Aspect Ratio 16:9 When Importing External Videos

When importing recordings that were made outside of StoryBox, ensure the correct aspect ratio (16:9) + Instructions for the iPhone: Fix 16:9 format

 

Imported video or image files are sometimes recorded in 4:3 instead of 16:9 format outside of StoryBox. If the recordings are not cropped to 16:9 before importing into StoryBox, the missing side parts will be filled with a blurry background.

If you want to import external video files into StoryBox, you are welcome to do so. However, please ensure that you maintain the same format, both in orientation (portrait or landscape) and aspect ratio (16:9). If you record directly in StoryBox, the app will take care of this automatically.

To use the full frame for your image and avoid blurry bars on the sides (in case you receive a 4:3 video or photo from a colleague), check your files before uploading and crop them to 16:9 in the appropriate orientation for your project if necessary. For your own smartphone, we recommend setting it to automatically record in 16:9 format if possible.

On Android, there are different settings depending on the manufacturer, where you can set and fix the 16:9 format. For the iPhone, we have put together a small guide, as it is not easy to find:

  1. Open Camera App:

    • Start the camera app on your iPhone.
    • Change the aspect ratio to 16:9 by tapping the small arrow or options icon and selecting "16:9".
  2. Open Settings:

    • Go to the "Settings" of your iPhone.
    • Scroll down and tap on "Camera".
  3. Preserve Settings:

    • Tap on "Preserve Settings".
    • Enable the toggle for "Creative Controls".

With these settings, the 16:9 format selection will be retained even after closing the camera app.

Note: The portrait mode on the iPhone is inevitably in 4:3 format and cannot be changed.

Caution: During system updates or when recording directly in third-party apps, such as messenger apps, the settings may still vary.