Question 1

What is the difference between 2.35:1 and 2.39:1?

Accepted Answer

2.35:1 was the original CinemaScope anamorphic ratio introduced in 1953. In 1970, SMPTE standardized it to 2.39:1 (often rounded to 2.40:1) to avoid splices in the optical track area. Today, both terms are often used interchangeably, but 2.39:1 is the modern standard for theatrical releases.

Question 2

What is gate weave and why should I use it?

Accepted Answer

Gate weave is the subtle horizontal and vertical movement that occurs when film passes through a projector gate. It's a hallmark of authentic 16mm and 35mm film projection. Adding gate weave to your letterbox overlay creates an organic, cinematic feel that static digital footage lacks.

Question 3

How do I export letterbox overlays with alpha transparency?

Accepted Answer

In the Film Overlay tab, click 'MOV (Alpha)' to export a ProRes 4444 video file with a transparent alpha channel. This allows you to layer the animated overlay directly over your footage in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, or After Effects.

Question 4

What is letterboxing?

Accepted Answer

Letterboxing adds horizontal black bars (top and bottom) when displaying widescreen content on a narrower display. For example, showing a 2.39:1 film on a 16:9 TV. The opposite is pillarboxing (vertical bars on sides) when showing 4:3 content on 16:9 displays.

Question 5

What aspect ratio does Netflix use?

Accepted Answer

Netflix recommends 2:1 (also called Univisium or 18:9) for original content. This ratio is a compromise between cinematic 2.39:1 and television 16:9, working well on both traditional TVs and mobile devices without excessive letterboxing.

Question 6

Can I create splitscreen layouts with different aspect ratios?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Film Overlay tab supports 1-4 simultaneous cutouts with independent aspect ratios. Choose from layouts like side-by-side, stacked, or 2x2 grid. Each cutout can have its own aspect ratio and scale setting.

Question 7

What resolution should I use for 4K letterbox overlays?

Accepted Answer

For 4K UHD footage (3840x2160), export your letterbox overlay at the same resolution to ensure pixel-perfect alignment. The tool supports 4K DCI (4096x2160), 4K UHD, 2K, 1080p, and vertical formats.

Ratio	Name	Width	Height	Letterbox	Pillarbox
1.33:1	Academy (4:3)	2,873	2,160	-	484px
1.66:1	European Widescreen	3,586	2,160	-	127px
1.85:1	Flat / Theatrical	3,840	2,076	42px	-
2:1	Univisium (2:1)	3,840	1,920	120px	-
2.35:1	Anamorphic	3,840	1,634	263px	-
2.39:1	Scope (2.39:1)	3,840	1,607	277px	-
2.76:1	Ultra Panavision 70	3,840	1,391	384px	-
1.43:1	IMAX	3,089	2,160	-	376px
9:16	Vertical (9:16)	1,215	2,160	-	1313px
4:5	Instagram Portrait (4:5)	1,728	2,160	-	1056px
1:1	Square (1:1)	2,160	2,160	-	840px
16:9	Landscape (16:9)	3,840	2,160	-	-
3:1	Twitter Header (3:1)	3,840	1,280	440px	-
2.7:1	Facebook Cover (2.7:1)	3,840	1,422	369px	-
3:2	35mm Film (3:2)	3,240	2,160	-	300px
4:3	Four Thirds (4:3)	2,873	2,160	-	484px
4:5	Medium Format (4:5)	1,728	2,160	-	1056px
1:1	Square (1:1)	2,160	2,160	-	840px
3:1	Panoramic (3:1)	3,840	1,280	440px	-
2.2:1	65mm (2.2:1)	3,840	1,745	207px	-
16:9	HD / 4K (16:9)	3,840	2,160	-	-
4:3	SD (4:3)	2,873	2,160	-	484px
21:9	Ultrawide (21:9)	3,840	1,648	256px	-
32:9	Super Ultrawide (32:9)	3,840	1,079	541px	-
1.9:1	DCI 2K (1.9:1)	3,840	2,021	69px	-

Ratio	Name	Use Cases
1.33:1	Academy (4:3)	Classic films, TV broadcasts pre-HD
1.66:1	European Widescreen	European cinema, Some IMAX presentations
1.85:1	Flat / Theatrical	US theatrical releases, Drama
2:1	Univisium (2:1)	Netflix originals, Streaming content
2.35:1	Anamorphic	Epic films, Action movies
2.39:1	Scope (2.39:1)	Modern blockbusters, Action
2.76:1	Ultra Panavision 70	Epic productions, The Hateful Eight
1.43:1	IMAX	IMAX presentations, Nature documentaries

Ratio	Name	Use Cases
9:16	Vertical (9:16)	Instagram Stories, TikTok
4:5	Instagram Portrait (4:5)	Instagram feed posts, Pinterest
1:1	Square (1:1)	Instagram, Facebook
16:9	Landscape (16:9)	YouTube, Facebook Video
3:1	Twitter Header (3:1)	Twitter header, LinkedIn banner
2.7:1	Facebook Cover (2.7:1)	Facebook page cover, Event banners

Ratio	Name	Use Cases
3:2	35mm Film (3:2)	DSLR photography, Film photography
4:3	Four Thirds (4:3)	Mirrorless cameras, Compact cameras
4:5	Medium Format (4:5)	Portrait photography, Product photography
1:1	Square (1:1)	Medium format film, Instagram
3:1	Panoramic (3:1)	Landscape photography, Panoramas
2.2:1	65mm (2.2:1)	IMAX film cameras, Large format photography

Ratio	Name	Use Cases
16:9	HD / 4K (16:9)	Television, Streaming
4:3	SD (4:3)	Legacy content, Archive footage
21:9	Ultrawide (21:9)	Gaming, Ultrawide monitors
32:9	Super Ultrawide (32:9)	Gaming, Simulation
1.9:1	DCI 2K (1.9:1)	Cinema projection, DCP mastering

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