📐 AI image aspect ratio guide
Aspect ratio changes composition more than any other single decision. Here's the cheat sheet — pick it BEFORE the prompt, not after.
1:1 — Instagram feed and profile
The safe universal square. Great for portraits, product isolates and album art. Never crop from 16:9 to 1:1 in post — you lose intent every time.
9:16 — TikTok, Reels, Shorts, stories
Vertical. Frame the subject in the upper third to leave room for captions and CTAs. Generate natively at 9:16 — never crop from horizontal.
16:9 — YouTube, thumbnails, web hero
The web default. Best for wide establishing shots and thumbnails with room for bold text. If you're generating for YouTube, this is home.
2:3 and 4:5 — editorial and print
Magazine and editorial ratios. 2:3 is the classic 35mm-photo feel, 4:5 is Instagram's optimal portrait ratio. Pick these for fashion, portraits and print-first work.
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Generate at the right ratio