How to Change Video Orientation in Descript: Landscape to Portrait

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to switch your portrait video to landscape using Descript.

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Understanding Video Aspect Ratios:

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- Landscape mode: Landscape videos are displayed in a horizontal format (16:9 ratio), ideal for wide shots and capturing a broad view. This is the most common aspect ratio for long-form Youtube videos and television.
- Portrait mode: Portrait videos are displayed in a vertical format, perfect for capturing close-ups and individual subjects, such as people. This is typically a 9:16 aspect ratio and is what your cellphone shoots when using the front-facing camera and holding it upright. These are best for TikToks, Youtube Shorts, etc.

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Converting Landscape to Portrait Mode:

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1. Start by importing your landscape video into your Descript project.
2. Change the aspect ratio of your project in the top left of the canvas. By default, it's in landscape mode (16:9 ratio) but change it to portrait in the dropdown.
3. If the video has black spaces on the top and bottom, you can easily change the background color by clicking into the canvas (gray area) and changing the background color on the right side in the Properties menu.
4. Make adjustments by dragging the video around the canvas, or resizing it to your preference - just like adjusting a layer in PowerPoint or Canva.
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Changing Portrait to Landscape Mode:

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1. Start by importing your portrait video into your Descript project.
2. Change the aspect ratio of your project in the top left of the canvas. If it's in portrait mode (9:16 ratio), change it to landscape in the dropdown.
3. If the video has black spaces on the left and right, you can easily change the background color by clicking into the canvas (gray area) and changing the background color on the right side in the Properties menu.
4. Make adjustments by dragging the video around the canvas, or resizing it to your preference - just like adjusting a layer in PowerPoint or Canva.
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Tips and Tricks:

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- For optimal results, ensure that the subject of the video is appropriately positioned within the frame, especially when resizing or repositioning the video.
- Experiment with different background colors to complement the video content or match a specific aesthetic.
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Wrapping Up:

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Now you know how to seamlessly change video orientation from landscape to portrait and vice versa using Descript. Whether you're adapting content for different platforms or refining the visual appeal of your videos, these simple steps can make a significant difference.
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For a visual walkthrough of this process, be sure to check out the Descript Mastery YouTube video: