How to Change the Frame Size in Premiere Pro: A Comprehensive Guide to Resizing Your Video Canvas

How to Change the Frame Size in Premiere Pro: A Comprehensive Guide to Resizing Your Video Canvas

When it comes to video editing, Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most powerful tools available. One of the essential skills every video editor should master is changing the frame size of a project. Whether you’re working on a cinematic masterpiece or a quick social media clip, understanding how to adjust the frame size in Premiere Pro can make a significant difference in the final output. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to change the frame size, discuss the implications of resizing, and provide tips to ensure your video looks professional.


Why Change the Frame Size?

Before diving into the “how,” it’s important to understand the “why.” Changing the frame size can serve multiple purposes:

  1. Platform Requirements: Different platforms have different aspect ratio and resolution requirements. For example, Instagram Reels prefer a 9:16 aspect ratio, while YouTube favors 16:9.
  2. Creative Intent: You might want to create a cinematic look by using a wider aspect ratio or emphasize vertical storytelling for mobile viewers.
  3. Cropping and Reframing: Sometimes, you need to crop out unwanted elements or reframe a shot to focus on a specific subject.
  4. Compatibility: Ensuring your video fits seamlessly across various devices and screens.

Methods to Change the Frame Size in Premiere Pro

1. Changing the Sequence Settings

The most straightforward way to change the frame size is by adjusting the sequence settings. Here’s how:

  1. Open Your Project: Load your project in Premiere Pro.
  2. Select the Sequence: In the Project panel, right-click on the sequence you want to modify and select “Sequence Settings.”
  3. Adjust Frame Size: In the Sequence Settings window, locate the “Frame Size” option. Enter your desired width and height values.
  4. Maintain Aspect Ratio: Ensure the “Pixel Aspect Ratio” is set to “Square Pixels” for standard video formats.
  5. Save Changes: Click “OK” to apply the new frame size.

Note: Changing the sequence settings will affect all clips within that sequence. If your clips have different resolutions, Premiere Pro will automatically scale them to fit the new frame size.


2. Using the Scale to Frame Size Option

If you want to resize individual clips without altering the entire sequence, the “Scale to Frame Size” option is your go-to tool.

  1. Select the Clip: In the Timeline, click on the clip you want to resize.
  2. Right-Click and Choose “Scale to Frame Size”: This will automatically scale the clip to fit the sequence’s frame size.
  3. Adjust Manually: If the automatic scaling doesn’t produce the desired result, you can manually adjust the scale in the Effect Controls panel.

Pro Tip: Use “Set to Frame Size” instead of “Scale to Frame Size” if you want to maintain the clip’s original resolution while fitting it within the sequence.


3. Creating a New Sequence with a Custom Frame Size

Sometimes, starting fresh is the best approach. Here’s how to create a new sequence with a custom frame size:

  1. Go to File > New > Sequence: This opens the New Sequence dialog box.
  2. Choose a Preset or Custom Settings: Select a preset that matches your desired frame size or click on the “Settings” tab to enter custom values.
  3. Set Frame Size: Under the “Video” section, input your preferred width and height.
  4. Save as Preset (Optional): If you plan to use this frame size frequently, save it as a custom preset for future projects.

4. Using the Crop Effect for Creative Resizing

The Crop effect is a versatile tool for resizing and reframing clips creatively.

  1. Apply the Crop Effect: Drag the Crop effect from the Effects panel onto your clip.
  2. Adjust Crop Settings: In the Effect Controls panel, tweak the left, right, top, and bottom values to crop the clip as needed.
  3. Combine with Scaling: Use the Scale option in the Effect Controls panel to further refine the clip’s size within the frame.

5. Exporting with a Different Frame Size

If you don’t want to change the frame size within your project but need a different size for the final output, you can adjust it during export.

  1. Go to File > Export > Media: This opens the Export Settings window.
  2. Set Frame Size: Under the “Video” tab, enter your desired width and height in the “Basic Video Settings” section.
  3. Maintain Aspect Ratio: Check the “Constrain Proportions” box to avoid distortion.
  4. Export: Click “Export” to save your video with the new frame size.

Tips for Resizing Without Losing Quality

  1. Work with High-Resolution Footage: Starting with high-quality footage gives you more flexibility when resizing.
  2. Avoid Over-Scaling: Scaling up a low-resolution clip can result in pixelation. Always aim to scale down or maintain the original resolution.
  3. Use Keyframes for Dynamic Resizing: If you need to resize a clip dynamically over time, use keyframes in the Effect Controls panel.
  4. Check for Black Bars: When changing aspect ratios, black bars may appear. Use the Crop effect or adjust the scale to eliminate them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I change the frame size without affecting the aspect ratio? Yes, you can maintain the aspect ratio by checking the “Constrain Proportions” box when adjusting the frame size.

Q2: What happens if I change the frame size after editing my video? Changing the frame size after editing may require you to reposition or rescale clips to fit the new dimensions.

Q3: How do I avoid distortion when resizing? Always ensure the pixel aspect ratio is set to “Square Pixels” and avoid scaling up low-resolution footage.

Q4: Can I resize multiple clips at once? Yes, you can select multiple clips in the Timeline and apply the “Scale to Frame Size” option to all of them simultaneously.

Q5: What’s the difference between “Scale to Frame Size” and “Set to Frame Size”? “Scale to Frame Size” resizes the clip to fit the sequence, while “Set to Frame Size” adjusts the clip’s resolution to match the sequence without altering its scale.


By mastering these techniques, you’ll have full control over your video’s frame size, ensuring it looks perfect on any platform or device. Happy editing!