What the 4:3 aspect ratio means
A 4:3 picture is 4 parts wide for every 3 parts tall, for example 1600 × 1200 px. It is a little less wide than 3:2 and much less wide than 16:9.
| Use | Size in pixels |
|---|---|
| Slides and older screens | 1024 × 768 |
| Large file | 1600 × 1200 |
| iPad screen | 2048 × 1536 |
Where 4:3 is used
Most phones take photos in 4:3 by default. iPad screens, older slides and monitors, and many online shops and listing sites also use it. Cropping to 4:3 makes pictures from different sources line up.
From widescreen to 4:3
From a 16:9 picture, a 4:3 crop removes a strip at both sides. Move the photo so the subject stays inside; the lines that divide the frame in thirds help you place it.
Cropping is not resizing
Cropping cuts off the edges that do not fit the new shape; nothing is squeezed or stretched. Resizing only changes the number of pixels. This tool does both in one go: it cuts the photo to the ratio, then saves it at the size you pick, or with every pixel of the crop under “Original”.
When the photo itself is the problem
A crop cannot fix a photo that is too small, too dark or cut off at the forehead. If you need a portrait and have no good one, a professional headshot made from a few selfies gives you one that fits any frame.