Aspect ratio comes before pixels
Social platforms fit uploaded photos into frames of fixed proportions. When the ratio differs, the platform crops or pads the photo on its own, and important parts can be cut off.
So when fitting a size, decide the aspect ratio first (1:1, 4:5, 9:16, 16:9) and then save at the pixel size recommended for that ratio.
Sizes Free CVT provides
For Instagram: square 1080×1080, portrait 4:5 1080×1350 and portrait 3:4 1080×1440. Stories, Reels, Shorts and TikTok use vertical 9:16 1080×1920.
YouTube thumbnails are 16:9 1280×720, X (Twitter) landscape images 16:9 1600×900, and link previews (Facebook, LinkedIn) 1200×630. Platforms do change their recommendations, so check the upload screen before posting.
Choose what to keep with the frame
When you pick a size, a frame with that aspect ratio appears on the preview. The area outside it is dimmed, and only what is inside the frame is saved at the target size.
Drag the frame to move it, and use the zoom slider (100–300%) to choose a tighter area. With the keyboard, select the frame and use the arrow keys; hold Shift for bigger steps. The frame starts in the centre.
Fitting several photos at once
When you select several photos, they are all saved at the same size and bundled as a ZIP. Click a file name in the list to switch the preview to that photo; each photo keeps its own frame position.
The size is added to the saved file name, such as “photo-1080x1350.jpg”, and the original format (JPG, PNG or WEBP) is kept.
Avoiding blur and bad crops
Choosing a size larger than the original enlarges the photo and may soften it. For example, fitting an 800 px wide photo to 1080×1350 enlarges it. Use a higher-resolution original when you can.
If faces or text are near the edges, leave some room inside the frame. Some platforms show only part of a photo in profile grids or feeds, so keeping the key content towards the centre is safer.
Keep the original and check the content, size and format of the result.