Aspect ratio
The proportional relationship between the height and width of an image. Often expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (i.e., 16:9).
What Is the Aspect Ratio?
The aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the height and width of an image or video, typically expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (for example, 16:9).
For designers, developers, and content creators using ON24, understanding aspect ratio ensures that images, graphics, and video thumbnails appear crisp, professional, and properly aligned across webinar consoles, content hubs, and landing pages.
In short, the aspect ratio acts as a guideline for how visual assets are displayed, helping maintain consistency and visual balance throughout a digital experience.
Why Does Aspect Ratio Matter?
The aspect ratio is more than a technical measurement—it’s a key part of visual storytelling and user experience.
Maintaining a consistent aspect ratio ensures:
- Images fit properly within their designated frames.
- Speakers’ headshots and presentation graphics appear clear and centered.
- Event pages and webinar consoles maintain a cohesive, branded look.
When all visuals share a consistent aspect ratio, your audience experiences a cleaner, more professional presentation—whether they’re watching a live webinar or browsing on-demand content in an ON24 Content Hub.
What Is the Aspect Ratio Used For?
Aspect ratio standards help ensure all visual assets align properly and appear as intended. Designers and marketers use aspect ratios to:
- Resize or crop images while maintaining visual clarity.
- Align brand imagery for consistent look and feel across web pages.
- Control viewer focus by framing key subjects correctly.
- Optimize media for devices such as desktop, tablet, and mobile screens.
In ON24, applying the right aspect ratio ensures webinar console backgrounds, speaker photos, and session thumbnails all display beautifully across different viewing environments.
How Do You Determine Your Aspect Ratio?
Determining the right aspect ratio depends on the type of visual content and where it will appear.
If an image doesn’t fit correctly—like a webinar speaker headshot that’s cropped too tightly—adjusting the aspect ratio can fix the issue.
For example:
- Taller Aspect Ratio (e.g., 4:5) → Adds more space above and below the subject, ideal for portraits or vertical layouts.
- Wider Aspect Ratio (e.g., 16:9) → Adds more space on either side, great for presentations, background images, and videos.
By experimenting with aspect ratio adjustments, you can ensure images remain balanced, centered, and aligned with the rest of your design.
Key Benefits of Maintaining Proper Aspect Ratios
- Visual Consistency – Keep images and videos uniform across your ON24 experiences.
- Professional Presentation – Avoid awkward cropping or stretched visuals.
- Improved Focus – Guide your audience’s attention to key subjects.
- Optimized Performance – Ensure visuals display correctly on all screen sizes.
- Enhanced Brand Experience – Maintain design cohesion across events and pages.
FAQs About Aspect Ratio
- What is the standard aspect ratio for ON24 webinars and videos?
- A 16:9 aspect ratio is commonly used for video and presentation content within ON24 webinars and virtual events.
- Can I change the aspect ratio of an image manually?
- Yes. You can resize or crop an image in your design software or content management system to adjust its aspect ratio before uploading.
- Why do some images appear distorted?
- Distortion occurs when images are stretched to fit a frame without maintaining their original aspect ratio. Always resize proportionally.
- Does aspect ratio affect mobile viewing?
- Yes. Maintaining a responsive aspect ratio ensures your visuals scale correctly across all devices—desktop, tablet, and mobile.
Conclusion
The aspect ratio is a fundamental design principle that ensures images and videos look professional, clear, and consistent across every ON24 experience. By understanding and applying the correct proportions, marketers and designers can maintain brand consistency, highlight key visuals, and create engaging, visually polished webinars and digital experiences.