Aspect Ratio Converter: Top 10 Tools Compared

10 Most Popular Aspect Ratio Changer Tools

An easy yet powerful editor

Numerous effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

In simplest terms, the Aspect ratio defines the relationship between the width and the height of a graphic. The values mentioned in the aspect ratio are not the actual value but refer to the relation of the width and height. Aspect ratio is expressed in terms of X: Y where X refers to the width while Y refers to the height of the video. Several aspect ratio standards are used in the present times like 16:9, 4:3, 3:2, 1.85:1, and more.

An aspect ratio defines the resolution of the display and thus for proper video playback that fits in within the screen size, the right aspect ratio has to be selected. Aspect ratio plays an important role in video resizing. To ensure that the videos do not look distorted while resizing, its aspect ratio has to be maintained.

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Videos recorded on different devices have different aspect ratios and thus to make them compatible with other players and platforms, the need for change in the aspect ratio arises. Moreover, platforms like YouTube, IGTV, Twitter, Facebook, and others have their recommendations for aspect ratio and to play your videos on these platforms, you need to match these requirements.

Additionally, when you want to resize a video or an image without making it appear distorted, you need to maintain its aspect ratio. So, to change ratio of photo and videos, right tools have to be used.

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

Plenty of freeware and online tools to change the video aspect ratio are available. The browser-based programs are free and simple to use and there is no hassle of any software download or installation. Freeware is the software that can be used without any license fee and support decent functions. To prevent you from getting confused, we have shortlisted the top 10 as below.

● Clideo

Videos from your local system, Google Drive, and Dropbox can be added to this online tool for changing the aspect ratio and resizing the videos for Facebook, YouTube, and other social media sites. The interface is user-friendly and the processed videos can be downloaded to the local system.

Steps:

● Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

● Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

● Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

● Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

● Veed.io

Using this free browser-based tool, the videos on your system, Dropbox, and link can be added to the tool for processing. The option for adding a YouTube link is also there. Choose the aspect ratio for popular social media sites or the supported ones. Further customization can also be done by changing other elements of the video.

Steps:

● Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

● After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

● Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● Online UniConverter

Earlier known as media.io, this is a feature-packed online tool supporting all key video-related tasks including changes in the aspect ratio and other editing functions like adjust, rotate, flip, and more. The output format of the processed files can also be selected from the supported options.

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

● Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

● Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

● FreeConvert

Files up to 1GB from your system, Google, Drive, Dropbox, or using a URL can be added to this online tool for processing. Aspect ratio pre-sets suitable for several social media sites are available to choose from. You can even choose the customized resolution and the output format.

Steps

● Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

● At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

● Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

● CloudConvert

This is another widely used video conversion tool that supports video editing as well. Thus, using the program, you can change the aspect ratio to the key formats. Videos from the system, Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, and using a URL can be added to the interface. The user-friendly interface makes the tool apt for all users.

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

● Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

● Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

● Finally, click on the Convert button.

● Kapwing

Using this online video editor, the videos in all ley formats can be customized by changing several parameters including aspect ratio. You can choose from the pre-set profiles of social media sites for quick processing. Local, as well as files from the cloud storage, can be added to the interface.

Steps

● Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

● After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

● Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● FileConverto

This online tool supports video conversion and multiple video editing functions including changes in the aspect ratio. The interface is simple and the process is fast. Files in all key formats up to 500KB can be added to the interface. The pre-set aspect ratio for different social media sites can be selected.

Steps

● Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

● Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

● Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

● Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

● Free HD Video Converter

This is free-to-use software that can help you perform multiple video editing functions including change of the aspect ratio. The software also supports the conversion of files in over 500 formats and pre-set formats. The software also allows downloading videos from popular streaming sites. A user-friendly interface and quick processing make the software popular among the users.

Steps

● Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

● At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

● Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

● AV Video Converter

This free software for Windows is majorly a video and audio conversion tool that supports other file editing options as well including changes in aspect ratio. The interface of the software is intuitive and there is an option to create templates for batch processing of files.

Steps

● Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

● The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

● Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

● TEncoder Video Converter

As the name suggests, this is a video conversion tool that is available for free download and uses on your Windows system. Videos and audio files in all key formats can be processed using the tool. The software allows changing the aspect ratio, codec, resolution, and other parameters of the file. Batch processing is supported for changing the aspect ratio of multiple files at a time.

Steps

● Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

● Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

● Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

The above-listed online tools and freeware software are basic programs for editing the aspect ratio of your videos. If you are looking for a professional alternative that not only allows changing the aspect ratio without affecting the video quality with support to advanced features, Wondershare Filmora Video Editor is the best. This excellent video editing software offers multiple features and functions to customize your videos in all possible ways.

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Files in all key formats are supported by the program and with an intuitive and clean interface, the task becomes much easier and quicker. There are multiple ways by which the aspect ratio of the videos can be changed using the software. You can change the aspect ratio at the starting interface, under the project settings, while editing the videos, by using auto-reframe, or while exporting the video.

Key features of the software

● Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

● Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

● Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

● Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

● The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

● Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

● Online and freeware programs can be used for basic changes in the aspect ratio but if you are looking for an advanced and professional tool that is also simple to use , Wondershare Filmora is the right choice.

Try It Free Try It Free

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

● Clideo

Steps:

● Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

● Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

● Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

● Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

● Veed.io

Steps:

● Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

● After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

● Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● Online UniConverter

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

● Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

● Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

● FreeConvert

Steps

● Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

● At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

● Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

● CloudConvert

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

● Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

● Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

● Finally, click on the Convert button.

● Kapwing

Steps

● Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

● After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

● Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● FileConverto

Steps

● Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

● Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

● Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

● Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

● Free HD Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

● At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

● Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

● AV Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

● The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

● Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

● TEncoder Video Converter

Steps

● Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

● Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

● Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Key features of the software

● Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

● Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

● Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

● Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

● The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

● Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

Try It Free Try It Free

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

● Clideo

Steps:

● Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

● Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

● Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

● Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

● Veed.io

Steps:

● Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

● After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

● Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● Online UniConverter

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

● Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

● Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

● FreeConvert

Steps

● Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

● At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

● Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

● CloudConvert

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

● Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

● Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

● Finally, click on the Convert button.

● Kapwing

Steps

● Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

● After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

● Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● FileConverto

Steps

● Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

● Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

● Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

● Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

● Free HD Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

● At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

● Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

● AV Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

● The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

● Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

● TEncoder Video Converter

Steps

● Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

● Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

● Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Key features of the software

● Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

● Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

● Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

● Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

● The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

● Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

Try It Free Try It Free

The screen size of the media players, devices, and platforms differ, and thus while uploading or playing videos the aspect ratio of the videos has to be adjusted accordingly.

Learn about aspect ratio changer video tools in the following parts of the topic.

Part 1 What is Aspect Ratio and its importance?

Part 2 Need for changing the aspect ratio

Part 3 Top 10 free aspect ratio changing tools

● Clideo

Steps:

● Open Clideo and click on Choose file to add the video.

● Choose the social media site for which you want to resize the video or use the Custom option.

● Select the Aspect Ratio from the drop-down menu.

● Click on the Export button at the bottom-right corner.

● Veed.io

Steps:

● Run the tool and click on Choose Video that will open a new pop-up window. Click on the browse button to add the local file or choose to add it from Dropbox or record the same.

● After the file is uploaded, choose the desired aspect ratio from the drop-down list under the Size tab.

● Finally, click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● Online UniConverter

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Choose Files to add the video.

● Choose the Crop tab and select the pre-set aspect ratio or use the Customized option to select as needed.

● Select the target format at Save to section and then finally click on the START button.

● FreeConvert

Steps

● Launch the tool and click on Choose Videos.

● At the Video Crop Settings section, choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down menu. Use Freeform for customized settings.

● Enter the desired resolution and select the target format. Finally, click on the Crop Video button.

● CloudConvert

Steps

● Open the tool and click on Select File to add the video.

● Choose the target format in the Convert to section. Click on the settings icon and a pop-up window will open.

● Expand the drop-down list at Aspect Ratio and choose the desired value. Click on the Okay button to confirm.

● Finally, click on the Convert button.

● Kapwing

Steps

● Run the tool and drag and drop the file to the interface or browse to import the same.

● After the file is added, click on the Crop option from the right-side panel and then choose from the available options of aspect ratio. Click on Done Cropping.

● Click on the Export button at the top-right corner.

● FileConverto

Steps

● Open the tool and click on the Browse button to add the video.

● Choose the aspect ratio from the drop-down list.

● Select the resize type concerning the borders and colors.

● Finally, click on the Submit Now button.

● Free HD Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and run the software on your system. Add the video to the software interface by clicking on + Add Files button.

● At the right-side panel click on the Parameter settings button and a new pop-up window will open. Choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Click on OK to confirm the selection.

● Finally, click on the Run button to start the processing.

● AV Video Converter

Steps

● Download, install and open the software on your PC. At the top-left corner, click on the + sign to browse and import the video. Multiple videos for batch processing can be added.

● The right side of the panel allows to change the added video parameters and from here choose the desired aspect ratio from its drop-down list.

● Click on the Convert all button to start the processing of all the added files.

● TEncoder Video Converter

Steps

● Launch the installed software on your system and add the videos to the interface using the Add button.

● Go to the Video and Audio options menu and from here select the desired Aspect Ratio from the available options. Other parameters can also be changed if needed.

● Finally, click on the Encoder button to start file processing.

Additionally, you can also change video aspect ratio Android and on iOS devices using the apps from their respective app store.

Part 4 The Best Alternative To Free Tools For Changing Aspect Ratio- Wondershare Filmora

Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows

Try It Free Try It Free

5,481,435 people have downloaded it.

Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.

Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora’s auto features.

Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.

Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.

Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.

Key features of the software

● Works as a complete feature-packed video editing toolbox.

● Allows resizing the video size and the aspect ratio.

● Option to highlight the object in a video by cutting, trimming, and cropping.

● Processed videos can be exported to different platforms and sites like mobile phones, YouTube, and others.

● The software can be quickly downloaded on Windows and Mac systems.

Steps on how Filmora change aspect ratio of videos

Step 1. Download, install and open the Wondershare Filmora software on your system.

Step 2. On the main interface next to the New Project option, choose the desired Aspect Ratio from the drop-down list. Next click on the New Project button.

Step 3. You can also choose the Aspect Ratio by going to File > New Project > select the aspect ratio if you are already in the editing panel.

Step 4. Finally, click on the Export button to start file processing.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

● Aspect Ratio plays an important role to obtain the right resolution and quality of the videos and images.

● Different devices as well as social media platforms recommend different Aspect Ratio and thus to change them accordingly, an aspect ratio change tool is needed.

Title Design Made Easy: A Final Cut Pro X Tutorial

How to Add Titles in Final Cut Pro X

Benjamin Arango

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

We add text titles to our projects to tell the audience something they can’t figure out on their own, such as the title of our program, the name of the person speaking, or technical details about a subject.

This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.

Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

Final Cut Pro X has almost 200 different text effects that we can add, but the process of adding titles is essentially the same. Adding titles is what this article is about.

DEFINITIONS

Just to keep us all on the same page, here are my definitions of key terms related to text:

Text or titles. Words placed on the screen. I use these terms interchangeably.
Superimpose. Text displayed on the the screen with other video below it. These are also called “supers” or “keys.”
Full-screen. Text which occupies the entire screen.
Lower-third. Text which fits below a person talking; in the “lower-third” of the screen.
Info-graphics. Full-screen text which is superimposed on a graphic, generally used to convey technical information. Typical uses are sports statistics or other information which is easier to convey using text than having someone read the words.

JUST THE BASICS

I’d like to introduce “Yertle,” he’s a sea turtle and the star of this article. (Footage courtesy of Jim Walker and Lobsters Gone Wild Productions.)

At its simplest, we use titles to display his (its?) name.

In the Timeline, put the playhead where you want a title to appear and type Shift+Control+T. This inserts the default lower-third title at the position of the playhead. The title, like almost all titles, has a default duration of 10:00 seconds.

Look at the Browser and see the results of your work. A lower-third title is superimposed over the video in the lower left corner. (I’ll talk about formatting the text in a few paragraphs.)

NOTE: The big limitation of this lower-third title is that it can only be positioned in the left corner. Moving it to the center or right corner requires manual adjustment.

You position or trim a title the same as any video clip: drag the clip to a different location, or drag an edge to change its duration.

Select that title and delete it by pressing the Delete key.

This time, type Control+T and the default full-screen title appears in the center of the screen. Again, this has a default duration of 10 seconds.

If you look right in the center of the screen, you’ll see the word “Title.” Yes, its darn near invisible. And, yes, it looks, um, ugly. However, we have a TON of formatting control to make this look however we want.

Select and delete that full-screen title.

There’s one more way to apply a title: dragging from the Titles Browser.

Click the Title icon in the Toolbar. This displays the contents of the Title Browser. The column on the left displays title categories, the icons on the right indicate individual titles, the search box at the bottom allows you to search for specific titles by name, while the number in the lower right indicates the number of titles currently displayed. (Your number may not match mine because I’ve added a few custom titles to my system.)

Let’s add a totally ridiculous title to our turtle - drag Clouds from the Title Browser and place it above the clip at the point where you want a title to appear.

NOTE: I’m using a marker in the Timeline to help me find the same place in a clip so my screen shots are consistent. Markers are not needed in any way for titles.

Um, yeah. So, some titles look more professional than others… You can delete this title now.

So, we:

Add titles using keyboard shortcuts
Drag titles from the Title Browser
Change position by dragging the title
Change duration by dragging the edge of the clip
Delete a title by selecting it and pressing the Delete key

CHANGING TEXT

Add a new full-screen title (type Control+T) to the Timeline. To change the text in a title, double-click it in the Viewer. Here, I’ve changed my title to “An Undersea Adventure.”

NOTE: We can also change the text using the Inspector. I’ll show you how in a few paragraphs. Pick whichever method is easiest for you.

All text, in any title, can be changed by double-clicking it in the Viewer to select it, then typing the new text you want to use.

FORMATTING TEXT

You can format any text that you can select. This means that you can format entire phrases, words, or individual letters differently. For this article, I will format everything the same, because once you know how this works, you can experiment on your own.

Here, I selected my entire title and opened the Inspector (shortcut Cmd+4). Click the Text tab at the top. This section of the Inspector allows you to format the text.

NOTE: The text box near the top of the panel is the second place you can select text for formatting.

If you want a fast way to format text, click the word “Normal” at the top. This displays a menu filled with different text formats. Some of these formats look pretty dreadful; the rest look worse.

NOTE: You can create your own text styles. Refer to the Help for information on how.

The Basic section of the Inspector allows you to change fonts, size, alignment… all the standard font settings we see in other programs. Here, I’ve changed the font to Hobo Std, at 167 points.

While many of these settings you already know there are a few you may not:

Line spacing. Adjusts the vertical distance between lines within the same paragraph.
Tracking. Adjusts the horizontal spacing between letters.
Baseline. Adjusts the vertical spacing of text compared to the horizontal line running thru the center of the white circle in the Viewer.

The Face section allows us to change font color, opacity and blue. Outline and Glow allows us to add, not surprisingly, outlines and glows. You can adjust these as you see fit - I tend not to add outlines or glows.

However, I STRONGLY recommend adding drop shadows to all text that you want viewers to read. Video, even HD video, is low resolution compared to print. Drop shadows make your text much easier to read. These are the settings I recommend for drop shadows.

After making a few changes in the Inspector, here’s the final result. Very cool - and very different from where we started!

ACTION SAFE/TITLE SAFE ZONES

Since television was first invented, we needed to compensate for the differences in TV sets by designing graphics to stay within Action Safe and Title Safe boundaries.

While much of today’s video is designed for the web, your titles will look the best if you follow the same guidelines.

Titles015

Go to the Switch in the Viewer and select “Show Action Safe/Title Safe Zones.”

This displays two pale rectangles in the frame. The outer rectangle is called “Action Safe,” the inner one is called “Title Safe.” Action Safe is 5% in from all edges; Title Safe is 10% in from all edges.

When designing text and graphics for the web, keep all essential elements inside the outer rectangle. When designing graphics and text for broadcast or cable, keep all essential elements inside the inner rectangle.

Here, for example, notice that my title is fully contained within Action Safe.

SUMMARY

Titles give our programs character and personality, plus they explain what’s going on to the audience. Final Cut Pro X provides a wealth of formatting options to make our text look great.

Benjamin Arango

Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Benjamin Arango