Choosing Aspect Ratio (4:3, 1:1, 16:9) — Picking by Platform

A photo’s aspect ratio is the proportion of width to height. Shooting at a ratio that fits the purpose cuts down on re-cropping later and makes composition easier to nail.

The main ratios and what they’re good for

4:3 is the phone standard — information-rich and versatile. When in doubt, this. 1:1 (square) suits social icons and grids where you want a uniform look (→ Photographing social media icons). 16:9 (wide) suits landscapes and expansive views you want to show grandly. For tall full-screen formats (like social stories), switch as the purpose requires.

Note that a phone’s sensor captures the full area at 4:3. 1:1 and 16:9 crop the top/bottom or sides while shooting, so they capture a narrower area (angle of view) than 4:3. When you want to capture as wide as possible, 4:3 has the edge.

How to switch the setting

There’s a ratio indicator (4:3 / 1:1 / 16:9, etc.) at the top of the camera screen or in settings. Tap to choose, and the on-screen frame changes to that ratio so you can shoot while checking the result. Names and locations vary by model.

How to think about choosing

If the purpose is fixed, match it while shooting; if you’re unsure, shoot the information-rich 4:3 and crop later — that’s safe (for the crop steps themselves, see Fixing composition with a crop). For reselling, keeping the composition uncropped in a square grid (subject toward the center) makes thumbnails easy to read (→ Photos for Mercari and reselling).

Start with just this

When in doubt, shoot 4:3. Use 1:1 for social icons and grids, 16:9 for grand landscapes. Only switch while shooting when the purpose is fixed. That prevents “I cropped it later and lost the important part.”