How to Size & Save Photos in QuickTime

Export still images using QuickTime Pro.
... Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images

The standard Apple QuickTime player enables you to view photos and videos, but does not provide editing capabilities. With QuickTime Pro, you can perform simple file format manipulations with audio, video and image files. For example, you can export a still frame from a movie, then save the image as a file on your hard drive. However, QuickTime Pro does not provide a way to size the image before saving it. Use an image editor to resize, crop or otherwise modify the still image, once the file is exported.

Open the video containing the frame you want to capture in QuickTime Pro.

Play the clip until you reach the frame to export as an image, then pause the clip on the frame.

Click “File” in the top navigation bar, then click the “Export” list option. Type a name for the image in the Save As box that opens.

Click the “Export” drop-down menu, then click the “Movie to Picture” option.

Configure any additional options, as desired. For example, you can change the Quality level from the default of “Medium” to another setting.

Click the “Use” drop-down list, then click the image file format for the export. Click the “Save” button to export the frame as a picture.

  • Information in these steps applies to QuickTime Pro, version 7.0 and above. Instructions may vary slightly or significantly for other versions of the software.
  • Use an application, such as iMovie or Final Cut Pro, when you need a full-featured video editor. When you need a full-featured image editor, GIMP or Adobe Photoshop are both viable options. For simple edits on low resolution graphics, use Windows Paint or iPhoto for Macs.

Based in the live music capital of the world, Tammy Columbo continues to work in the information technology industry as she has done for more than 10 years. While living in Austin, Columbo has contributed to high profile projects for the State of Texas, Fortune 500 technology companies and various non-profit organizations. Columbo began writing professionally in 2009.

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