Aspect ratios
Frame shape changes composition, delivery, and how you write Imagine packets — from theatrical 2.39 to vertical 9:16.
Shape comparison
Tap a shape to open its full guide
Concepts
What aspect ratio is
Width ÷ height of the active picture.
Aspect ratio is the shape of the frame, not resolution. 1920×1080 and 3840×2160 are both 16:9. Changing ratio changes composition rules, not just crop bars.
Rule
Lock ratio in the DoP / Bible before bulk stills.
Studio tip
DoP “format” line should name one ratio for the project.
11 of 11 ratios
2.39:1
Epic horizontal · landscape · modern theatrical
Ultra-wide theatrical standard. Emphasizes environment, dual subjects, and lateral motion. Faces sit in a thin vertical band — headroom is precious.
Compose
Use thirds horizontally; stack depth; avoid excessive empty sky; pair well with leading lines along the horizon.
Lighting
Practicals and rims read as horizontal streaks; neon alleys love this frame.
Imagine
Say “anamorphic 2.39 widescreen, cinematic still” in format/lens lines.
Avoid
Tall vertical subjects without environment; heavy top/bottom letterbox waste in prompts.
Studio use
Neon Courier DoP default feel · teaser plates · wide establishes
Packet crumb
anamorphic 2.39:1 widescreen cinematic still
Cheat sheet
Copy into notes or DoP format line
ASPECT RATIO CHEAT (Studio Academy) Cinema: 2.39 scope · 1.85 flat · 1.37 Academy Web/TV: 16:9 (1.78) Photo: 3:2 Social: 1:1 · 4:5 · 9:16 vertical Rules 1. Ratio = shape (width÷height), not resolution 2. Lock one primary ratio per sequence in DoP/Bible 3. Write ratio into format line of every hero packet 4. 9:16 needs its own composition — not a lazy center-crop of 2.39 5. Avoid baking letterbox bars into pixels 6. Multi-delivery: design for the strictest crop Prompt crumbs • “anamorphic 2.39 widescreen cinematic still” • “1.85 theatrical flat, medium close-up” • “9:16 vertical cinematic, mobile safe” • “1:1 square centered portrait”