How to crop an image to 16:9 without stretching it

What does 16:9 mean?

The 16:9 ratio describes the ratio of width to height, not a specific resolution. 1920 × 1080 and 1280 × 720 share that relationship, but have different numbers of pixels.

Select instead of warp

If the original image is in another aspect ratio, the clean way to get to 16:9 is to crop some of the content. Stretching the photo to fill the frame alters the shapes and makes people or objects look wrong.

Move the frame until you keep what's important

Turn on 16:9 and shift the crop area. Decide which part can leave the frame and protect the main subject, text and relevant elements.

Horizontal or vertical

16:9 is usually used in landscape orientation. If you need a vertical piece, 9:16 retains the same inverted relationship. The tool allows you to choose both without forcing you to use them.

Check before exporting

After applying the crop, check that you haven't cut out important details. If the result is not convincing, go back to the original image and adjust the frame again.