Changing aspect ratio in CapCut on PC

CapCut on Windows lets you change a video's aspect ratio — the width-to-height proportions — at any point in your editing. You can switch from a phone-shaped vertical video to a horizontal landscape format, or to square, without re-importing your footage. The ratio change happens in the canvas settings, not in the export menu, so you adjust it before you finish editing.

The most common reason to change ratio is matching your upload platform. YouTube and TikTok want different shapes. Instagram Reels prefer square or vertical. Changing the ratio in CapCut adds black bars (called letterboxing) or crops your video depending on which direction you go, so you see the result before you export.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your project, click the canvas icon in the toolbar, and select a preset ratio like 9:16 for TikTok, 1:1 for Instagram, or 16:9 for YouTube.
  • CapCut shows you a preview of how your video will look with the new ratio before you commit to the change.
  • If you choose a ratio that makes your video smaller on screen, CapCut adds black bars around it; if the ratio crops your content, you can reposition your video within the new frame.
  • You can change the ratio multiple times during editing and export different versions of the same project in different ratios.

Finding and opening the canvas settings

Start with your project already open in CapCut. Look at the toolbar along the top of the screen — you will see icons for text, effects, transitions, and other tools. Find the icon that looks like a small rectangle or frame (it may also show as a canvas or aspect ratio symbol depending on your CapCut version). Click it.

A menu will drop down showing preset aspect ratios. These presets are the standard sizes for different platforms. You do not have to use a preset — you can also enter custom dimensions — but the presets are faster and designed for where most people post video.

Selecting a preset ratio for your platform

The preset options usually include 16:9 (landscape, standard for YouTube and desktop), 9:16 (vertical, standard for TikTok and Instagram Stories), 1:1 (square, standard for Instagram feed posts and Reels), 4:3 (older TV format), and sometimes 21:9 (ultra-wide). Click the one that matches where you plan to post the video.

When you click a preset, CapCut when ready shows you the result in the preview window. If your original video was wider than the new ratio, you will see black bars on the sides. If the new ratio is wider than your original, the video will appear smaller with bars top and bottom. This preview is exactly what your export will look like, so you can decide right away whether you like it.

Adjusting video position when the ratio crops your content

If you switch to a ratio that is narrower than your original video — for example, changing from 16:9 to 9:16 — CapCut will crop the sides of your video to fit. The video does not shrink; instead, the frame cuts off the left and right edges. You can reposition the video within that narrower frame so the important part stays visible.

Click and drag your video in the preview window to slide it left or right. You will see the frame stay fixed while the video moves behind it, so you can center a face or object that was off to one side. This repositioning applies to the entire timeline, so all your clips move together.

Creating a custom ratio if presets do not fit your needs

If none of the presets match what you need, you can enter custom dimensions. In the canvas menu, look for an option labeled "Custom" or a field where you can type numbers. Enter the width and height you want — for example, 3:2 or 5:4. CapCut will explore that ratio the same way it applies presets, showing you the preview so you can see the result.

Custom ratios are useful if you are editing for a specific client requirement or a platform that does not have a preset. Just remember that unusual ratios may add more black bars or crop more of your video, so preview carefully before you export.

Exporting your video in the new ratio

Once you have set your ratio and positioned your video the way you want it, export normally. Go to File or the export button (usually in the top right), choose your resolution and format, and save. The exported video will be in the ratio you selected — CapCut does not change it back during export.

If you want to export the same project in multiple ratios, you do not have to re-edit. Change the ratio, export with a new filename, then change the ratio again and export again. Each export will be in the ratio you set before exporting, so you can create a vertical version for TikTok and a horizontal version for YouTube from the same project.

Undoing a ratio change if you change your mind

If you change the ratio and decide you do not like it, you can undo the change. Press Ctrl+Z on your keyboard, or go to Edit and click Undo. This reverts the canvas to its previous ratio. You can also change the ratio as many times as you want during editing — there is no limit to how many times you can open the canvas menu and pick a different option.

If you have already exported a video in one ratio and want to export the same project in a different ratio, just change the canvas ratio again and export with a new filename. Your original export stays the same; only new exports will use the new ratio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing the ratio in CapCut affect my original video file?

No. Changing the ratio in CapCut only affects how the video appears in your project and what you export. Your original video file on your computer stays unchanged. You can open the same project again and change the ratio to something else without losing anything.

What happens if I choose a ratio that is too narrow for my video?

CapCut will crop the sides of your video to fit the narrower frame. You can reposition the video by dragging it in the preview window so the important part of the image stays visible. If you do not reposition it, the center of your video will be centered in the frame by default.

Can I change the ratio for only some clips in my project?

No. The canvas ratio applies to your entire project at once. If you need different ratios for different clips, you would need to create separate projects for each ratio and export them separately, then combine them in another tool if needed.

Will black bars show up in my exported video?

Yes, if your original video is wider or narrower than the ratio you choose, black bars will appear in the export. Some platforms remove black bars automatically during upload, but others keep them. Check your platform's requirements if you want to avoid them.

What ratio should I use for YouTube?

YouTube prefers 16:9 (landscape). This is the standard widescreen format and will fill the screen without black bars on most devices. CapCut includes 16:9 as a preset option.