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How to Resize Videos in Premiere Pro: A Beginner's Guide

James Hogan
James Hogan Originally published Sep 18, 24, updated Dec 02, 24

Are you struggling to create videos that fit different platforms with varying aspect ratio requirements, all from a single take? Resizing videos is an essential skill in video editing, ensuring your content looks perfect on any platform. Adobe Premiere Pro is a powerful tool that can help you easily adjust video dimensions to meet these needs.

In this guide, we will show you the simple steps on how to resize a video in Adobe Premiere Pro. Therefore, you can seamlessly fit your content to any screen or platform. Let's get started and make your videos look perfect, no matter where they're seen!

how to resize a video in premiere pro
In this article
    1. How to use Filmora Auto Reframe to resize video

Part 1. Understanding Video Resizing in Premiere Pro

Video resizing refers to the process of altering your video's resolution or aspect ratio. Resizing videos in Adobe Premiere Pro can serve various purposes based on project goals and creative needs. Here are some common scenarios where resizing becomes crucial:

adobe premiere pro to resize video
  • Aspect Ratio Requirements and Project Compatibility

Adjust the video to fit the desired aspect ratio and align it with your project's settings. Resizing videos prevents distortion and maintains consistency across different resolutions and formats.

  • Zooming, Panning, and Framing

Use resizing to create dynamic effects by zooming or panning, and improve visual composition by cropping or repositioning the footage.

  • Special Effects and Correcting Crooked Footage

Resize videos for creative effects like split screens and correct orientation issues if the footage was shot at a crooked angle.

  • Performance Optimization

Reduce resolution to enhance playback performance during editing, especially on systems with limited processing power.

Adobe Premiere Pro offers a variety of tools and options for resizing videos. You can manually adjust the scale and position of your clips or use presets that align with common aspect ratios. These tools allow you to precisely customize your video dimensions, ensuring that your content is well-suited for any platform.

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Filmora Video Editor

Wondershare Filmora - Auto Resize Video

• Auto reframe video in 16:9, 1:1, 9:16, 4:3 or 21:9
• Offers cool video effects and filters to make your video become professional
• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

Part 2. How to Resize Videos in Adobe Premiere Pro

Now that you understand why resizing is important, let's dive into the steps of how to resize videos in Premiere Pro. You can resize your video's dimensions to fit a specific aspect ratio or optimize it for different platforms. One popular method for resizing a video in Premiere Pro is by using the "Set to Frame Size" feature.

Follow these simple steps to get started:

Step 1. Open Adobe Premiere Pro and Create a New Project

Launch Adobe Premiere Pro and create a new project. Then, set your desired aspect ratio for the project by choosing the appropriate sequence settings.

Step 2. Import Your Video

Go to File > Import and select the video file you want to resize. The video will be added to your Project panel.

Step 3. Drag Video to the Timeline

Drag the imported video from the Project panel to the Timeline panel to add it to your sequence. If the video clip does not fit the aspect ratio you set before, you will see black bars on your video's Preview window.

Step 4. Access the Effect Controls Panel

Click on the video clip in the Timeline to select it and navigate to Effect Controls > Motion. Then go to the Preview window, click and drag one of the corners of the clip, and stretch out the frame.

resize video in premiere pro

Alternatively, you can right-click on the video clip in the Timeline and choose Set to Frame Size from the context menu. This action will adjust the video's scale to match the sequence's frame size.

set to frame size to resize video in premiere pro

Step 5. Preview Your Changes

Playback the video to ensure that the resizing has been applied correctly. Make any additional adjustments if necessary.

Part 3. An Easier Way to Resize a Video Using Wondershare Filmora

If you're looking for a simpler alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro for resizing videos, Wondershare Filmora is an excellent choice. Filmora also has features that make resizing videos easy, even for beginners.

In addition to basic cropping and adjusting the project aspect ratio, Filmora includes a notable feature called Auto Reframe. This feature automatically detects people within your video and adjusts the framing to suit various aspect ratios. It selects and crops the video to match the required ratio while focusing on the target subject.

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How to use Filmora Auto Reframe to resize video

Step 1. Access Auto Reframe

After importing your video, select it and go to Tools > Auto Reframe to open the Auto Reframe feature.

access the auto reframe tool

Step 2. Customize Settings

In the Auto Reframe window, select the aspect ratio you need for your video.

adjust the aspect ratio

Then, set the Motion Speed to Auto, or select Fast or Slow based on your preference.

adjust the motion speed
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Step 3. Analyze and Reframe

Click Analyze to let Filmora automatically adjust your video's framing according to the selected settings.

click analyze to auto reframe your video

Step 4. Preview and Adjust

Watch the reframed video. If necessary, fine-tune the framing by dragging the adjustment box. Use the Undo/Redo tools for precise modifications.

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If you prefer a more hands-on approach, here are some additional methods for resizing videos in Filmora:

1. Change Aspect Ratio

Before you start editing a new project, manually set the aspect ratio in the project settings. Or if you have already opened a project, go to File > Project Settings and choose the desired aspect ratio for your video.

change the project aspect ratio

2. Cropping

To focus on specific parts of your video, you can use the cropping tool. To apply this feature, navigate to Tools > Video > Crop and Zoom and set the desired aspect ratio.

crop to change the aspect ratio

Wondershare Filmora's Auto Reframe feature makes resizing video into another aspect ratio easy. With extra tools like stabilization or speed ramping, Filmora helps you create videos that are both optimized and professional.

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Part 4. Best Practices for Resizing Videos

Resizing videos is not just about changing dimensions; it's essential to maintain quality and consistency. Here are some best practices to ensure your videos look their best after resizing:

  • Maintain Aspect Ratio Consistency

Changing the aspect ratio without consideration can lead to distortion, making your footage look stretched or squashed. Stick to standard aspect ratios like 16:9, 9:16, or 1:1 to ensure compatibility across various platforms.

  • Prioritize Video Quality

Use high-quality source footage and minimize downscaling to preserve detail. If you need to reduce the resolution, consider enhancing the video using sharpening tools.

  • Check Platform Requirements

Different platforms have specific requirements for video dimensions and file sizes. Always verify the recommended video specifications for the platform where your video will be published.

  • Preview Before Finalizing

Always preview your resized video to catch any framing or quality issues. Make adjustments as needed to ensure the video meets your expectations and looks good on any platform.

Conclusion

Resizing videos in Adobe Premiere Pro is a crucial video editing skill for creating a video that fits various platforms without compromising quality. By understanding aspect ratios, using the right tools, and following best practices, you can ensure your videos look professional and are optimized for any screen.

This guide has provided you with the essential steps to resize your videos in Premiere Pro. It also introduced Wondershare Filmora as an alternative for a simpler approach. Ready to take your video editing skills to the next level? Start resizing your videos today!

James Hogan
James Hogan Dec 02, 24
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