Aspect ratio is the relationship between width and height. Using the right ratio ensures your cropped images fit their intended purpose.
What is Aspect Ratio?
Aspect ratio expresses proportions as width:height.
- 1:1 means equal (square)
- 16:9 means 16 units wide, 9 units tall
- Same ratio at any size
Common Aspect Ratios
1:1 (Square)
- Profile pictures
- Instagram feed posts
- Album covers
- App icons
4:3 (Standard)
- Standard photos
- Computer monitors (older)
- iPad displays
- Presentation slides
16:9 (Widescreen)
- YouTube videos/thumbnails
- Modern TV screens
- Desktop wallpapers
- Video content
3:2 (Classic Camera)
- DSLR photos
- Film photography
- Print photos (6x4)
2:3 (Portrait)
- Portrait orientation
- Pinterest pins
- Phone wallpapers
When to Use Each
| Ratio | Use Case |
|---|---|
| 1:1 | Social media profiles, Instagram |
| 4:3 | General photos, presentations |
| 16:9 | YouTube, videos, banners |
| 3:2 | Photography, prints |
| 2:3 | Pinterest, portrait content |
| Free | Custom requirements |
Choosing in Rune
- Open Rune's Image Cropper.
- Upload image.
- Select desired aspect ratio preset.
- Crop area maintains that ratio as you resize.
- Position and download.
Free Mode
When presets don't work, use "Free" for:
- Custom dimensions
- Unusual aspect ratios
- Maximum flexibility
Conclusion
Understanding aspect ratios helps you create properly sized content. Rune's Image Cropper provides presets for all common ratios.