Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.
Key facts
Category
Media
Input types
file, select, number
Output type
file
Sample coverage
4
API ready
Yes
Overview
Quickly change the display aspect ratio (DAR) of your video files without resizing the actual video stream or undergoing a lengthy re-encoding process. This tool allows you to adjust the container metadata of your video to correct stretched playback or prepare clips for specific display formats.
When to use
When a video displays with incorrect stretching or squishing due to a mismatched display aspect ratio metadata flag.
When you need to quickly change the container aspect ratio to standard presets like 16:9, 4:3, or 1:1 without altering the raw pixel dimensions.
When preparing video files for specialized media players or digital signage that require a specific display aspect ratio metadata header.
How it works
1Upload your video file (up to 500 MB) using the file input field.
2Select your target display aspect ratio from the presets, or choose 'Custom' to manually input your desired width and height values.
3Choose your preferred output format (MP4, WebM, MKV, or keep original) and process the file to update the metadata instantly.
Use cases
Correcting old analog video digitizations that incorrectly display in 16:9 widescreen instead of their native 4:3 format.
Adjusting camera footage metadata to display correctly on ultrawide 21:9 monitors without rendering times.
Setting a 9:16 vertical display aspect ratio metadata flag for mobile-first video previews.
Examples
1. Correcting Stretched VHS Rips
Archivist
Background
An archivist digitized old family VHS tapes, but the capture software incorrectly flagged the output files with a 16:9 widescreen display aspect ratio, making the footage look unnaturally wide.
Problem
The video needs to display in its original 4:3 standard aspect ratio without losing quality through re-encoding.
How to use
Upload the digitized MP4 file, select '4:3 (Standard)' from the Aspect Ratio dropdown, keep the output format as 'original', and process the file.
aspectRatio: '4:3', outputFormat: 'original'
Outcome
The video metadata is updated instantly, and media players now correctly display the video in the original 4:3 aspect ratio without any quality loss.
2. Setting Custom Display Ratio for Digital Signage
Digital Signage Operator
Background
A marketing coordinator has a video that needs to play on a custom-sized LED display strip with a non-standard aspect ratio.
Problem
The media player requires the video container to explicitly declare a custom display aspect ratio of 32:9 to prevent display errors.
How to use
FAQ
Does this tool re-encode or compress my video?
No, it only updates the display aspect ratio (DAR) metadata flag in the video container, preserving your original video quality.
What video formats are supported for output?
You can export your video as MP4, WebM, MKV, or choose to keep the original container format.
Will changing the aspect ratio crop my video?
No, this tool does not crop or cut any pixels; it only changes how the video player stretches or scales the video during playback.
How do I set a non-standard aspect ratio?
Select the 'Custom' option in the Aspect Ratio dropdown and enter your specific custom width and height values.
What is the maximum file size allowed?
You can upload and process video files up to 500 MB in size.