One of the common challenges when sharing your video is having to fit it into different formats. For example, videos made in the standard 16:9 aspect ratio often need to be changed to a vertical 9:16 format for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts.
For a video, this can be tricky because you need to adjust each shot to make sure your main subject stays in the center of the frame. Since reframing manually can be time-consuming, there's an auto-reframe feature in DaVinci Resolve called Smart Reframe that can help lighten your load.
Instead of spending hours adjusting each clip, Smart Reframe does the work for you in just a few seconds. This way, your video looks great in its new format without all the extra effort.
In this article
Part 1. What is Auto Reframe in DaVinci Resolve
The secret to the Auto Reframe feature in DaVinci Resolve is that it uses AI to automatically adjust the framing of your video when changing aspect ratios. Normally, when we change the video aspect ratio, the crop remains static, which can result in important elements being cut off or misaligned.
However, with Auto Reframe, the AI intelligently tracks the key subjects in your video. It helps you quickly adapt your content for different platforms without losing focus on what's important in the shot, no matter the aspect ratio.
With Auto Reframe, you can either let DaVinci Resolve choose the main focus of the frame automatically or set a reference point yourself. But to use this feature, you need to use the Studio version of DaVinci Resolve, which costs about $295. If you want to reframe your video on the free version, you need to manually use the zoom and position transform controls in the Inspector panel.
Some types of subjects DaVinci Resolve auto reframe can detect are:
- People: The AI can recognize and keep people centered in the frame. Just make sure the subject is clearly visible and well-lit, so the AI can accurately track and maintain focus on them throughout the video.
- Objects: Auto Reframe can also detect key objects in your video, like a product in an ad or a prop in a scene.
- Animals: If your video features pets or wildlife, the AI can track them too, keeping animals in the frame as they move.
- Sports Actions: Auto Reframe in DaVinci Resolve is great for auto-adjusting sports footage, as it can follow fast-moving subjects like players or balls.
Wondershare Filmora - Auto Resize Video
Part 2. How to Use the Auto Reframe Feature in DaVinci Resolve
Now that you get to know more about the auto reframe feature in DaVinci Resolve, you can use it to efficiently adapt your videos for different screen sizes. Follow the step-by-step guide below on how to use the DaVinci Resolve auto-reframe feature.
Step 1: Add Clips to a Timeline
Start by adding your clips to a timeline with a different aspect ratio than the original clip. For example, if you have horizontal clips, place them into a vertical timeline to prepare for adjustment.
Step 2: Open the Inspector
Navigate to the Inspector panel located in the upper-right corner of the interface. This panel provides access to various editing tools, including the auto reframe feature.
Step 3: Access the Smart Reframe Feature
Within the Inspector, find the Smart Reframe option under the Transform menu. Then, select "Auto" to let DaVinci Resolve analyze and determine the reference point automatically so that key elements of your video remain visible. Click Reframe to proceed.
Part 3. How to Fix Incorrect Subject Detection in Auto Reframe
The auto reframe feature in DaVinci Resolve may be handy for adapting videos to different aspect ratios, but it can occasionally misidentify or misalign the subject, particularly in complex scenes or when there are multiple focal points.
For instance, it may struggle with detecting the primary subject in videos with fast-moving objects, cluttered backgrounds, or scenes with overlapping elements. Some users have also reported that it doesn't always center them correctly and that it can be buggy at times.
When this happens, you'll need to manually adjust the framing or reference point to ensure that the key elements of your video remain properly centered and in focus.
How to Adjust the Reference Point in Resolve Auto Reframe
Step 1: Access the Smart Reframe Settings
Locate the Smart Reframe option again under the Transform menu on the Inspector panel. This is where you can make adjustments to the framing.
Step 2: Review the Automatic Framing
Play through the video to see how the auto reframe has adjusted the framing. Identify any issues with incorrect subject placement or areas that are cut off.
Step 3: Set or Adjust Reference Points
If the auto reframe feature has not correctly centered the subject, you can manually set the reference point . Click on the reference point option and adjust it to focus on the correct area of the video.
Step 4: Adjust the Framing Manually
Use the Transform controls to manually reposition and scale the video. You can drag the video within the frame to better align the subject or adjust the zoom level to ensure that the key elements are properly framed. Once done, click the Reframe button again to proceed.
You can watch more detailed tips on using the DaVinci Resolve auto-reframe feature here.
Part 4. User-friendly Software Alternative with Auto Reframe Feature: Wondershare Filmora
DaVinci Resolve may be ideal for complex tasks, but if you only want to quickly and easily adapt your videos to different formats, you can just use Wondershare Filmora. Filmora offers a user-friendly interface and a straightforward Auto Reframe feature that simplifies the process of resizing and reformatting your videos.
With Filmora, you can efficiently convert your videos to various aspect ratios and maintain focus on your main subject, all while enjoying a streamlined editing experience. It's an excellent choice for those who need a straightforward solution without sacrificing functionality.
How to use Filmora Auto Reframe
Step 1: Access the Auto Reframe Feature and Import Your Video
To get started, open Filmora and navigate to the AI Toolbox on the right side of the interface. Look for the "Auto Reframe" option and click on it to launch the feature. A new window will appear where you can import your video file.
You can also access Auto Reframe from the main editing interface. Start by creating a new project and importing your media. Once your video is in the media library, go to Tools > Auto Reframe or right-click the video and select "Auto Reframe."
Step 2: Select the Aspect Ratio
In the Auto Reframe window, you'll find several aspect ratio options to choose from, including square (1:1), vertical (9:16), standard (4:3), widescreen (16:9), and cinema (21:9). Select the aspect ratio that best suits your project needs.
Once you've made your selection, click the "Analysis" button. Filmora will take a few moments to analyze your video based on the chosen aspect ratio.
Step 3: Preview and Fine-Tune
After the analysis and reframing are done, preview your video. If any adjustments are needed, use the pause and play controls to navigate through the video, and drag the framing box to reposition the focus as required. Continue making adjustments throughout the video as necessary.
How to Manually Reframe Your Video
If you prefer a hands-on approach to framing, Filmora provides options for manually adjusting your video through the Crop tool or by changing the aspect ratio. The crop tool allows you to manually select the area of the video you want to focus on. Meanwhile, changing the aspect ratio gives you control over the overall dimensions of your video.
1. Using the Crop Tool
To crop your video, access the Crop and Zoom panel by selecting your video in the timeline and clicking the Crop icon. Or, you can right-click on the clip in the timeline and choose "Crop and Zoom" from the context menu.
In the Crop and Zoom panel, set the crop area by choosing from the available aspect ratio presets.
You can adjust the size and position of the crop area by dragging the corners of the rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the adjustments, click "Apply" to save the changes.
2. Changing the Project Aspect Ratio
Once you have imported your video into Filmora, click the Settings button and choose "Change Project Aspect Ratio" from the menu.
Here, you can adjust not only the aspect ratio but also modify the resolution and frame rate of your project.
Conclusion
Adapting videos to different formats is no longer a problem if you are using the Auto Reframe feature in DaVinci Resolve and Wondershare Filmora. DaVinci Resolve's Smart Reframe uses advanced AI to automatically adjust your video's framing, saving you time and ensuring the important parts stay in focus.
And if you're looking for something simpler, Filmora offers a user-friendly Auto Reframe feature that's easy to use and still effective. Both tools help you quickly and efficiently resize your videos for various platforms, so you can focus on creating great content without worrying about format issues.
