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Setting pixel aspect ratio


    It is important to set the pixel aspect ratio for a file at its original ratio, not the ratio of the final output. You can set pixel aspect ratios for clips and projects with these approximate values:

    Square Pixels

    Uses a 1.0 pixel aspect ratio. Use this setting if your video has a 640 x 480 or 648 x 486 frame size.

    D1/DV NTSC

    Uses a 0.9 pixel aspect ratio. Use this setting if your video has a 720 x 480 or 720 x 486 frame size, and your desired result is a 4:3 frame aspect ratio.

    D1/DV NTSC Widescreen

    Uses a 1.2 pixel aspect ratio. Use this setting if your video has a 720 x 480 or 720 x 486 frame size, and your desired result is a 16:9 frame aspect ratio.

    D1/DV PAL

    Uses a 1.0666 pixel aspect ratio. Use this setting if your video has a 720 x 576 frame size, and your desired result is a 4:3 frame aspect ratio.

    D1/DV PAL Widescreen

    Uses a 1.4222 pixel aspect ratio. Use this setting if your video has a 720 x 576 frame size, and your desired result is a 16:9 frame aspect ratio.

    Anamorphic 2:1

    Uses a 2.0 pixel aspect ratio. Use this setting if your video was shot using an anamorphic film lens.

    D4/D16 Standard

    Uses a 0.9481481 pixel aspect ratio. Use this setting if your video has a 1440 x 1024 or 2880 x 2048 frame size, and your desired result is a 4:3 frame aspect ratio.

    D4/D16 Anamorphic 8:3

    Uses a 1.8962962 pixel aspect ratio. Use this setting if your video has a 1440 x 1024 or 2880 x 2048 frame size, and your desired result is an 8:3 frame aspect ratio.

To set the pixel aspect ratio for imported files:

  1. Select the file in the Project window.
  2. Choose Clip > Advanced Options > Pixel Aspect Ratio.
  3. Select a ratio from the Pixel Aspect Ratio menu and click OK.
  4. If you are planning to export to the same pixel aspect ratio as your clips, you also need to set the pixel aspect ratio for the project.

To set the pixel aspect ratio for a project:

    Do one of the following:

    • Choose the appropriate project preset when starting your project.
    • If a project is already open, choose Project > Project Settings > Video, and select a ratio from the Pixel Aspect Ratio menu; then click OK.