In this tutorial, you’ll learn step-by-step how to change the aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve, how to adjust video resolution, and how to export videos in the correct format for various platforms.
Step-by-Step Guide
Video Tutorial
Step 1: Open Your Project & Go to Project Settings
1️⃣ Open DaVinci Resolve and load your project.
2️⃣ Click on the gear icon (bottom right) to open Project Settings.
3️⃣ Under the Master Settings tab, locate Timeline Resolution and Pixel Aspect Ratio.
📌 Pro Tip: Changing the timeline resolution affects the entire project, so make sure to adjust this before adding text or overlays.
Step 2: Adjust the Aspect Ratio in Timeline Settings
1️⃣ In Master Settings, locate Timeline Resolution.
2️⃣ Select a preset resolution or enter a custom resolution (e.g., 1080x1920 for vertical videos).
3️⃣ Adjust the Pixel Aspect Ratio if needed (usually set to Square Pixels 1.0 for standard formats).
4️⃣ Click Save to apply changes.
📌 Pro Tip: If your footage does not match the new aspect ratio, DaVinci Resolve will crop or add black bars. You can manually adjust framing in the Edit tab.
Step 3: Crop & Reframe the Footage
1️⃣ Go to the Edit tab.
2️⃣ Select the clip you want to adjust.
3️⃣ Click Inspector (top right panel) and scroll to Transform settings.
4️⃣ Adjust Zoom, Position (X/Y), and Rotation to properly fit the new aspect ratio.
📌 Pro Tip: Use keyframes to dynamically adjust framing if you want a pan-and-scan effect on reframed footage.
If you need more control over scaling, reframing and bulk adjustments across many clips, follow our dedicated tutorial on how to resize frames and videos in DaVinci Resolve.
How to Export Video in Different Aspect Ratios
Once you have set your aspect ratio, you need to export correctly to ensure compatibility with different platforms.
Step 1: Open the Deliver Page
1️⃣ Click on Deliver (bottom menu).
2️⃣ Under Render Settings, select the correct output format (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc.).
Step 2: Choose the Correct Resolution & Format
📌 Pro Tip: H.264 MP4 format works best for most platforms, balancing high quality and smaller file size.
Step 3: Adjust Letterboxing or Cropping (If Needed)
1️⃣ If your footage does not fill the entire frame, DaVinci Resolve will either:
- Add black bars (letterboxing) to preserve the original aspect ratio.
- Crop the video to fit the new aspect ratio.
2️⃣ To remove black bars, manually resize the clip in the Edit tab.
📌 Pro Tip: If you need different aspect ratio versions, duplicate your timeline before making changes.
For a full breakdown of codecs, bitrates and platform-specific presets, read our DaVinci Resolve export settings guide so your new aspect ratio looks perfect on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and client deliveries.
Advanced Techniques
Using Adjustment Clips for Multiple Aspect Ratios
1️⃣ Create one main timeline in 16:9 (HD or 4K).
2️⃣ Add an Adjustment Clip on top of your entire edit.
3️⃣ Apply Transform changes to the Adjustment Clip, not the footage.
4️⃣ Export different versions without affecting your main edit.
📌 Pro Tip: Adjustment Clips allow you to quickly create multiple versions of the same edit for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Using Fusion to Change Aspect Ratios Dynamically
1️⃣ Go to the Fusion tab and create a custom aspect ratio frame.
2️⃣ Use nodes to adjust scaling dynamically.
3️⃣ Apply masking for cinematic widescreen effects.
📌 Pro Tip: Using Fusion lets you animate aspect ratio changes, useful for cinematic effects or transitioning between vertical and horizontal formats.
Best Practices
✔ Always start editing in the highest resolution possible (4K preferred).
✔ Set your aspect ratio before adding text or overlays to avoid misalignment.
✔ Use Adjustment Clips to maintain flexibility when creating different versions.
✔ Double-check framing after changing the aspect ratio to avoid cropping key elements.
✔ Use keyframes to create dynamic aspect ratio transitions for creative effects.
Understanding Aspect Ratios in DaVinci Resolve
Aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between a video’s width and height. Choosing the right aspect ratio depends on the platform and viewing experience.
Common Aspect Ratios & Their Uses
✅ 16:9 (1920x1080, 3840x2160 - Standard HD & 4K) – YouTube, TV, and most online platforms.
✅ 1:1 (1080x1080 - Square) – Instagram Feed, Facebook.
✅ 9:16 (1080x1920 - Vertical) – TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts.
✅ 2.39:1 (Cinematic Widescreen) – Used for film & high-end production.
✅ 4:3 (Classic TV & Retro Look) – Used in documentaries or vintage-style videos.
📌 Pro Tip: If you are editing content for multiple platforms, it’s best to edit in 4K (3840x2160) and then crop and resize versions for social media.
If you want to go deeper into how pixel dimensions, timeline resolution and aspect ratios interact, check out our DaVinci Resolve resolution guide for a complete breakdown of HD, 4K, and custom sizes.
FAQ
How do I change the aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve?
To change the aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve, go to Project Settings by clicking the gear icon in the lower right corner. Under the Master Settings tab, adjust the Timeline Resolution to the desired aspect ratio, such as 1080x1920 for vertical videos or 4096x1716 for cinematic widescreen formats. Save the settings and reposition your clips in the Edit tab to fit the new dimensions.
Can I change the aspect ratio of an existing project in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can change the aspect ratio of an existing project by going to Project Settings > Timeline Resolution and selecting a new resolution. After applying the changes, you may need to manually adjust clip positions and scaling in the Edit tab to avoid cropping or black bars.
What is the best aspect ratio for YouTube videos in DaVinci Resolve?
The best aspect ratio for YouTube is 16:9 (1920x1080 for HD, 3840x2160 for 4K). This is the default format for most YouTube videos and ensures optimal display on desktops and mobile devices.
How do I make a vertical video (9:16) in DaVinci Resolve?
To create a vertical video for Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, open Project Settings > Timeline Resolution and set it to 1080x1920. Then, go to the Edit tab and use the Transform controls in the Inspector panel to reframe your footage.
How do I crop a video to fit a new aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve?
In the Edit tab, select your clip, then go to the Inspector panel and adjust the Zoom, Position (X/Y), and Crop settings. You can also use the Dynamic Zoom tool for smooth resizing and reframing.
