Understanding Image Aspect Ratios: A Complete Guide
Aspect ratio represents the proportional relationship between an image's width and height. It's expressed as a width:height ratio (e.g., 3:2) and determines the image's shape regardless of its actual dimensions.
Understanding Common Aspect Ratios:
- Square images: 1:1 (equal width and height)
- Portrait images: 2:3 (height is 1.5 times the width)
- Landscape images: 3:2 (width is 1.5 times the height)
Two white bowls stacked
Two ceramic bowls in green and brown
Cropping Tips:
- Use built-in image editors for preset aspect ratios
- For custom ratios, use third-party editing tools
- Crop the shorter side based on the longer side to maintain quality
- Avoid resizing the longer side to prevent blurring
Special Considerations:
Banner Images:
- No predefined aspect ratios
- Stretch to fit various browser sizes
- Follow banner formatting guidelines
- Can be adjusted in height in most templates
Product Images:
- Maintain consistent ratios for uniform appearance
- Can be customized on store and product detail pages
Video Ratios:
- Standard ratio is 16:9
- Direct uploads maintain original ratio
- Embedded videos follow hosting service thumbnail ratio
- Background videos crop to fill dimensions
Modern building with wall windows
Modern blue building with glass facade
Modern glass corporate building
Illuminated skyscraper at night
Illuminated building at night
Calculating Percentage Ratios:
- 100% = Square images (1:1)
- Below 100% = Landscape orientation
- Above 100% = Portrait orientation
- Formula: (height ÷ width) × 100 = percentage ratio
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