Windows Movie Maker Keyboard Shortcuts: The Complete List
Quick answer: Windows Movie Maker uses keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+L to split a clip, Ctrl+M to combine clips, Ctrl+S to save a project, Ctrl+P to save the finished movie, and Alt+Enter for full-screen playback. The original Windows Movie Maker was discontinued by Microsoft in January 2017, and its shortcuts differ slightly from the newer Windows Live Movie Maker (2012). Both full lists are below, plus a free PDF and modern replacements.
Is Windows Movie Maker Still Available?
Windows Movie Maker was Microsoft’s free, beginner-friendly video editor. It shipped in two main generations:
- Windows Movie Maker (classic) bundled with Windows XP and Vista, built around a storyboard and timeline view.
- Windows Live Movie Maker 2012 the redesigned ribbon-based version, part of Windows Essentials 2012.
Microsoft discontinued Windows Movie Maker on January 10, 2017, when it ended support for Windows Essentials. It is no longer available for official download, and it does not ship with Windows 10 or Windows 11. Files claiming to be “Movie Maker” on third-party sites are often repackaged or unofficial, so download with caution.
The shortcuts below still work if you have a legacy installation and they’re useful reference if you’re following older tutorials.
Most-Used Windows Movie Maker Shortcuts (Classic)
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Create a new project | Ctrl + N |
| Open an existing project | Ctrl + O |
| Save a project | Ctrl + S |
| Save a project with a new name | F12 |
| Save the finished movie | Ctrl + P |
| Import a digital media file | Ctrl + I |
| Capture video (from a camera) | Ctrl + R |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y |
| Cut | Ctrl + X |
| Copy | Ctrl + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V |
| Delete | Delete |
| Select all clips | Ctrl + A |
| Rename a collection or clip | F2 |
| Display Help | F1 |
Editing Shortcuts: Split, Combine & Trim (Classic)
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Split a clip | Ctrl + L |
| Combine contiguous clips | Ctrl + M |
| Set start trim point | Ctrl + Shift + I |
| Set end trim point | Ctrl + Shift + O |
| Clear trim points | Ctrl + Shift + Delete |
| Nudge clip left | Ctrl + Shift + B |
| Nudge clip right | Ctrl + Shift + N |
Timeline & Storyboard Shortcuts (Classic)
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Switch between storyboard and timeline | Ctrl + T |
| Add selected clips to storyboard/timeline | Ctrl + D |
| Clear the storyboard/timeline | Ctrl + Delete |
| Zoom in on the timeline | Page Down |
| Zoom out on the timeline | Page Up |
Playback & Navigation Shortcuts (Classic)
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Play / pause clip | Spacebar |
| Play content on storyboard/timeline | Ctrl + W |
| Stop playback | Ctrl + K |
| Rewind to the beginning | Ctrl + Q |
| Play video in full screen | Alt + Enter |
| Previous frame | Alt + Left Arrow |
| Next frame | Alt + Right Arrow |
| Previous clip (Back) | Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow |
| Next clip (Forward) | Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow |
| Select previous item | Left Arrow |
| Select next item | Right Arrow |
| Select item above | Up Arrow |
| Select item below | Down Arrow |
| Go to first item | Home |
| Go to last item | End |
Windows Live Movie Maker (2012) Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| New project | Ctrl + N |
| Open project | Ctrl + O |
| Save project | Ctrl + S |
| Save project as | F12 |
| Add videos and photos | Ctrl + P |
| Add music | Ctrl + M |
| Split | M |
| Set start trim point | I |
| Set end trim point | O |
| Play / pause | Spacebar |
| Stop / rewind to start | J |
| Previous frame | K |
| Next frame | L |
| Full screen preview | F11 |
| Select all | Ctrl + A |
| Cut / Copy / Paste | Ctrl + X / Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V |
| Undo / Redo | Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y |
| Help | F1 |
How to Use Movie Maker Shortcuts (3 Quick Examples)
- Split a clip at the playhead. Click the clip on the timeline, move the playback indicator to the exact frame, then press Ctrl+L (classic) or M (Live 2012). The clip splits into two editable pieces.
- Trim the start and end of a clip. Select the clip, position the playhead where you want the clip to begin, and press Ctrl+Shift+I to set the start trim point. Move to the desired end and press Ctrl+Shift+O. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete to clear the trim if you change your mind.
- Export your finished video. Pressing Ctrl+S only saves the editable project. To produce a shareable video file, press Ctrl+P to open the Save Movie Wizard and choose your output settings.
Download the PDF Cheat Sheet
Want a printable copy of every shortcut on this page?
→ Download the Windows Movie Maker Shortcuts PDF
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows Movie Maker still available?
No. Microsoft discontinued it on January 10, 2017, and it does not come with Windows 10 or 11. Any “Movie Maker” downloads on third-party sites are unofficial.
What is the shortcut to split a clip in Windows Movie Maker?
In the classic app, press Ctrl+L. In Windows Live Movie Maker 2012, press M.
What replaced Windows Movie Maker?
The Photos app on Windows 10 and Clipchamp on Windows 11 are Microsoft’s official replacements. Free third-party options include Lightworks, VideoPad, and DaVinci Resolve.
What’s the difference between Ctrl+S and Ctrl+P in Movie Maker?
Ctrl+S saves your editable project file. Ctrl+P (“Save Movie”) exports the finished video you can share.
Why do online shortcut lists disagree?
Because there are two versions. Classic Windows Movie Maker uses Ctrl combinations (Ctrl+L, Ctrl+M); Windows Live Movie Maker 2012 uses single letters (M, J, K, L). Lists that mix them up are inaccurate.
Does Windows Movie Maker work on Windows 11?
There is no official version for Windows 11. Use Clipchamp, which is built in.
Final thoughts
Windows Movie Maker may be retired, but its shortcuts still save real time if you’re keeping a legacy install alive or following older tutorials. The one thing to remember: there are two versions, and they don’t share the same keys. The classic app leans on Ctrl combinations like Ctrl+L to split and Ctrl+M to combine, while Windows Live Movie Maker 2012 switched to single letters like M and the J/K/L playback row. Match the list to the interface you actually have and you’ll avoid the mix-ups that trip up most online cheat sheets.
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