VLC is primarily a video player, but with the ability to do much more.
Here is a list of just a couple of them, (be sure to click the link at the end of the list for more VCL tips):
1. Play/Download online videos
To play an online video, go to Media > Open Network Stream, Press the Network tab, enter the URL of the video and click Play.
To save it, instead of Play, choose Convert.
2. Record Desktop
Go to Media > Convert / Save. Go to the 'Capture Device' tab and on the 'Capture' mode drop down menu, select 'Desktop'. Select your frame rate under 'Desired' frame rate for the capture and
click 'Convert / Save'. Finally select your codec and the destination and click 'Start'. To stop recording, click the 'Stop' button.
3. Record Webcam
Go to Media > Open Capture Device and select DirectShow from the Capture mode drop menu. Select where the video and audio device to capture. Click Play and VLC will stream from your webcam. Use VLC’s ability to record currently playing video.
4. Video and Audio effects
Go to Tools > Adjustments and Effects. See tabs that contain the A/V manipulation tools.
On the video: You can adjust colors, crop, rotate video, add filters, etc.
On audio, you get the usual equalizers to tune your music.
5. Add Watermarks on a video
You will need to use VLC’s recording feature to save the video with the watermark. Go to Tools > Effects and Filters. Click on the Video Effects tab and under the Overlay tab, you will get options to either add in your logo or a simple text to the video.
6. Take a snapshot
Use the shortcut Shift + s (on Windows and Linux) or CMD + ALT + s (on OS X). The picture will be saved in your OS’s respective pictures folder.
7. Add Subtitles
Play your video and go to Subtitle on the menu bar and click Add Subtitle File. If you want VLC to play it automatically, place the SRT file in the same folder as the video and make sure it uses the same file name as the video.
8. Extensions and Plugins
There are a variety of extensions and skins available on the VideoLAN site. Some of the extensions enable you to automatically get subtitles, info on the actors, as well as lyrics to songs, among other things.
2. Record Desktop
Go to Media > Convert / Save. Go to the 'Capture Device' tab and on the 'Capture' mode drop down menu, select 'Desktop'. Select your frame rate under 'Desired' frame rate for the capture and
click 'Convert / Save'. Finally select your codec and the destination and click 'Start'. To stop recording, click the 'Stop' button.
3. Record Webcam
Go to Media > Open Capture Device and select DirectShow from the Capture mode drop menu. Select where the video and audio device to capture. Click Play and VLC will stream from your webcam. Use VLC’s ability to record currently playing video.
4. Video and Audio effects
Go to Tools > Adjustments and Effects. See tabs that contain the A/V manipulation tools.
On the video: You can adjust colors, crop, rotate video, add filters, etc.
On audio, you get the usual equalizers to tune your music.
5. Add Watermarks on a video
You will need to use VLC’s recording feature to save the video with the watermark. Go to Tools > Effects and Filters. Click on the Video Effects tab and under the Overlay tab, you will get options to either add in your logo or a simple text to the video.
6. Take a snapshot
Use the shortcut Shift + s (on Windows and Linux) or CMD + ALT + s (on OS X). The picture will be saved in your OS’s respective pictures folder.
7. Add Subtitles
Play your video and go to Subtitle on the menu bar and click Add Subtitle File. If you want VLC to play it automatically, place the SRT file in the same folder as the video and make sure it uses the same file name as the video.
8. Extensions and Plugins
There are a variety of extensions and skins available on the VideoLAN site. Some of the extensions enable you to automatically get subtitles, info on the actors, as well as lyrics to songs, among other things.