How can you use VLC to convert a video to a different aspect ratio and save it as a new file?

1 Step 1: Open your video in VLC

To start, you need to open your video in VLC. You can do this by either dragging and dropping your video file onto the VLC icon or window, or by clicking on Media > Open File and browsing for your video file. Once your video is open, you should see it playing in the VLC window.

2 Step 2: Check the original aspect ratio

Before you change the aspect ratio of your video, you should check what the original aspect ratio is. You can do this by right-clicking on the video and selecting Tools > Media Information. A new window will pop up with various details about your video, such as the file name, location, duration, codec, resolution, and aspect ratio. The aspect ratio is usually expressed as a fraction, such as 16:9, 4:3, or 2.35:1. Note down the aspect ratio of your video, as you will need it later.

3 Step 3: Choose a new aspect ratio

Next, you need to decide what aspect ratio you want to convert your video to. This will depend on your preference and the purpose of your video. For example, if you want to watch your video on a widescreen TV or monitor, you may want to choose a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is the standard for most HD videos. If you want to watch your video on a smartphone or tablet, you may want to choose a 9:16 aspect ratio, which is the vertical version of 16:9. If you want to preserve the cinematic look of your video, you may want to choose a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, which is the common format for movies. You can also choose a custom aspect ratio, such as 1:1, which is a square shape, or 3:2, which is the ratio of most digital cameras.

4 Step 4: Change the aspect ratio in VLC

Once you have chosen a new aspect ratio, you can change it in VLC. To do this, you need to go to Video > Aspect Ratio and select the option that matches your desired aspect ratio. If you don't see the option you want, you can click on Custom and enter the fraction manually. For example, if you want a 9:16 aspect ratio, you can enter 9:16 in the Custom box. You should see the video change its shape in the VLC window according to the new aspect ratio.

5 Step 5: Save the video as a new file

After you have changed the aspect ratio in VLC, you need to save the video as a new file. To do this, you need to go to Media > Convert / Save. A new window will open with a tab called File. Here, you need to click on Add and select the same video file that you opened in VLC. Then, you need to click on Convert / Save at the bottom of the window. Another window will open with a tab called Settings. Here, you need to choose a profile for your new video file, such as MP4, AVI, or MKV. You can also click on the wrench icon to customize the settings, such as the codec, bitrate, resolution, and audio quality. Then, you need to click on Browse and choose a destination and a name for your new video file. Finally, you need to click on Start and wait for VLC to convert and save your video as a new file.

6 Step 6: Check the result

The last step is to check the result of your conversion. You can do this by opening your new video file in VLC or any other media player and verifying that the aspect ratio is correct. You can also check the file size and quality of your new video file and compare it with the original one. If you are satisfied with the result, you can delete the original video file or keep it as a backup. If you are not satisfied with the result, you can repeat the process and try a different aspect ratio or profile.