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Watch the tutorial
Step 1: Open the Sequence menu
Make sure your timeline is active, then click Sequence in the menu bar at the top left of Premiere Pro. This menu holds the settings for the whole timeline, including its size.
Step 2: Click Sequence Settings
At the top of the menu, choose Sequence Settings. A window with all the details of your sequence opens, such as the timebase, frame size and pixel aspect ratio.
Step 3: Change the vertical frame size to 800
Look for Frame Size in the Video section. There are two boxes: the first number is the horizontal size and the second is the vertical size. Leave the horizontal value at 1920 and change the vertical value from 1080 to 800.
The ratio label next to the boxes updates as soon as you leave the field. It changes from 16:9 to 12:5, which is about 2.4:1, the same wide format as the 21:9 you see in cinema films.
Step 4: Confirm and check your footage
Click OK. Your Program Monitor now shows the wide frame and your footage fits the new shape. If the picture looks cropped or off-center, select the clip and adjust its Position and Scale in Effect Controls until the subject sits where you want it in the wider frame.
Tips
- Do it before you edit. Changing the frame size at the start of a project saves you from re-framing every clip later.
- Frame for the new shape. Keep important parts of the shot away from the top and bottom, as the wide crop cuts them off.
- Expect black bars on normal screens. When you play a 21:9 video on a 16:9 screen, the player adds the black bars automatically.
FAQ
What is the best sequence size for 21:9 in Premiere Pro?
The tutorial uses 1920 x 800, which gives about a 2.4:1 frame and the typical cinematic widescreen look. You can also keep your usual width and adjust the height in the same way.
Does changing the sequence frame size reduce quality?
It does not reduce quality. You export fewer pixels from the top and bottom, but the width stays the same, so the picture remains sharp.
Can I add black bars without changing the sequence size?
Yes. You can place black bars over a normal 16:9 sequence, but changing the sequence settings is faster and gives you a real wide export that you can crop around in the Program Monitor.
Want to finish the cinematic look with a film feel? Add the free Kodak overlays on top.
