Photo Aspect Ratio Wrong? Cropping for Instagram, Profiles & More
Uploading a photo to Instagram or a profile only to have the top or sides cut off (or get letterboxed) usually comes down to aspect ratio. Here's what each platform expects.
Recommended ratios by platform
| Use | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Instagram square feed post | 1:1 |
| Standard/ID photo | 3:4 |
| YouTube thumbnail / banner | 16:9 |
| TikTok / Reels cover | 9:16 |
Fixed ratio vs. free crop
If you need to match a specific platform's spec, a fixed ratio like 1:1 or 16:9 is the safe choice. If you're framing a portrait and want full control over the composition, a free crop — no locked ratio, just drag the area you want — gives you more flexibility.
Before you crop
Once you crop and save, the trimmed part is gone unless you start over from the original. Check the preview to make sure the subject isn't sitting right on the crop boundary before downloading.
Try it now
Pixzero's crop tool supports fixed ratios like 1:1, 3:4, and 16:9 as well as free cropping, with an instant preview — no upload required.
Open the crop tool →