DaVinci Resolve is one of the most powerful video editing software tools, widely used for professional color grading, video editing, and VFX. One of the most common tasks in post-production is changing the aspect ratio and resolution of a video to fit different platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or cinematic widescreen formats.
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.
1. 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.
2. How to Change Aspect Ratio in DaVinci Resolve (Step-by-Step Guide)
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.
3. 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.
4. Advanced Techniques for Aspect Ratio Adjustments
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.
5. Best Practices for Aspect Ratio Changes in DaVinci Resolve
✔ 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.
Final Thoughts: Master Aspect Ratios in DaVinci Resolve
Changing the aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve is essential for formatting videos for different platforms, from YouTube to Instagram and TikTok. Whether you're editing for social media, film, or marketing, mastering aspect ratio adjustments ensures that your videos always look professional and optimized for their intended audience.
Want to become a pro at DaVinci Resolve? Join the DaVinci Resolve Bootcamp by Miracamp to learn advanced video editing, color grading, and industry techniques to take your content to the next level.
FAQ How To Change Aspect Ratio In DaVinci Resolve
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.
How do I remove black bars after changing the aspect ratio?
To remove black bars, go to the Edit tab, select the clip, and use the Zoom and Position settings in the Inspector panel to adjust framing. If necessary, use the Crop tool to ensure a clean fit without stretching the video.
Can I export videos in different aspect ratios in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can export videos in different aspect ratios by adjusting the Timeline Resolution before rendering. In the Deliver page, choose the appropriate resolution for platforms like Instagram (1:1), TikTok (9:16), or YouTube (16:9).
How do I create multiple aspect ratio versions of the same video?
To create multiple aspect ratio versions, duplicate your timeline, set different Timeline Resolutions for each version, and adjust framing accordingly. Use Adjustment Clips to quickly apply changes across multiple versions.
What is the aspect ratio for cinematic widescreen in DaVinci Resolve?
The standard cinematic widescreen aspect ratio is 2.39:1 (4096x1716 resolution). To achieve this look, go to Project Settings > Timeline Resolution and input custom dimensions or use a letterbox overlay.
How do I change aspect ratio dynamically in DaVinci Resolve?
You can animate aspect ratio changes using Fusion or keyframes. In Fusion, create a custom frame mask and use keyframes to gradually transition between aspect ratios.
Can I use Adjustment Clips to manage different aspect ratios in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, adding an Adjustment Clip on top of your timeline allows you to apply global transformations to all clips below it. This is useful when creating multiple versions of the same video for different platforms.
What resolution should I use for 4:3 aspect ratio videos in DaVinci Resolve?
For 4:3 videos, set the resolution to 1440x1080 in Project Settings. This format is commonly used for vintage-style videos and older TV formats.
How do I resize multiple clips at once in DaVinci Resolve?
To resize multiple clips at once, select all clips in the timeline, open the Inspector panel, and adjust the Zoom and Position settings. You can also create a Group Clip or use an Adjustment Clip for bulk modifications.
What is the best export format for different aspect ratios in DaVinci Resolve?
For YouTube, use H.264 MP4 (1920x1080, 16:9). For Instagram and TikTok, export in 1080x1920 (9:16). For cinematic widescreen, export in 4096x1716 (2.39:1). These formats ensure compatibility across different platforms.
Can I automate aspect ratio changes for multiple exports in DaVinci Resolve?
Yes, you can automate exports using Render Presets in the Deliver tab. Create multiple export settings for different aspect ratios and batch render them to speed up the process.
How do I apply aspect ratio overlays in DaVinci Resolve?
To apply an aspect ratio overlay, import a transparent PNG file with black bars or use Fusion to create a custom frame mask. This method ensures precise framing while maintaining the intended cinematic look.
What are the recommended aspect ratios for different social media platforms?
For YouTube, use 16:9 (1920x1080 or 3840x2160). For Instagram Feed, use 1:1 (1080x1080). For Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, use 9:16 (1080x1920). For cinematic widescreen, use 2.39:1 (4096x1716).
Can I use keyframes to animate aspect ratio transitions?
Yes, keyframes can be used to animate aspect ratio transitions by adjusting Zoom, Position, and Cropping settings over time. This is useful for creative storytelling and dynamic framing effects.
How do I convert a widescreen video to square format without losing quality?
To convert a widescreen video to a square format, adjust the Timeline Resolution to 1080x1080, then use Zoom and Position settings to reframe the footage without stretching or losing important details.
