10 Essential Tips To Change Aspect Ratio In Davinci Resolve

Are you struggling to adjust the aspect ratio of your videos in Davinci Resolve? This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to effortlessly change the aspect ratio, empowering you to tailor your videos to any desired format. Whether you’re a seasoned video editor or just starting out, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to seamlessly transform your video aspect ratios, unlocking endless creative possibilities.

Depending on the intended platform or medium for your video, you may need to adjust its aspect ratio. For example, if you’re creating content for widescreen TVs or monitors, a 16:9 aspect ratio is commonly used. On the other hand, if your video is intended for social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, a square aspect ratio (1:1) might be more suitable. By understanding the nuances of aspect ratios and how to modify them effectively, you can ensure that your videos are visually appealing and optimized for their intended display.

Furthermore, mastering aspect ratio adjustments in Davinci Resolve empowers you to explore creative possibilities beyond the standard formats. By experimenting with different aspect ratios, you can create unique and captivating visuals that set your videos apart. The ability to manipulate aspect ratios gives you the flexibility to adapt your videos to various screen sizes and platforms, ensuring a consistent and engaging viewing experience for your audience.

Understanding Aspect Ratios

An aspect ratio is a numerical representation of a video’s width and height dimensions. It is typically expressed in the form of two numbers separated by a colon, such as 16:9 or 4:3. The first number represents the horizontal width, while the second represents the vertical height. A higher aspect ratio, such as 21:9, indicates a wider image, while a lower aspect ratio, such as 1:1, indicates a square image.

Different aspect ratios are used for different purposes. For example, the standard aspect ratio for broadcast television is 16:9, while the standard aspect ratio for cinema is 2.39:1. There is no right or wrong aspect ratio, and the choice of which one to use depends on the intended application of the video.

When choosing an aspect ratio for a video, there are a few things to consider:

The intended audience: Different audiences have different preferences for aspect ratios. For example, viewers of broadcast television are accustomed to 16:9 ratio, while viewers of cinematic films are accustomed to 2.39:1 ratio.
The subject matter: Some subject matter lends itself to certain aspect ratios. For example, a video of a landscape might look better in a wide aspect ratio, while a video of a portrait might look better in a narrower aspect ratio.
The desired mood: Different aspect ratios can create different moods. For example, a wide aspect ratio can create a sense of immersion, while a narrow aspect ratio can create a sense of intimacy.

Aspect Ratio	Description
16:9	Standard aspect ratio for broadcast television
2.39:1	Standard aspect ratio for cinema
4:3	Standard aspect ratio for older televisions and computer monitors
1:1	Square aspect ratio

Changing Aspect Ratios in the Project Settings

Launch DaVinci Resolve and create a new project or open an existing one. Navigate to the “Project Settings” tab located in the “File” menu. Under the “General” tab, locate the “Aspect Ratio” option. Select the desired aspect ratio from the dropdown menu. You can choose from a wide range of predefined aspect ratios or enter a custom aspect ratio by clicking on the “Custom” option.

Once you have selected the desired aspect ratio, click on the “Save” button to apply the changes. The canvas size and all clips within the project will automatically adjust to the new aspect ratio. Keep in mind that changing the aspect ratio may affect the composition and framing of your footage, so it’s important to carefully consider the impact before making any changes.

Custom Aspect Ratio

If you need to create a project with a custom aspect ratio, you can enter the desired width and height values in the “Custom” option of the aspect ratio dropdown menu in the Project Settings. Ensure that the entered values represent a valid aspect ratio by maintaining the desired proportions. For example,

To create a 16:9 aspect ratio, enter 1920 for the width and 1080 for the height.

To create a 4:3 aspect ratio, enter 1600 for the width and 1200 for the height.

You can also use the following table for reference:

Aspect Ratio	Width	Height
16:9	1920	1080
4:3	1600	1200
2.35:1	2560	1080
1.85:1	1920	1024

Modifying Aspect Ratios for Individual Clips

To modify the aspect ratio of individual clips in DaVinci Resolve:

Select the clip: In the Timeline, click on the clip you want to modify.
Open the Inspector: Press "I" on your keyboard or go to "Window > Inspector" to open the Inspector panel.
Navigate to the "Reframe" tab: In the Inspector panel, navigate to the "Reframe" tab under the "Transform" section.
Adjust the aspect ratio: In the "Reframe" tab, you will see the current aspect ratio of the clip under the "Aspect Ratio" drop-down menu. Click on the drop-down menu and select the desired aspect ratio from the list.
Apply the changes: Once you have selected the desired aspect ratio, click on the "Apply" button to apply the changes to the clip.

Advanced Aspect Ratio Modification

For more advanced aspect ratio modifications, you can use the "Custom" option in the "Aspect Ratio" drop-down menu. This allows you to specify the width and height of the new aspect ratio manually.

Parameter	Description
Width	The width of the new aspect ratio in pixels
Height	The height of the new aspect ratio in pixels

By setting custom aspect ratios, you can create unique and unconventional aspect ratios for your clips.

Using the Retime Tool to Adjust Aspect Ratios

The Retime Tool in DaVinci Resolve offers a versatile method for adjusting aspect ratios. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use it:

Step 1: Select your clip and open the Retime Panel

Choose the clip you want to adjust and head to the “Retime” tab in the Inspector Panel. The Retime menu will now appear.

Step 2: Enable the “Custom Scale” Option

Find the “Scale” section and click on the “Custom” checkbox. This will give you control over the aspect ratio.

Step 3: Adjust the X and Y Scales

In the “Custom” section, you’ll find two sliders: “X Scale” and “Y Scale.” By adjusting these values, you can modify the width and height of your clip:

X Scale: This slider controls the width of the clip. Decreasing the value will make the clip narrower, while increasing it will make it wider.
Y Scale: This slider controls the height of the clip. Decreasing the value will make the clip shorter, while increasing it will make it taller.

Step 4: Preview and Fine-tune your Changes

Use the playback controls to preview your adjustments in real-time. You can also use the “Aspect Ratio” drop-down menu to select predefined aspect ratios. Additionally, you can use the following table for reference when manually adjusting your scales:

Aspect Ratio	X Scale	Y Scale
16:9	1	0.5625
4:3	1.3333	1
2.35:1	1.43	1

By carefully adjusting the X and Y scales, you can achieve precise aspect ratio adjustments in DaVinci Resolve.

Resizing Images and Videos to Match Aspect Ratios

To resize images or videos to match specific aspect ratios in DaVinci Resolve, follow these steps:

1. Import Media

Add the image or video clip you want to resize to the timeline.

2. Right-Click and Select “Properties”

Right-click on the clip and select “Properties” from the context menu.

3. Locate the “Scaling” Tab

In the Properties panel, navigate to the “Scaling” tab.

4. Adjust the Scale Settings

Within the Scaling tab, you can adjust the width and height values to change the clip’s size. Alternatively, you can use the “Lock Aspect Ratio” checkbox to maintain the original aspect ratio while resizing.

5. Match Aspect Ratio with Custom Values

To match the aspect ratio of the clip to a specific external source, such as a social media platform or a broadcast standard, follow these additional steps:

Aspect Ratio	Width:Height
16:9 (Widescreen)	1920:1080
4:3 (Standard Definition)	640:480
1:1 (Square)	1080:1080

Calculate the desired aspect ratio by dividing the width by the height of the target format. For example, for a 16:9 aspect ratio, the calculation would be 1920/1080 = 1.7778.
In the Scaling tab of the Properties panel, click on the Aspect Ratio dropdown menu and select “Custom.”
Enter the calculated aspect ratio value in the text field next to “Custom.” In our example, you would enter “1.7778.”
Adjust the size of the clip until it matches the desired aspect ratio. You can do this by dragging the handles around the clip or entering specific values in the Width and Height fields.

Creating Custom Aspect Ratios

There are many instances where you may need to create custom aspect ratios. For example, you may want to use a unique aspect ratio for aesthetic purposes, or you may need to conform to a specific platform’s requirements. To create a custom aspect ratio, follow these steps:

1. Open the “Settings” tab.

2. Click on the “Project Settings” tab.

3. In the “General” section, scroll down to the “Aspect Ratio” setting.

4. Click on the drop-down menu and select “Custom”.

5. Enter the desired width and height values into the fields.

6. Click on the “OK” button to save your changes.

Advanced Custom Aspect Ratios

If you need to create a custom aspect ratio that is not supported by the built-in options, you can use the following steps:

Open the “Settings” tab.
Click on the “Project Settings” tab.
In the “General” section, scroll down to the “Aspect Ratio” setting.
Click on the “Custom” option.
Enter the desired width and height values into the fields.
Click on the “Advanced” button.
In the “Advanced Aspect Ratio” window, you can specify the following settings:

Pixel Aspect Ratio:
Field Dominance:
Clean Aperture:
Pixel Shape:
Active Format Description (AFD):

Click on the “OK” button to save your changes.

Table 1 displays explanation of pixel aspect ratio for your reference.

Pixel Aspect Ratio	Description
1.0	Square pixels. The pixel shape is the same as a physical square.
1.212	Anamorphic pixels. The pixel shape is stretched vertically. This is the typical aspect ratio for HD video.
0.91	Clean aperture. The pixel shape is cropped to remove the overscan area. This is the typical aspect ratio for broadcast video.

Exporting Projects with Specific Aspect Ratios

When exporting projects, you can specify the desired aspect ratio. This is important if you want to ensure that your project will display correctly on different devices or platforms, as aspect ratios vary depending on the device or platform.

To set the aspect ratio in Davinci Resolve, follow these steps:

Export your project
In the “Settings” tab, go to “Video”
Select the “Aspect Ratio” dropdown menu
Choose the desired aspect ratio
Export your project

Common Aspect Ratios

Aspect Ratio	Description
16:9	Standard widescreen aspect ratio for TV and movies
4:3	Standard fullscreen aspect ratio for TVs and monitors
2.35:1	Widescreen aspect ratio commonly used in cinemas
2.4:1	Widescreen aspect ratio commonly used in TVs and monitors
1.85:1	Widescreen aspect ratio commonly used in films and digital cinema

You can also use custom aspect ratios by entering the width and height values in the “Custom” option.

It’s important to choose the correct aspect ratio for your project to ensure that it displays correctly and without distortion.

Changing Aspect Ratio in DaVinci Resolve

To change the aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve, follow these steps:

Import your footage into DaVinci Resolve.
Right-click on the clip in the Media Pool and select “Clip Attributes.”
Under the “Settings” tab, click on the “Aspect Ratio” drop-down menu and select the desired aspect ratio.
Click “OK” to save your changes.

Troubleshooting Aspect Ratio Issues

Aspect Ratio Not Displaying Correctly

If the aspect ratio is not displaying correctly, try the following:

Make sure that the aspect ratio of your footage matches the aspect ratio of your project.
Check the “Project Settings” to ensure the correct aspect ratio is selected.
Try restarting DaVinci Resolve.

Black Bars Appearing

If black bars are appearing around your footage, try the following:

Make sure the “Crop” setting in the “Clip Attributes” is set to “None.”
Check the “Timeline Settings” to ensure the correct aspect ratio is selected.
Try zooming in on the footage to remove the black bars.

Footage Appears Stretched

If your footage appears stretched, try the following:

Make sure the “Scale” setting in the “Clip Attributes” is set to “100%.”
Check the “Project Settings” to ensure the correct aspect ratio is selected.
Try restarting DaVinci Resolve.

Best Practices for Aspect Ratio Management

To ensure the highest quality output, there are several best practices to consider:

Choose the Correct Aspect Ratio for Your Project

Determine the intended platform and audience for your project to select the appropriate aspect ratio. Common ratios include 16:9, 4:3, and 2.35:1.

Maintain Consistency Throughout

Maintain a consistent aspect ratio throughout your project to avoid jarring shifts during playback. This ensures a cohesive viewing experience.

Check Compatibility Across Devices

Verify compatibility of your chosen aspect ratio across various devices and platforms to ensure it displays correctly for your intended audience.

Maximize Space for Content

Utilize the available space within your chosen aspect ratio to optimize the prominence and visibility of your content.

Consider Cropping or Letterboxing

Depending on the source footage, you may need to crop or letterbox your content to fit the desired aspect ratio.

Preview and Refine

Preview your project at different aspect ratios to evaluate the impact on composition and overall presentation.

Utilize Templates and Presets

Save time and effort by using pre-defined templates and presets that align with common aspect ratios.

Leverage Plugins and Third-Party Tools

Explore plugins and third-party software that provide additional features and support for aspect ratio manipulation.

Study Industry Standards

Stay informed about industry standards and best practices for aspect ratio selection to ensure your projects meet professional expectations.

Changing the Aspect Ratio in DaVinci Resolve

To change the aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve, navigate to the “Project Settings” tab and select the desired ratio from the Aspect Ratio drop-down menu. To manually crop the footage and change the aspect ratio, use the “Crop” tool in the “Inspector” panel.

Advanced Techniques for Fine-Tuning Aspect Ratios

Custom Aspect Ratios

DaVinci Resolve allows you to create custom aspect ratios by entering the desired width and height in the “Custom” field in the Aspect Ratio drop-down menu.

Non-Uniform Scaling

In the Crop tool, you can enable “Non-Uniform Scaling” to scale the footage horizontally and vertically independently, allowing for precise aspect ratio adjustments.

Pixel Aspect Ratio

For footage with a non-square pixel aspect ratio, open the “Project Settings” tab and change the Pixel Aspect Ratio to match the footage. This ensures accurate display and processing.

Letterboxing and Pillarboxing

To maintain the original aspect ratio while filling the output frame, use the “Letterbox” or “Pillarbox” options in the Crop tool. Letterboxing adds black bars to the top and bottom, while pillarboxing adds them to the left and right.

Zooming and Panning

Adjust the zoom and pan settings in the Crop tool to fine-tune the aspect ratio and framing of the footage.

Crop Presets

DaVinci Resolve provides a range of crop presets, such as social media, widescreen, and anamorphic, to quickly change the aspect ratio to common formats.

Keyframing Aspect Ratio Changes

Animate aspect ratio changes over time by keyframing the Crop tool settings. This enables dynamic transitions and aspect ratio adjustments.

Using the “Conform to” Feature

Conform footage to a specific aspect ratio by selecting the “Conform to” option in the “Inspector” panel. This ensures the footage matches the desired ratio throughout the edit.

Working with Multiple Aspect Ratios

Overlap Region	Custom Composite
Use a larger overlap region when using multiple clips with different aspect ratios to prevent cropping.	Create a custom composite shot to manually adjust the placement and size of multiple clips with different aspect ratios.

How to Change Aspect Ratio In Davinci Resolve

To change the aspect ratio in Davinci Resolve, follow these steps:

Open the “Project Settings” tab.
In the “General” section, find the “Aspect Ratio” dropdown menu.
Select the desired aspect ratio from the menu.
Click “OK” to save the changes.