Movavi Video Converter
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How to Change Video Resolution on Windows and Mac [10 Best Ways]
Change video resolution with Movavi:
Download and launch Movavi Video Converter.
- Add a video to the program.
- Choose the desired output format and video resolution.
- Convert your video.
Converting video resolution can be accomplished in several ways. Desktop apps, online services, and free tools are available to efficiently perform this task. This article will identify some of the most popular video converters to change the resolution of a video file.
We’ve created a table with some of the most efficient and convenient options to change video resolution. All of these are worth checking, so give this table a look and choose according to your needs.
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List of the best video resolution converters
A good option to change the resolution and aspect ratio of your videos is to use a free video resolution converter. Various free apps that can perform this task are available, check out our program reviews to find the one that works best for you.
1. Movavi Video Converter
OS: Windows, macOS
Best for: Rapid, high-quality video conversion
With this video quality converter from Movavi, you can easily convert your video file and change its resolution. It has an intuitive user interface and offers advanced converting tools. The program also supports a lot of video formats so you most likely won’t face any compatibility issues when converting your clip. Just follow the simple steps below to change the resolution and aspect ratio of your videos.
Step 1. Install the video converter from Movavi
Download the program for your PC or Mac by following the link below.
Download Movavi Video Converter
After the download is complete, install the program and run it.
Step 2. Add your videos to the converter
To upload your files to the program, click the Add Media button and then choose Add Video. In the new window that opens, locate your videos and click the Open button.
Step 3. Set the output format and resolution
Open the Video tab and find the desirable output format for your videos. There are two ways to change the video resolution: you can select the format preset with a predefined resolution, for example, MP4 H.264 - 640x480 or specify the resolution after you’ve selected the format.
If you want to specify the resolution manually, click the cogwheel icon below the presets tab, open the Frame size drop-down list and choose one of the resolutions. To set the custom video resolution, enter the desired values in the Width and Height boxes. Click the OK button to save the changes.
Step 4. Convert the video
To select the output folder for your files, click the Save to button. Finally, hit the Convert button. Now you know how to change the quality of a video with Movavi Video Converter!
Pros:
Support for many file formats reduces chances of encountering errors while adjusting the resolution
Various resolutions available
Very easy to use
Cons:
Not available on Linux devices
2. VLC
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
Best for: converting video files in the most common formats
VLC is one of the most popular cross-platform media players that also offers multiple video-editing features. With VLC, you can convert files, change video codecs and resolution. Note that VLC supports only a few output video formats and doesn’t have any premade video resolution presets. But if you want to convert your video to a popular format, like MP4, you can give VLC a try. To learn how to change the aspect ratio with VLC, read the instructions below.
Step 1. Download and install the VLC media player
Follow the link to download the VLC installation file for your PC or Mac.
After the file is downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation and run the program.
Step 2. Add your video
To open your video with VLC, open the Media menu and click Convert / Save. In the new window that opens, click the Add button and locate your file. Next, hit the Convert / Save button in the lower right part of the window.
Step 3. Change the resolution of your clip
First, open the Profile menu and find a suitable preset for your video. We recommend you choose Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4) since MP4 is supported by almost all devices. Then click the wrench icon to edit the selected profile. To change the aspect ratio of your video, open the Video codec tab, and then – Resolution. Enter the width and height for the resulting video in the corresponding boxes and click the Save button.
Step 4. Convert the video
Click the Browse button to enter the file name and specify the destination folder. When you’re done, hit Start and wait until the file is converted.
Pros:
Adjust codecs of a video
Change an aspect ratio easily
Can process practically any video file without any additional downloads or adjustments
Cons:
Number of available output formats limited
3. HandBrake
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
Best for: advanced users with video editing experience
HandBrake is an open-source video converter available completely free of charge. It offers many advanced features, which makes it a great choice for more experienced users. You can use this video quality converter to change the file format, its video resolution, codecs, and much more. If you want to know how to use this video quality changer, just follow this guide.
Step 1. Install HandBrake
Use the link provided below to download HandBrake. The program is cross-platform and available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Launch the installation file and complete the installation by following the instructions. After the installation is complete, run HandBrake.
Step 2. Upload your file to the program
If you want to change the video resolution of a single file, click the File button. To convert multiple files, click Folder (Batch Scan). Or you can drag and drop your videos into the program window.
Step 3. Change the video resolution
There are two ways to change the video resolution: you can use a premade preset or enter the width and height for your video manually. To use a premade preset, open the Preset drop-down list in the upper-left part of the program window. Select a suitable preset from the list.
If you want to set a custom video resolution, open the Dimensions tab and enter the needed values in pixels in the Width and Height fields.
Step 4. Convert the video
To start converting your clip, hit the Start Encode button in the top part of the program window. Now you know how to use HandBrake as a free video quality converter.
Pros:
Open-source and completely free to download and use
Change various aspects of a video, including resolution and codecs
Cons:
Can be difficult to navigate for beginners
4. Freemake Video Converter
OS: Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista
Best for: converting videos to lower resolutions with a video downscaler
Freemake Video Converter is a free video resolution converter. It’s a convenient tool for users who need to convert videos to lower-resolution formats to save storage space and/or bandwidth. The software is only compatible with Windows and won’t work for Mac users.
Step 1. Download the software
Download and install Freemake Video Converter for Windows.
Go to the download page.
Step 2. Add the file for conversion
Click the Select File button to browse for the file on your computer.
Step 3. Select the desired resolution
Choose the output format, resolution, or device you want. If you choose a device, the software will select the best presets and output format for that device. Just be sure that you choose the option with the correct resolution for your needs.
Step 4. Launch the conversion
Choose a location folder for your output files. Finally, click the Convert button.
Pros:
Available on various versions of Windows, from 10 to Vista
Free to use
Cons:
Not compatible with Macs
5. VSDC Free Video Converter
VSDC is a professional tool that can be somewhat challenging to master. The developers have provided many options aimed more at professionals in editing and working with video. So at first glance it might not seem like the best choice for simply changing the resolution of a movie. But if you take the time to understand it, you will get used to it and appreciate the quality of the program. And for your first acquaintance with the program, you can use our step-by-step instructions for video processing in VSDC.
Step 1. Download and install the video resolution changer
It is better to download the program from the official VSDC website, this way you will definitely avoid infecting your computer with viruses and Trojans.
Step 2. Add a file to change the extension
To add a file for conversion to VSDC, click on Import content. A dialog box will open in which you select the file and click Open. Another window will open where you must confirm the download of the video in its original form.
Step 3. Configure settings to change recording resolution
Open the desired video and go to the Project Export tab in the top menu. In it, select the video format into which you want to convert the file, and by clicking on the format, adjust the aspect ratio in the finished video.
Step 4. Start the conversion process
Click Convert in the same tab to start the conversion. When it is completed, you can export the project as a file, which will have the resolution you need.
Pros:
Extensive suite of tools
Large number of file types supported
Cons:
Interface can be confusing to beginners
The next way to change the resolution of your video files is to use a video resolution converter online. This option may come in handy if you don’t want to download and install any additional software on your computer. Or if you want to save some extra space on your hard drive. There are a bunch of online video resizers available, each has its own pros and cons. Read on to learn how to resize a video online for free.
6. HDconvert
Best for: Compressing high-resolution videos to lower-resolution formats without downloading any software
HDconvert is an online video resolution converter to convert high-res videos to lower resolutions like 720p or 480p. This video converter offers a free option for users who don’t want to download video converting software to their computers.
Step 1. Add videos for conversion
Go to hdconvert.com.
Click the blue Convert File Now button. Select the file format you want to convert your video to and click the blue button. Drag and drop your video file or click + Select Files to browse for your video. Then click Next.
Step 2. Change the video parameters
Confirm your output format and click Next. Choose your video quality (e.g., 720p or 480p) and click Next. Make any changes to the advanced options that you want and click Next.
Step 3. Begin the conversion
Choose to convert for free or buy the premium version for more conversion options. Click Convert 1 File.
Pros:
No software download required
Free to use
Cons:
Requires an Internet connection to work
Some conversion options require payment
7. Online-Convert.com
Best for: editing the audio tracks of a video while converting it
Online-Convert.com is a free online converter that supports more than 50 input video formats. With this online service, you can change the video resolution by entering a desired size for your video in pixels. It also lets you change several video and audio settings, including video bitrate, frame rate, and codecs. Read on to find out how to change the video resolution using this web service.
Step 1. Visit the Online-Convert.com website
Follow the link provided below to open the online video converter.
Note that the mentioned link is suitable for converting an MP4 video only. If you want to change the resolution of a video in a different format, select the appropriate format on the website. You can open the link provided above and find the list of available formats in the left part of the screen.
Step 2. Add your video
Hit the Choose Files button to upload the video. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the file into the browser window. You can also add the video by entering an URL or uploading the file from Dropbox or Google Drive.
Step 3. Specify the settings
To specify the video settings, find the Video settings (optional) section. Enter the desired size for your video in pixels and choose the appropriate option from the Resize handling drop-down list. Additionally, you can rotate or flip your video and change the video codec. To do this, just select the needed options from the drop-down menus in the Video settings (optional) section.
Step 4. Launch the conversion
Finally, click the Start conversion button to change the resolution of your clip. Your file will be downloaded automatically after the process is finished. To upload your edited video to the cloud storage or download it as ZIP, click the corresponding buttons.
Pros:
Over 50 video formats supported
Adjust a video bitrate and frame rate
Set a pixel-precise output resolution
Cons:
Doesn’t work without an Internet connection
Pixel adjustment can be overkill for users looking to quickly convert files
8. FreeConvert.com
Best for: performing video edits such as mirroring or rotating while converting the video file
FreeConvert.com is a powerful online video aspect ratio converter that supports over 60 input formats. It offers a bunch of advanced video and audio settings. With this tool, you can change the aspect ratio online, rotate and mirror your video, change the video codec, and even crop pixels. To learn how to change the resolution of a video using this online tool, check out this step-by-step guide.
Step 1. Go to FreeConvert.com
First, you need to visit the FreeConvert.com website by following the link below.
Step 2. Upload your video
To upload the video to the online service, click the Choose Files button and locate your video file. To add a video from Google Drive or Dropbox, click the downward arrow button next to the Choose Files.
Step 3. Change the video resolution settings
Click the cogwheel icon to open the Advanced Options pop-up window. You can change the video screen size and aspect ratio. To select the video resolution, open the Video Screen Size drop-down list and choose the desired option. For example, to convert 720p to 1080p, select the 1920 × 1080p (1080p). If you want to set a custom resolution, select Custom from the list and type width and height in pixels.
To change the aspect ratio of your video, open the Video Aspect Ratio drop-down list and select the desired aspect ratio for your clip from the list. When you’re finished, click the Apply Settings button to save the changes.
Step 4. Start converting the file
Before the conversion, make sure that you’ve selected the right format for your video. To change the video format, open the Convert to list. Finally, hit Convert To MP4 (in case you’re converting to MP4). After the conversion process is complete, hit the Download MP4 button to save the file on your computer. That’s it! Now you know how to convert a video to HD quality online.
Pros:
Over 60 types of video file supported
Various advanced setting adjustments available, including pixel crop and video rotation
Cons:
Advanced tools can take time to learn
9. Convert-Video-Online.com
Best for: beginners with little video editing experience
This online conversion tool lets you change video format and resolution as well as set an output file size. The website has a very simple interface and is easy to use, which makes it a great tool for beginners. Convert-Video-Online.com doesn’t offer any advanced conversion settings, but if you only want to change the resolution of your video, definitely give it a try. Follow the guide below to learn how to increase video resolution online.
Step 1. Open the video converter
Follow the link below to open the online video converter website.
Go to Convert-Video-Online.com
Step 2. Upload a video file
To upload your video, hit the Open file button, locate your file and click Open. Alternatively, you can add your file from cloud storage, like Google Drive or Dropbox, or by URL.
Step 3. Specify the video settings
First, you need to choose the format for your video. To do this, simply click the button with the appropriate format. Next, open the Resolution drop-down list and select the video resolution. Besides all the popular video resolutions, the service also offers resolutions for DVDs, TVs, and mobile devices. If you also want to specify the video and audio codecs or change the output file size, click the Settings button next to the Resolution list.
Step 4. Change the video resolution
Hit the Convert button to launch the process. When the conversion is complete, click the Download button to save the file on your computer or click Google Drive or Dropbox to save the file on your cloud storage.
Pros:
Designed for beginners
Free and simple to use
Cons:
Only basic conversion options available
User interface, while simple, is dated
10. Online Converter
Best for: setting a custom height and width for video conversion
Online Converter offers an easy way to change the frame width and height of your video files. It has all the popular aspect ratios available and also offers an option to set custom width and height for your clip. The website is pretty simple to navigate – you only need to choose the appropriate resolution and click the Resize button. Check out the instructions below to change the video resolution or an aspect ratio using Online Converter.
Step 1. Go to the Online Converter website
To open the Online Converter website, follow the link provided below.
Step 2. Add your file
First, choose the source you want to add your file from. Open the Source drop-down list and choose Upload File to add a file from your computer. Or choose From a URL if you want to upload a video by URL.
If you’re uploading a file from the computer, then hit the Choose File button and locate your clip. In case you’re uploading a video by URL, enter the link to it in the corresponding field.
Step 3. Set the video resolution
To select the video resolution, open the Size drop-down list and select the desired option. To convert the video to 9:16 online, choose Aspect Ratio 9:16. If you want to set custom width and height, choose the Width and Height option and enter the values in the Width and Height boxes.
Step 4. Resize the video
Click the Resize button to start the process. After the conversion is complete, click Download Now to save the video file on your computer.
Pros:
Simple website layout
Various common aspect ratios available for selection
Cons:
Internet connection required
How to use the Movavi video resolution changer
Movavi Video Converter is a powerful yet easy-to-use conversion software that lets you change video resolution easily. It supports the most popular video formats and offers ready-made presets for even the newest mobile devices. Read the guide below to learn how to change the video resolution of your files.
Step 1. Install the Movavi video resolution converter
First, download the program from our website. Run the downloaded file and install the software following the on-screen instructions. Movavi Video Converter is fully compatible with Windows and OS X and supports the latest video processing technologies, so you can enjoy fast video conversion on the latest Microsoft OS and Mac OS. After the installation is complete, run the Movavi video resolution changer.
Step 2. Add a video to the program
To upload your file, click Add Media and then choose Add Video in the upper-left corner of the program interface. In the new window, choose one or more video files to convert. If you want to add a DVD video, click Add DVD > Open DVD and choose your DVD.
Step 3. Choose the desired output format
To review the list of available formats, open the Video tab and choose the video format you want: AVI, MP4, FLV, MOV, WMV, and many more. You can either choose a preset with a predefined resolution, for example, MP4 H.264 - HD 720p or specify a different resolution later on.
If you want to prepare the video for watching on an iPhone, iPod, iPad, PSP, or another portable device, click Devices and choose the appropriate preset for your device. Your video will be converted at the optimal resolution for viewing on that mobile device.
There's also an option to detect your device automatically by connecting your device to the computer and clicking the Cell Phone icon in the lower-right corner.
Step 4. Specify video resolution (optional)
You can skip this step if you have already selected a format or device preset with a predefined resolution.
To change the video size, click the cogwheel icon below the presets ribbon. Locate the Frame size drop-down list. Here, you can either choose one of the standard resolutions or select Custom and specify your desired resolution in the Width and Height boxes on the right. You may also want to choose a resize method from the drop-down list to optimally fit your video into the selected dimensions. Click OK to apply the changes.
Step 5. Improve quality via AI upscaling (optional)
To improve video quality, click the Upscale button in the file section. In the new window, click Apply. The resolution of your file will increase significantly.
Step 6. Convert 1080p to 720p
By default, converted videos are saved to the “Movavi Library” folder. If you want to change the output folder, click the Save to button and choose another folder or create a new one and click OK.
Click the Convert button and wait for the process to finish. After the conversion is complete, the folder containing the converted files will open automatically.
Why do you need to use video resolution converters?
There are three main ways available when you want to change the video resolution: you can use a desktop app, an online tool, or a free program. We recommend you select the conversion option depending on your needs. If you want to convert one small file with minimal edits, then choose a web-based tool. To convert larger files, use a free app but keep in mind that most free converters apply watermarks to videos. For more advanced features, we recommend you use Movavi Video Converter – an easy-to-use program that can change resolutions in a matter of minutes.
Here are a few problems that can be solved by changing video resolution.
Can’t open a video on your device?
Setting up for working remotely?
Need to burn a video to a DVD?
Comparison table of popular resolutions
Frequently asked questions
▶️ Can I convert 720p to 1080p?
See the instructions below to convert a video to 1080p.
Install Movavi’s video resolution converter.
Click Add Media and then Add Video to upload the 720p video to the program.
Open the Video tab and choose the desired video format.
Click the cogwheel icon below the list of formats. Choose the desired resolution from the Frame size drop-down list and click OK.
Click the Convert button.
▶️ How can I increase video resolution?
Certain video converters, such as Movavi Video Converter, allow you to change the video resolution. However, if your screen has a 720p resolution, 1080p video won’t look any better than 720p. Scaling a video up only makes sense if you want to watch it on a larger monitor or a TV.
▶️ How can I change the resolution of a video on a Mac?
See the instructions below to rescale a video on a Mac.
Follow the link below to download Movavi’s video resolution changer for Mac. Install and launch the program.
Click the Add Media button, select Add Video, and choose the files for rescaling.
Open the Video tab and choose the desired video format.
Click the Cogwheel icon. Choose the output resolution from the Frame size drop-down list and click OK.
Click the Convert button.
▶️ How can I change video resolution online?
Use a program like HDconvert. It’s a handy online tool that lets you convert files and change the resolution of your videos.
Just follow the link, click Convert File Now to upload the file and follow the onscreen instructions to change the video quality and resolution. Finally, hit Convert 1 File.
▶️ How do I change video resolution on Windows 10?
To change video resolution on Windows 10, you can use Movavi Video Converter:
Download and launch Movavi Video Converter.
Click Add Media, then click Add Video in the top left corner of the interface. A new window will open. Choose the file(s) you want to convert.
Choose the output format. You can choose pre-set configurations from Devices or detect your device automatically with the cell phone icon in the bottom right corner.
Click the Convert button.
▶️ How do I change video resolution on an iPhone?
Here are a few programs you can use to change video resolution on an iPhone:
InShot
Video Shop
Pinnacle Studio Pro
Emulsio
▶️ How do I change video resolution on an Android?
Here are a few programs you can use to change video resolution on an Android device:
Resize Video
Filmora Video Editor
PowerDirector
InShot
▶️ How do I change video resolution online without a watermark?
To change video resolution online without a watermark, try one of the following programs:
WeVideo
Movie Maker Online
ClipChamp
Hippo Video
▶️ How to use the free video resolution converter by Movavi?
Here’s a short instruction on how to change video resolution with Movavi Free Video Converter:
- Get the program from the official site:
Download Movavi Free Video Converter - Click the Add Files button and then Add Video. Select the desired file in the dialog box and click Open.
- Select the required format or mobile device from the list in the Video or Devices tabs.
- If you want to set the video resolution manually, click on the button with the gear icon. In the Frame Size list, you can select one of the proposed resolution options, or select the Custom option and manually set the width and height of the frame in the corresponding fields. Click OK to save the settings.
- Click the Convert button to begin the process of changing the video resolution. Once the conversion is complete, a folder with the finished video will open.
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