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Complete Guide to Change Video Resolution in Filmora

Liza Brown
Liza Brown Originally published Jan 12, 23, updated Sep 29, 24

With the vast number of devices available in the market today, storing data and video files has become difficult. Frequently in cases where the devices share different forms of resolution, it makes sharing videos a hassle.

In those situations, changing the resolution of your video can be a great idea. It will also allow you to save storage. In this article, you'll adjust the resolution in just a few clicks by Wondershare Filmora. But before we learn how to change a video's resolution, let's look into what a video resolution is!

In this article
  1. What Is a Video Resolution?
  2. 7 Different Types of Video Resolution
  3. Why Do You Need to Change a Video Resolution?
  4. Steps to Change Video Resolution in Filmora

Part 1. What Is a Video Resolution?

A video resolution, in short, is the quality of the video visible. A video is rendered at a specific rate whenever you watch a movie or go to a cinema. A screen is made up of tiny pixels and arranged in an order that determines the resolution of a screen.

Video resolution is rendered in a vertical and horizontal orientation. Therefore, whenever you play a video on YouTube, the resolution scale is available for you to choose from, i.e., 480p, 720p, 1080p, etc.

In most cases, a resolution is dictated by the full abbreviation. So, for example, a 720p video is 1280 x 720, and a 1080p video is a 1920 x 1080 resolution.

a video resolution dimensions
Note: The number written before is the number of horizontal pixels in a video. And the number written after is the vertical pixels in a video.

Before we adjust the resolution of a video, let's look at a comparison between different types of video resolution.

Part 2. 7 Different Types of Video Resolution

It has been established that a video resolution is not a constant number and changes according to the screen. Scroll below to look at the different forms of video resolutions available!

360p

The full resolution is 480 x 360. This resolution is a minimal video resolution. On a big screen, 360p will look blurry. That is why a 360p resolution is the best for smaller devices such as Mobile phones.

480p

The full resolution is 853 x 480. Although an upgrade from the latter, this resolution is available on many devices. It's mainly used in devices such as smaller TVs, laptops, and Desktop computers. It is also available for Burn-in DVDs.

720p

The full version of the resolution is 1280 x 720. This resolution is called HD, short for High Definition. 720p quality looks good almost on every device and is also reasonably available.

Most modern devices, such as Mobile phones, Touch Tablets, Laptops, and PCs, are calibrated in 720p Resolution.

high definition resolution

1080p

The resolution in its complete form is 1920 x 1080. This resolution is also known as FHD, short for Full High Definition. 1080p resolution is the quality in which many high-quality devices are constructed. As a result, the screens of these devices have a clear and clean display.

a youtube video in fhd resolution
Note: It is usually recommended to share videos on social media in 1080p resolution.

1440p

This resolution is also called QHD (Quad HD). The length and width of this resolution are 2560 x 1440. As the name suggests, its quality is quad (four times) than that of a standard 720p resolution.

The screens of devices constructed in this resolution usually have a high-end purpose. For example, this resolution is commonly used in Gaming monitors and High-end smartphones.

a gaming monitor in 1440p resolution

2160p

The screens constructed in this resolution are considered among the best available in the market. 2160p (3840 x 2160) is also known as UHD, which is short for Ultra High Definition. It is also known as 4K because it offers four times the power of 1080p or FHD (Full High Definition.)

These screens are usually available for high-end competitive gaming monitors or big screen LCD and LED Television. In addition, some of the flagship smartphones are also built with 4K resolution.

difference between hd fhd and 4k resolution

4320p

This resolution is also known as 8K. The length and width of the pixel arrangement are 7680 x 4320. The pixels are arranged in these screens to offer sixteen times the average power of a 1080p (FHD) monitor.

This resolution is only available on several devices, such as commercial TVs and monitors. However, this is the most significant resolution available in the modern market. Therefore, even if your monitor cannot support a larger resolution, you can test whether your PC can render an 8K resolution.

difference between a 4k and 8k resolution

Part 3. Why Do You Need to Change a Video Resolution?

There are numerous cases where you will want to change the resolution of a video. Some of them are described below.

Decreasing a Video Resolution

Sometimes, you are trying to upload a video from a smartphone. Or, in general, you want to transfer videos to a smartphone. The resolution of your video can play a significant role in the transfer process.

If your video file has a higher resolution, it will take up more space on your phone. As well as, if your PC has a higher resolution, say a 4K resolution, and your phone is of 1080p resolution. You might not be able to play it.

To counter situations like these, you need to change the resolution of your video.

Increasing a Video Resolution

Similarly, there are instances where you would need to change the resolution of your video to increase it.

A good example would be to burn a low-quality DVD. To maintain good quality on a DVD, you need to increase its resolution before transfer.

Changing the exact resolution of a video is only possible in some cases because you cannot change the precise pixel of the video it is recorded in. But software like Wondershare Filmora allows you to change the resolution of your video easily.

Now let's move to understanding the steps involved in changing the resolution of a video!

Part 4. Steps to Change Video Resolution in Filmora

To change the resolution of a video, you would need a basic video editor. This video editor needs to support the features that enable you to adjust a video resolution. In this case, Filmora is the best option.

Wondershare Filmora

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Free Download

It has an attractive system UI that allows inexperienced users to learn how to use it quickly. It also has a diverse stock media collection. Not only that, but It gives you access to dependable features for changing the speed of a video.

wondershare filmora home interface

Scroll below to learn how to download the latest version!

Step1 Download Filmora

Begin by installing the latest version of Wondershare Filmora if you don't do already. Then, run the installer of this app on your PC or Mac.

Now that you have downloaded the app let's change the resolution!

Step2 Import Video Clips

Your next step after launching Filmora is to import video clips you want to resize. To accomplish this, follow the steps outlined below:

  • Locate and select the Import icon on the top left side of the Filmora Home Interface.
  • It will take you to your computer's library.
  • Select the videos to be edited and then click OK.
wondershare filmora selecting files to import

If you need clarification about the resolution of the video that you imported, you can also check them before adding it to the timeline.

  • Right-Click on the video in the import window.
  • In the pop-up column, go to Properties.

It opens a window that will tell you the basic info about your video clips. Here you can also preview the resolution.

wondershare filmora previewing a video's resolution

Now that we have our clips imported, it is time to add them to the timeline below!

Step3 Add The Video Clips to Timeline

To add Video clips to the timeline, go through the steps as guided:

  • Hold Right click to drag and select the video clips in the import window.
  • Release Right-click when in the timeline.
wondershare filmora importing clips to the timeline

Doing so would have added the video clips to the timeline. Instead, it has created a workplace to edit our videos.

You can trim, add effects, and join multiple clips in this process. After finishing the editing process, it's time to select an export format.

Step4 Export Your Video

You can export into video formats in two ways with Filmora. It can be either selecting a format for your video. Or you can also choose to export your video to a particular device.

Video Format Resolution

Wondershare Filmora is a fantastic software that allows you to access a variety of formats for your videos. These export formats include MP4, WMV, F4V, MOV, TS, 3GP, and more. To select a format for your video, follow the steps as guided:

  • Click on Export.
  • In the left column, click on the video format you need.
  • Click Export on the bottom right corner of the window.
wondershare filmora selecting video format

Exporting a video in a specific format not only allows you to change the format of a video but also allows you to change the resolution simultaneously.

Default Resolution Settings

Some formats have a built-in resolution. Whenever you choose a specific format for a video, the resolution of the video will be shifted to the resolution of that format, i.e., TS has a default 1080p resolution.

Note: Another thing to remember is that most video formats have defaulted to 1080p. But there are some formats whose resolutions vary according to their style. A good example is a 3GP format, which is set to 352 x 488 by default.

Customize the Resolution

But if you don't find the resolution stable for your device, you can also change this default resolution in simple steps. In the export window, follow the steps mentioned ahead:

  • In the preset tab, go to > settings.
  • In the video tab, click on the resolution.
  • In the drop-down menu, select the resolution that you desire.

You can also select a custom resolution by these steps:

  • In the drop-down menu, click on Custom.
  • Here, you can change the height and width according to your wish.
wondershare filmora setting a custom resolution

Exporting a Video to a Specific Device

Selecting a format for your video can help if you want to change the resolution. But in cases where you want to export a video to a particular mobile device. Such as an iPhone or an iPad, you can select the device export option.

In the device export option, you can select a custom device. Filmora allows you to choose from a wide variety of machines available when you choose a custom device; the resolution will be set to optimal for that particular device.

Select a Folder to Export Your Video

After you are done calibrating the resolution settings, you can move on to select the export location for your video. You can do so by the steps mentioned:

  • In the main Export window, navigate to the Save
  • Click on the Folder
  • It will direct you to your PC library.
  • Select the directory you want to export your video to.
  • Click Select Folder.
wondershare filmora selects a custom folder for export

Final Step

The last step to export your video is clicking on the Export icon in the bottom right corner of the window. It opens up a render window. Wait for a few minutes until the video finishes exporting.

When the export is finished, a window will pop up as a reminder. You can also find the target folder by clicking on Find Target.

wondershare filmora post-export window

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to change the resolution of a video using Wondershare Filmora.

Conclusion

Rapid video technology advancement is leading to the development of higher-resolution devices. The greatest resolution in the modern day is the 8K; soon, everyone will be using 8K devices. So, it is beneficial to learn how to change a video's resolution.

By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can now change the resolution of your video using Filmora.

Liza Brown
Liza Brown Sep 29, 24
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