Fixing aspect ratio, resolution, and quality on exports
If an export came out cropped wrong, blurry, or the wrong shape, the fix is almost always the aspect ratio or resolution you picked before exporting. PrismPoster renders exports server-side in two shapes: landscape 16:9 or portrait 9:16. Choose 16:9 for YouTube, desktop, and most landscape feeds; choose 9:16 for Reels, TikTok, Shorts, and Stories. For video, pick the resolution that matches where the clip will play. Set these before you export and the result matches what you saw in the per-platform preview.
How do I choose 16:9 vs 9:16?
Match the shape to the destination:
- 16:9 (landscape) — YouTube, X/Twitter video, desktop, and most horizontal placements.
- 9:16 (portrait) — Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Stories.
Use the per-platform preview to see how the post looks before you commit. The preview shows the framing per platform, so you catch a wrong crop before spending an export. See previews and exports for the full flow.
My export looks cropped or off-centre — how do I fix it?
A wrong crop usually means the content was framed for one shape and exported in the other. To fix it:
- Check which aspect ratio is selected — 16:9 or 9:16.
- For images, set the aspect ratio or platform crop in the Image Studio before exporting, so the subject sits inside the frame.
- Use the per-platform preview to confirm the subject is fully in shot.
- Re-export in the correct shape.
If the subject still doesn't fit, regenerate or use Magic Edit (outpaint) to extend the frame, then export.
Why does my video look soft on a large screen?
Standard video generates at 720p HD, which is optimised for social feeds and mobile-first vertical clips. On a large desktop or TV screen, 720p can look soft.
- 720p is well-suited to social and mobile placements, where it looks sharp.
- For large-screen or high-detail work, select 1080p or 4K — see video resolutions.
You can't add resolution after the fact, so pick the resolution you need before you generate. If a clip needs to hold up on a big screen, generate it at a premium resolution from the start.
Will the AI label change the look of my export?
No. Every export carries embedded provenance metadata on every plan, which lives in the file's metadata and doesn't touch the pixels. Nothing is drawn into the frame, so the disclosure never degrades resolution or alters your framing. See previews and exports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What aspect ratios can I export?
Server-rendered exports come in two shapes: landscape 16:9 and portrait 9:16. Pick the one that matches where you'll post.
Can I make a blurry clip sharper after exporting?
No. Resolution is set when you generate. To get a sharper clip, generate it again at a higher resolution (1080p or 4K) rather than re-exporting a lower-resolution version.
How do I know what it'll look like before I export?
Use the per-platform preview. It shows the framing for each platform so you can confirm the crop before spending an export.
What resolution is a vertical short?
You can generate from 480p to 4K. 720p is well-suited to mobile-first vertical shorts; 1080p and 4K are there when you need more detail, and 480p when you want the cheapest clips. See video resolutions.