# Aspect Ratio And Delivery Surfaces

Use this reference when planning professional framing, social cutdowns, broadcast/web deliverables, DCP/theatrical framing, or campaign versions.

## Separate Creative Frame From Delivery Container

| Layer | Decision |
|---|---|
| Creative aspect ratio | the composition the shot is designed for: 16:9, 9:16, 1:1, 4:5, 1.85, 2.39 |
| Platform or container | web, broadcast, DCP, IMF, social, presentation, pitch deck |
| Safe area | where faces, products, captions, and logos must remain readable |
| Reframe plan | crop, letterbox, pillarbox, alternate render, or edit-specific version |
| Text policy | on-screen text should usually be added in post, not generated into motion |

## Common Ratios

| Ratio | Use | Prompt advice |
|---|---|---|
| 16:9 | web, broadcast, presentation, horizontal campaigns | strongest default for cinematic scene work |
| 9:16 | vertical social, mobile ads | keep hero subject centered; avoid edge-critical action |
| 1:1 | social grid, product loops | symmetrical product framing works well |
| 4:5 | social feed ads | allow headroom and caption room |
| 1.85 | theatrical/narrative modern frame | compose for horizontal storytelling, not tall product text |
| 2.39 | widescreen drama, premium ads | protect faces/products from being too small |

## Campaign Version Matrix

| Version | Purpose | Planning notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30s hero | full story | more shots, full arc, strongest brand/product proof |
| 15s cutdown | paid social/broadcast | keep hook, product proof, end state |
| 10s bumper | recall | one action beat and final product or title card |
| 6s bumper | fast placement | one visual gag/reveal/product beat |
| 9:16 vertical | mobile | center action, avoid wide geography, captions lower third |
| 1:1 or 4:5 | feed | product and face readable without edge details |
| textless | localization/VFX | no burned-in copy, no captions, no end card text |

## Prompt Framing Rules

- Say the target ratio and composition goal early.
- Keep faces, products, and logos away from frame edges when multiple crops are needed.
- For vertical versions, simplify camera moves and avoid fast lateral action that exits frame.
- For 2.39 or very wide frames, keep the hero subject large enough to survive generation and review.
- For title cards, packshots, captions, and legal text, prefer clean visual plates plus post-added typography.

## Delivery Caveat

Always verify the active platform, buyer, broadcaster, festival, or ad network spec before final export. The skill may plan ratio and crop strategy, but the contract spec controls the master.