# How to change the aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve

> Change the aspect ratio in DaVinci Resolve 21 with the new vertical and square timeline sizes, and know when Smart Reframe (Studio) helps. Sizes, a pixel example.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-10
- **Category**: Video editing
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-guides/how-to-change-aspect-ratio-in-davinci-resolve

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In DaVinci Resolve, open the project or timeline settings and pick a vertical or square resolution, such as 1080 x 1920, from the sizes Resolve 21 added. Smart Reframe, which follows the subject for you, is Studio only.

## Set the timeline size

Blackmagic's feature pages say Resolve 21 added a selection of square and vertical video resolutions to the project and timeline settings. They do not give a click path or the preset names (checked 3 Nov 2026). The Resolve 21.1 manual is the full reference.

1. Open the project or timeline settings.
2. Choose a vertical or square resolution from the list.
3. Place your clips and set each one's scale and position so the subject stays in frame.
4. On the Deliver page, set the render resolution to match the timeline.

The free edition edits up to Ultra HD 3840 x 2160. A 1080 x 1920 vertical timeline is inside that. Resolution above UHD needs Studio.

## Smart Reframe

Smart Reframe is Studio only. Blackmagic added a Mode dropdown in Resolve 20.1 with three choices: Auto, Pan Only and Tilt Only. Its feature guides give no click-by-click steps for it, so use the manual for the exact path.

DaVinci Resolve is free. Studio's list price is US$295, on sale for US$236 until 20 Nov 2026. In India it is INR 25,980, list INR 31,980, excluding GST (checked 3 Nov 2026).

## Sizes to use

| Ratio | Size | Where Meta uses it |
|---|---|---|
| 9:16 | 1440 x 2560 | Reels and Stories ads |
| 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 | Instagram Feed ads |
| 4:5 | 1440 x 1800 | Facebook Feed ads |

From Meta's ad guide pages (checked 3 Nov 2026).

## A worked example

Say you pick a 1080 x 1920 timeline. Its ratio is 1080 / 1920 = 0.5625, which is 9:16. You place a 1920 x 1080 clip at 100% scale. You now see only the middle 1,080 of its 1,920 columns, which is 56% of the width. Scale the clip to fit the width instead and it measures 1080 x 608, with space above and below.

Pick the first when the speaker is in the middle. Pick the second when you cannot lose the sides.

## Vertical layout

When a vertical timeline loads, Resolve 20 switches Cut, Edit and Color to a vertical-optimised layout. To turn that off, open Preferences > User > UI Settings and untick "Use optimized UI layouts for vertical video".

[Marxx's AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) reframes for another placement in one request, and exports an editable timeline for DaVinci Resolve. We make Marxx. Plans start at $9 a month at launch prices (checked 3 Nov 2026).

For the crop maths and other tools, see [how to convert a 16:9 video to 9:16](/guides/how-to-convert-16-9-to-9-16). For the same task in Adobe's app (Premiere Pro, now called Adobe Premiere), see [how to change the aspect ratio in Premiere Pro](/guides/how-to-change-aspect-ratio-in-premiere-pro). For plans, see [DaVinci Resolve pricing](/prices/davinci-resolve-pricing).

## FAQ

### Can the free DaVinci Resolve make vertical video?

Yes. The free edition edits up to Ultra HD, and 1080 x 1920 is inside that. Blackmagic's pages do not mark the new vertical sizes as Studio only, but Smart Reframe is.

### Why did my screen layout change?

Resolve 20 switches to a vertical-optimised layout when a vertical timeline loads. Turn it off under Preferences > User > UI Settings.

### What size should a Reels ad be?

9:16. Meta recommends 1440 x 2560 for Reels ads (checked 3 Nov 2026).

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