Choosing an Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 3:4
Key points
- 1:1 is square; 4:3 and 3:2 are photo shapes; 16:9 is for screens and video
- 3:4 is common for vertical portraits
- If unsure, follow the recipient's or platform's guidance
What each ratio means
- 1:1: square. Social media icons and posts
- 4:3: landscape. Slides and ordinary camera photos
- 3:2: landscape. DSLR photos and prints
- 16:9: landscape. Computer screens, video, thumbnails
- 3:4: portrait. Face and profile photos
Suggestions by use
- Icons: 1:1
- Presentation material: 16:9 or 4:3
- ID and portrait photos: 3:4 (check the requirement)
- Blog header images: 16:9 or 3:2
For free-form cropping
Set the ratio to "Free" to choose any width-to-height proportion.
Note
Changing the ratio adjusts the area automatically. Reposition it after choosing.
Use "Crop & Rotate Image" (free)Tools that go well with this
- Compress & Resize Images: Make image files smaller, and resize them if you like.
- Convert Image Format (JPG, PNG, WebP): Convert images to JPG, PNG or WebP, several at once.
- Photos to PDF: Combine several photos into one PDF in the order you choose. You can rotate, reorder and set a size limit.
More guides for this tool
- How to Crop an Image (Choose an Area and Save)
- How to Crop an Image into a Square (1:1), for Social Media Icons Too
- How to Rotate a Sideways Photo
- How to Cut Away Unneeded Parts of a Photo (Documents and ID Photos)
- Trim First: Cropping Before Shrinking an Image
- How to Crop Photos Without Sending Them Anywhere