Converting a portrait video to a landscape can transform the look and feel of your content, making it more suitable for platforms like YouTube or widescreen presentations. With the right tools, this process can be quick and simple, allowing you to adjust the aspect ratio without compromising video quality.
In this article, we'll show you the best methods to easily convert portrait videos to landscape in just a few minutes to achieve a seamless transition.
- Difference between portrait and landscape video formats
- Different approaches to convert portrait video to landscape
- How to turn portrait video into landscape on a PC: CapCut
- How to convert portrait to landscape video online: Clideo
- How to change a video's aspect ratio on mobile: CapCut mobile app
- Tips to capture the best landscape videos
- FAQs
Difference between portrait and landscape video formats
When you shoot a video, you can choose between two common formats: portrait or landscape. Portrait videos are tall and narrow, much like the orientation of your smartphone when you hold it vertically. Landscape videos, however, are wider than they are tall. They align well with the natural viewing orientation of computer monitors and television screens, offering a broader view, which makes them great for scenes that need a wide perspective.
The main difference lies in how these formats capture the environment: portraits focus more on height, best for close-ups or personal content, while landscape offers a wide view, suitable for expansive scenes.
Different approaches to convert portrait video to landscape
Now let's explore how you can change video from portrait to landscape format without losing the visual appeal using different methods.
- 1
- AI stretching
AI stretching uses advanced algorithms to expand the width of a portrait video to fit a landscape format. It smartly adjusts the edges of the video while preserving the main content in the center from being distorted.
- Ideal for videos where the main action or subject is in the center of the frame.
- Maintains the central focus of the video without alteration.
- Smoothly integrates expanded sections to fill extra space.
- Does not require cropping any part of the original video.
- It can cause slight distortion or blurring on the edges of the video.
- It may not be suitable for videos with important details at the edges.
- 2
- Video rotation
This method involves rotating the entire video to convert portrait video to landscape orientation. It's a straightforward approach that maintains the original aspect ratio of the video.
- Preserves the original quality and aspect ratio.
- Simple and quick to implement with basic video editing tools.
- No risk of losing content through stretching or cropping.
- Useful for videos that still make sense when viewed horizontally.
- The final video may be impractical to view unless the viewer tilts their head or device.
- Not suitable for videos that require upright orientation (e.g., interviews, vlogs).
- 3
- Add background
This technique places the original portrait video onto a larger, landscape-oriented canvas. The extra horizontal space on the sides can be filled with a relevant background or an extended image from the video.
- Keeps the original video fully intact and unaltered in the center.
- Creative backgrounds can enhance the aesthetic of the video.
- Allows for branding or additional information on the side spaces.
- Works well for videos that are designed for creative displays or advertising purposes.
- It can look unprofessional if the background does not blend well with the video.
- It might divert attention away from the main content if the background is too busy.
How to turn portrait video into landscape on a PC: CapCut
The CapCut desktop video editor offers a straightforward solution for converting portrait videos to landscape without compromising on quality. Designed with a user-friendly interface, CapCut allows you to quickly adjust the orientation of your videos to better suit platforms that favor wider formats, like YouTube or widescreen displays. Plus, it allows you to enhance your content with various editing features.
Convert portrait video to landscape with CapCut
If you are new to CapCut, click the "Download" button below and follow the instructions to run the installer. Afterward, sign up with your Google, Facebook, or TikTok account to access its features.
- STEP 1
- Import the video
Open the CapCut desktop video editor and click on the "Import" button in the middle of the screen to select and upload your video.
- STEP 2
- Convert portrait video to landscape
- Click "Ratio" and switch your video from vertical to horizontal by selecting the "16:9" landscape format.
- Go to "Basic" > "Auto reframe" and choose "16:9" to perfectly adapt your video to a landscape screen.
- Alternatively, convert portrait video to landscape using the "Resize" option above the timeline.
- To fill space, open the "Basic" tab, select "Canvas" > "Blur", and choose a blur style to create a consistent background around your video.
- STEP 3
- Export and share
- Click "Export" in the top-right corner once the video framing looks right.
- Customize your export settings, including quality, frame rate, codec, and bit rate.
- Share your finished video directly to platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Key features
- Adjustable aspect ratio
Allows users to resize videos to fit different platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, ensuring content looks perfect regardless of where it's shared.
- Instant auto-reframe
The auto reframe tool adjusts the focus and framing of your video content, ensuring that the main subjects are always centered and prominent in every scene.
- Various background fillers
CapCut offers a range of background options, like solid colors, blur effects, or image fills, to enhance videos and fill empty spaces, giving a polished, professional look.
- Supports multiple video formats
Users can import and export videos in various formats like MP4 and MOV, ensuring compatibility with different devices and platforms, which makes the editing process smoother and more flexible.
How to convert portrait to landscape video online: Clideo
Clideo is the best portrait-to-landscape video converter that adjusts the aspect ratio without losing quality. This tool is ideal when video is recorded in portrait mode, but requires it in landscape for better compatibility across various platforms or devices. Clideo's interface is user-friendly, making it perfect for anyone to use, whether on a mobile device or a desktop.
Make a portrait video landscape with Clideo
Here is how to convert portrait video to landscape online for free using Clideo:
- STEP 1
- Upload a video
Go to Clideo's video resizer page. Click on the "Choose file" button to select a video from your local device, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
- STEP 2
- Change the orientation
- In the "Resize for" section, choose a landscape preset or enter custom dimensions.
- Select either "Fill" or "Fit" for cropping:
Fill removes black bars by cropping the video.
Fit keeps the full image without cropping.
- If using "Fit", blur or recolor the background by clicking the paint bucket icon.
- Adjust the zoom and position settings to fine-tune the video layout.
- STEP 3
- Download the result
Once your video has been successfully converted to landscape format, click the "Export" button on the right side of the screen.
Key features
- Clideo operates entirely within your web browser, eliminating the need to download and install software.
- The tool accommodates a variety of video formats, allowing you to upload and convert videos from almost any source.
- Let users manually adjust video dimensions or choose from pre-set options to ensure the video fits the desired viewing platforms.
- Clideo's simple, intuitive controls enable both novices and experienced users to manage video orientation changes efficiently.
How to change a video's aspect ratio on mobile: CapCut mobile app
If you're looking to adjust your videos to fit on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, the CapCut mobile app is your go-to solution. This app simplifies the process of changing your video's aspect ratio, ensuring it looks great no matter where it's posted. The app helps you quickly pick the right video size, whether it's square, wide, or tall.
Change the video from portrait to landscape with the CapCut mobile app
Here is how to change a video from portrait to landscape using the CapCut mobile app:
- STEP 1
- Start a new project
Launch the CapCut app on your mobile device and tap on "New project."
- STEP 2
- Choose the aspect ratio
Tap on the "Aspect ratio" icon located at the bottom of the screen. Select the "16:9" option for a landscape orientation.
- STEP 3
- Adjust the frame
Resize your video to ensure it fits well in the new landscape frame. Use the on-screen tools to drag your video or use pinch gestures to resize it within the frame.
- STEP 4
- Enhance and export
Add any final touches like filters, text, or transitions if needed. Once satisfied, tap on "Export" to save your newly formatted landscape video to your device or share it directly on social media.
Key features
- The app offers an intuitive interface that allows users of all skill levels to effectively resize and edit their videos.
- Provides presets tailored to the ideal video formats for various social media platforms.
- Quickly adjust your video to the perfect settings for different social platforms with just a single tap.
- Maintain visual consistency across platforms, saving time and enhancing your brand's online appearance.
Tips to capture the best landscape videos
Besides changing the video size, how you capture the footage matters a lot. Here are the best tips for capturing eye-catching landscape videos:
- Use proper lighting
Lighting can make or break your video. For landscape videos, natural light works best. Try to film during twilight moments—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—when the light is softer and warmer. This adds a beautiful glow to your scenes and avoids the harsh shadows you get in the middle of the day.
CapCut's color grading and filters help enhance natural lighting and make your landscape footage look even more cinematic.
- Stabilize your camera
Shaky footage can distract from the beauty of your landscape scenes. You can use a tripod or a stabilizer to keep your camera steady. If you don't have one, try to find a stable surface to rest your camera on.
CapCut's built-in video stabilizer can smooth out minor shakes and improve overall video clarity.
- Frame your subject well
The placement of your subject within the video frame significantly influences its visual impact. Employ the rule of thirds by visualizing your frame as divided into nine equal parts with two vertical and two horizontal lines. Position your main subject along these lines or their intersections to achieve a balanced and captivating composition.
- Maintain high resolution
Always shoot in the highest resolution possible. High-resolution videos look more professional and are more engaging. They allow you to capture more detail, making your landscape scenes look sharper and more vivid.
CapCut supports high-quality exports, including up to 8K resolution, ensuring your landscape scenes stay crisp and detailed.
- Focus on composition
Composition is key to making your videos more visually appealing and memorable. Pay attention to the arrangement of elements in your scene. Look for lines, shapes, or patterns that can lead the viewer's eye through the frame.
To sum up, converting your portrait videos to landscape format allows you to adapt your content for various viewing platforms and boost viewer engagement. With these tools, your transformed videos will exceed expectations and stand out wherever they're displayed.
Among these, the CapCut desktop video editor stands out as the most effective choice, offering smooth transitions and high-quality results for converting portrait videos to landscape.
FAQs
- 1
- What’s the best ratio for changing a portrait video to landscape?
- 16:9: The standard and most widely used landscape ratio, perfect for YouTube, TVs, laptops, and most online video platforms.
- 21:9: An ultra-wide cinematic ratio, ideal for film-style videos and creating a cinematic look.
- 4:3: A classic format suitable for older displays or certain social media posts.
- Choosing the right ratio: It depends on your target platform and the visual style you want to achieve; select the ratio that best fits your audience and content goals.
You can also use CapCut's auto reframe and resize tools to adjust your video for any platform without losing quality.
- 2
- Does changing video orientation affect its quality?
Changing the orientation of a video, such as rotating from portrait to landscape, can affect its quality depending on how the video is edited. If the resolution and aspect ratio are preserved during the rotation process, there is typically no major loss in quality. However, issues like cropping or adding black bars can arise when switching between orientations. CapCut desktop video editor's user-friendly interface ensures that changing the orientation of your video, from portrait to landscape, does not compromise its quality.
- 3
- Is there an instant way to change a video's aspect ratio?
Yes, there is an instant way to change a video's aspect ratio with the CapCut desktop video editor. The editor provides an auto-reframing option for resizing videos to fit different formats, ensuring a smooth transition and high-quality results in just a few clicks.
For more tips on adjusting videos, check out the following articles: