots you need to use a third-party software.
Why take picture of a video?
- Preserve important expressions, actions, or emotions.
- Use for video previews or social media thumbnails.
- Extract images for marketing materials or ads.
- Create slides, reports, or design references.
- Utilize stills in artwork, photography, or collages.
- Aid in education or memory retention.
- Reuse stills for various projects or platforms.
- Focus on products or key moments in tutorials.
Conclusion
Getting a photo from a video is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your content and repurpose visuals.
Whether you use built-in tools like hotkeys, media players, or specialized software like Icecream Screen Recorder, each method offers unique advantages based on your needs. With a variety of techniques at your disposal, capturing the perfect frame from a video has never been easier.
Expert Tech Writer
