2 Methods to Go Frame by Frame in VLC

Last updated: November 4, 2025

VLC Media Player’s popularity is due to its robust feature set and ability to handle almost any video file. One powerful but often hidden feature is the ability to navigate a video frame by frame. This allows you to step ahead by the smallest fraction of video time, making it perfect for analysis, viewing objects that disappear quickly, or capturing the perfect screenshot.

Here is the complete guide on the two methods to go frame by frame in VLC.

Table of Contents

Why Go Frame by Frame in VLC?

Capture the Perfect Screenshot: Stop the video exactly on the frame needed for a precise image capture (Shift + S).
Detailed Analysis: Review fast-moving action in slow motion for educational, sports, or forensic purposes.
GIF Creation: Find the specific start and end points of a small clip to use for creating an animated GIF.
Subtitles/Timing: Synchronize subtitles or perform video editing tasks that require exact timing.

Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut (The Quickest Way)

The fastest and easiest way to step frame by frame is by using the keyboard shortcut.

1. The Forward Step (`E` Key)

To begin, open your video file in VLC and ensure it is either playing or paused.

To Pause a playing video, press the Spacebar or the E key.
To move the video forward one frame, press the E key once for each frame you wish to advance.

2. The Backward Step (`Shift + E` Keys)

Unlike the outdated belief that VLC cannot step backward, modern versions of the player support reverse frame stepping.

To move the video backward one frame, press the key combination Shift + E once for each frame you wish to retreat.

3. Capture the Frame

Once you have landed on your desired frame, use the keyboard shortcut to take a high-quality screenshot:

Screenshot Hotkey: Press Shift + S (on macOS, this may be Cmd + Alt + S).
- Note: Screenshots are saved to your default Pictures/Photos folder.

🔑 Troubleshooting: Changing the Hotkey

If the E key does not work for you, a different keyboard character may be assigned for this function.

Go to the Tools tab in the top menu, then select Preferences (or press Ctrl + P / Cmd + ,).
Click on the Hotkeys tab.
In the search bar, type Frame.
You will see the commands: “Next frame” and “Previous frame.” You can click on either one to Change or Define a new shortcut key at your convenience.

Method 2: Using the Advanced Toolbar Button

The VLC media player’s default interface is minimal and does not include a dedicated frame-stepping button. You must first enable the Advanced Controls to access it.

1. Enable Advanced Controls

In the VLC menu bar, click on the View menu.
Select Advanced Controls from the dropdown menu to turn it on.
A new row of controls will appear just above the main timeline slider.

2. Use the Frame-by-Frame Button

The far right button on this new toolbar is the Frame by Frame button. It looks like two film strips with an arrow skipping forward.
Click this button repeatedly to advance one frame at a time.
- Note: This toolbar button only supports forward stepping; you must use the Shift + E keyboard shortcut for backward stepping.

3. Customizing the Interface (Optional)

If you have difficulty finding the button or want a cleaner look, you can add the button directly to the main interface:

Go to Tools and select Customize Interface.
Find the “Next Frame” icon (the film strip icon) in the element list.
Drag and drop the icon into the main control layout (e.g., next to the Play/Pause button) to have permanent, easily accessible frame control.

FAQs

Can I adjust the playback speed while using frame-by-frame in VLC?

Yes. You can adjust the playback speed by using keyboard shortcuts.

To decrease the playback speed slowly, press [.
To increase the playback speed slowly, press ].
To reset the playback speed to normal (1.00x), press =.

Does VLC support frame-by-frame navigation on all video formats?

VLC supports frame-by-frame navigation on most popular video formats, including MP4, AVI, and MKV. Frame-by-frame is a function of the video codec and VLC’s ability to decode it. While rare, some highly compressed or niche formats may have limitations or inconsistencies when navigating frame by frame.

Is frame-by-frame navigation available in the mobile version of VLC?

Yes, frame-by-frame navigation is available in the mobile version of VLC for both iOS and Android. While the keyboard shortcuts obviously won’t work, the mobile app provides on-screen controls or touch gestures to achieve the same frame-stepping function.

How do I jump to a specific moment more quickly than frame by frame?

You can jump to a specific time by using the dedicated hotkey:

Press Ctrl + T (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + T (macOS) to open the “Go to specific time” dialog box. You can then enter the time in hours, minutes, and seconds.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the simplicity of the E and Shift + E hotkeys or the visual guidance of the Advanced Controls toolbar, the ability to go frame by frame in VLC is a powerful tool for detailed video analysis and precise capture.

2 Methods to Go Frame by Frame in VLC | Ultimate Guide 2025

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