How to change the dimensions of a video in Premiere

Adobe Premiere Pro is a powerful and versatile editing software used by professionals and enthusiasts alike. One of the essential tasks in video editing is changing the or aspect ratio of a video. Whether you want to convert a video from landscape to portrait orientation, adjust the size to fit a specific platform, or simply enhance its visual appeal, Premiere Pro provides several methods to change the dimensions.

Here are the steps to change the dimensions or aspect ratio of a video in Premiere Pro.

1. Import the video into Premiere Pro:
Launch Adobe Premiere Pro and create a new project. Import the video you want to change the dimensions of by clicking on “File” and then “Import” or using the shortcut “Ctrl + I”.

2. Create a new sequence with desired dimensions:
Right-click in the Project Panel on the bottom left side of the interface and select “New Item” followed by “Sequence”. A new sequence settings window will appear. Here, set the desired dimensions by entering the width and height values. You can choose from preset dimensions or tailor them to your specific needs. Click “OK” to create the sequence.

3. Add the video to the sequence:
Drag and drop the imported video file into the newly created sequence on the timeline. The video will automatically fit within the sequence dimensions.

4. Adjust the position and scale:
To ensure that the video fills the sequence completely, select the video clip on the timeline. Under the “Effect Controls” panel on the top left side of the interface, you will find options to modify the position, scale, and rotation of the video. Change the scale values until the video fills the frame entirely, maintaining its original aspect ratio or modifying it as desired.

5. Apply the necessary adjustments:
If the video’s dimensions do not match the sequence, you may notice black bars on the sides or top and bottom. To eliminate or compensate for these black bars, click on the “Motion” dropdown menu in the “Effect Controls” panel and adjust the position and scale values accordingly until the bars are no longer visible. Experiment with the values to find the perfect fit.

6. Finetune the visual appearance:
Changing the dimensions of a video may affect its visual appearance, especially if you switch from landscape to portrait orientation or vice versa. To optimize the visuals, Premiere Pro offers various other effects and adjustments such as color correction, cropping, and resizing. Explore the available options to enhance the video further and achieve the desired visual look.

7. Export the video:
Once you are satisfied with the changes, it is time to export the video. Click on “File” followed by “Export” and select the desired export settings such as format, codec, and destination folder. Check the dimensions and aspect ratio settings to ensure they match your intended output. Click “Export” and wait for Premiere Pro to process and save the video.

By following these simple steps, you can easily change the dimensions or aspect ratio of a video in Adobe Premiere Pro. The software’s intuitive interface and powerful tools make it an ideal choice for video editing enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether you are converting videos for social media platforms, adjusting the dimensions for a specific project, or enhancing visual appeal, Premiere Pro provides all the necessary features and flexibility to accomplish the task with ease.