How to Download and Use Black Bar PNG for Your Videos
If you want to give your videos a cinematic look and feel, adding black bars is a simple and effective way to do it. Black bars, also known as letterboxing, are the horizontal black areas along the top and bottom of a video that create a widescreen aspect ratio. In this article, you will learn what are black bars, why use them, how to download them for free, and how to add them to your video using different methods.
What are black bars and why use them?
The origin and meaning of black bars
Black bars originated from the mismatch between the aspect ratio of movies and the aspect ratio of screens. Aspect ratio is the ratio of the width to the height of an image or a screen. Most movies are filmed in an ultra-wide aspect ratio like 2.35:1 or 21:9, also known as CinemaScope or anamorphic. This means that the width of the image is 2.35 or 21 times its height. However, most screens, such as TVs, laptops, or smartphones, have a narrower aspect ratio like 16:9 or 4:3. This means that the width of the screen is 16 or 4 times its height.
download black bar png
When a movie with a wider aspect ratio is shown on a screen with a narrower aspect ratio, there are two options: either crop the sides of the movie to fit the screen, or reduce the size of the movie to fit the widest edges in the frame. The first option would result in losing some important parts of the movie, while the second option would result in empty spaces on the top and bottom of the screen. To fill these spaces, black bars are added to create a letterbox effect. This way, the movie can be shown without cropping or distorting its original size.
The benefits of using black bars for your videos
Using black bars for your videos can have several benefits, such as:
Creating a cinematic look and feel. Black bars can make your videos look more professional and dramatic, as they emulate the style of big-screen movies.
Enhancing the composition and focus. Black bars can help you frame your shots better and draw attention to the main subject or action in your video.
Adding creative freedom and flexibility. Black bars can allow you to experiment with different aspect ratios and resolutions for your videos, depending on your artistic vision and purpose.
How to download black bar PNG files for free
The best sources for black bar PNG files
If you want to add black bars to your video using an overlay method, you will need to download a black bar PNG file first. A PNG file is an image file format that supports transparency, which means that you can see through the center area of the image. There are many sources online where you can find free black bar PNG files for different aspect ratios and resolutions. Some of the best sources are:
. This website offers over 280 black bar PNG files for various aspect ratios, such as 1:1, 4:3, 16:9, 21:9, etc. You can also find other related graphics, such as title bars, progress bars, metal bars, etc.
. This website offers another collection of over 280 black bars PNG files for different aspect ratios, such as 1.85:1, 2:1, 2. 35:1, 2.39:1, etc. You can also find other related graphics, such as film strips, film reels, film frames, etc.
. This website offers over 40 black bar PNG files for different aspect ratios, such as 16:9, 18:9, 19.5:9, etc. You can also find other related graphics, such as countdowns, transitions, glitches, etc.
. This website offers over 20 black bar PNG files for different aspect ratios, such as 16:9, 21:9, 2.35:1, etc. You can also find other related graphics, such as film borders, film scratches, film grains, etc.
How to choose the right aspect ratio and resolution
Before you download a black bar PNG file, you need to consider the aspect ratio and resolution of your video and the black bar PNG file. The aspect ratio and resolution of your video depend on the device and platform you are using to record and share your video. For example, if you are using a smartphone to record your video and upload it to YouTube, you might want to use a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1080p resolution. If you are using a DSLR camera to record your video and upload it to Vimeo, you might want to use a 21:9 aspect ratio and a 4K resolution.
The aspect ratio and resolution of the black bar PNG file depend on the effect you want to create with the black bars. For example, if you want to create a subtle letterbox effect with thin black bars, you might want to use a black bar PNG file with a slightly wider aspect ratio than your video. If you want to create a dramatic letterbox effect with thick black bars, you might want to use a black bar PNG file with a much wider aspect ratio than your video.
To choose the right aspect ratio and resolution for your black bar PNG file, you can use this table as a reference:
Video Aspect Ratio
Video Resolution
Black Bar PNG Aspect Ratio
Black Bar PNG Resolution
16:9
1920x1080 (1080p)
18:9 or 21:9
1920x1080 (1080p)
16:9
3840x2160 (4K)
18:9 or 21:9
3840x2160 (4K)
21:9
2560x1080 (UWHD)
2.35:1 or 2.39:1
2560x1080 (UWHD)
21:9
5120x2160 (UW4K)
2.35:1 or 2.39:1
5120x2160 (UW4K)
4:3
1024x768 (XGA)
16:9 or 21:9
1024x768 (XGA)
4:3
2048x1536 (QXGA)
16:9 or 21:9
2048x1536 (QXGA)
How to add black bars to your video using different methods
Once you have downloaded the black bar PNG file that matches your video aspect ratio and resolution, you can add it to your video using different methods. The method you choose depends on the video editing software you are using and the level of control you want to have over the black bars. Here are four common methods you can use to add black bars to your video:
download black bar png vector files
download black bar png clipart
download black bar png background
download black bar png templates
download black bar png border
download black bar png frame
download black bar png cinematic bars
download black bar png subtitle bar
download black bar png metal bar
download black bar png silver bar
download black bar png experience bar
download black bar png gold title bar
download black bar png movie black bar
download black bar png censored sign
download black bar png censor vector art
download black bar png barcode vector image
download black bar png dummy barcode
download black bar png loading bars
download black bar png 4k resolution cinematic bars
download black bar png ultra hd resolution cinematic bars
download black bar png halftone dots texture vector
download black bar png screen crack black bar
download black bar png glitch font effect vector
download black bar png red gradient overlay with black bar
download black bar png origami title box clipart
download black bar png warning sign on yellow gradient
download black bar png traffic signs with black bars in red circular
download black bar png big cinematic bars
download black bar png chocolate engraving black bars
download black bar png happy hour drink promotion menu
download black bar png split line dividing line
download black bar png flyer happy hours barcode
download black bar png icon barcode png
download black bar png and black bars on the yellow circle clipart
download black bar png open door clip art barred door clipart
download black bar png pop style cartoon cute sign memphis creative illustration hand drawn yellow round
download black bar png stool clipart
download black bar png recipe order wine cocktail menu
download black bar png loading icon vector
download black bar png light icon free illustration light vector
Method 1: Change the aspect ratio and set the background color
This method is the simplest and fastest way to add black bars to your video, but it also gives you the least control over the size and position of the black bars. To use this method, you need to change the aspect ratio of your video project to a wider one than your video, and set the background color to black. This will automatically create black bars on the top and bottom of your video. For example, if your video is 16:9, you can change the aspect ratio to 21:9 and get black bars.
To use this method, follow these steps:
Open your video editing software and create a new project.
Import your video file into the project.
Go to the project settings and change the aspect ratio to a wider one than your video. For example, if your video is 16:9, you can change it to 21:9.
Go to the background settings and set the color to black.
Drag and drop your video file into the timeline and adjust its position and size to fit the frame.
Export your video with the new aspect ratio and black bars.
Method 2: Add a black bar PNG into the overlay track
This method is more flexible and precise than the first one, as it allows you to adjust the size and position of the black bars by using a black bar PNG file as an overlay. To use this method, you need to import your black bar PNG file into your project and place it on a higher track than your video. Then, you can resize and reposition the black bar PNG file to cover the top and bottom of your video. For example, if your video is 16:9 and your black bar PNG file is 21:9, you can align them in the center and get black bars.
To use this method, follow these steps:
Open your video editing software and create a new project.
Import your video file and your black bar PNG file into the project.
Drag and drop your video file into the timeline on a lower track.
Drag and drop your black bar PNG file into the timeline on a higher track.
Resize and reposition your black bar PNG file to cover the top and bottom of your video. You can use the preview window to check how it looks.
Export your video with the black bars overlay.
Method 3: Lower and resize the frame to get black bars
This method is similar to the second one, but instead of using a black bar PNG file as an overlay, you use the frame of your project as an overlay. To use this method, you need to lower and resize the frame of your project to create a smaller area for your video. Then, you can set the background color to black and get black bars around your video. For example, if your project is 16:9 and you lower and resize it to 21:9, you can get black bars on all sides of your video.
To use this method, follow these steps:
Open your video editing software and create a new project.
Import your video file into the project.
Go to the frame settings and lower and resize it to a smaller area than your video. For example, if your project is 16:9, you can lower and resize it to 21:9.
Go to the background settings and set the color to black.
Drag and drop your video file into the timeline and adjust its position and size to fit the frame.
Export your video with the lowered and resized frame and black bars.
Method 4: Crop and resize the video
This method is different from the previous ones, as it does not add black bars to your video, but rather removes parts of your video to create a wider aspect ratio. To use this method, you need to crop and resize your video file to match the aspect ratio of your project. This will result in losing some parts of your video on the sides, but also creating a wider and more cinematic view. For example, if your video is 16:9 and you crop and resize it to 21:9, you can get a CinemaScope effect.
To use this method, follow these steps:
Open your video editing software and create a new project.
Import your video file into the project.
Go to the crop tool and select the aspect ratio you want for your video. For example, if you want to crop your video to 21:9, you can select it from the presets or enter it manually.
Drag and adjust the crop area to select the part of your video you want to keep. You can use the preview window to check how it looks.
Go to the resize tool and select the resolution you want for your video. For example, if you want to resize your video to 2560x1080, you can select it from the presets or enter it manually.
Export your video with the cropped and resized aspect ratio and resolution.
Conclusion and FAQs
In conclusion, adding black bars to your video can be a great way to enhance its appearance and appeal. Black bars can create a cinematic look and feel, improve the composition and focus, and add creative freedom and flexibility. You can download black bar PNG files for free from various sources online, and choose the right aspect ratio and resolution for your video and the black bar PNG file. You can also add black bars to your video using different methods, such as changing the aspect ratio and setting the background color, adding a black bar PNG into the overlay track, lowering and resizing the frame, or cropping and resizing the video. You can experiment with different options and see what works best for your video.
If you have any questions about how to download and use black bar PNG for your videos, here are some FAQs that might help you:
Q: What is the difference between black bars and pillar bars?
A: Black bars are the horizontal black areas along the top and bottom of a video that create a widescreen aspect ratio. Pillar bars are the vertical black areas along the left and right of a video that create a square or portrait aspect ratio. Both are used to fill the empty spaces when a video does not match the aspect ratio of a screen.
Q: How do I remove black bars from my video?
A: If you want to remove black bars from your video, you can use the opposite methods of adding them. For example, if you added black bars by changing the aspect ratio and setting the background color, you can remove them by changing the aspect ratio back to match your video and setting the background color to transparent. If you added black bars by adding a black bar PNG into the overlay track, you can remove them by deleting or hiding the overlay track. If you added black bars by lowering and resizing the frame, you can remove them by raising and enlarging the frame. If you added black bars by cropping and resizing the video, you can remove them by uncropping and restoring the original size of the video.
Q: How do I make my own black bar PNG file?
A: If you want to make your own black bar PNG file, you can use any image editing software that supports transparency, such as Photoshop, GIMP, or Paint.NET. To make your own black bar PNG file, follow these steps:
Open your image editing software and create a new image with the same resolution as your video.
Select all and fill it with black color.
Select a rectangular area in the center of the image with the same aspect ratio as your video.
Delete or cut out this area to create transparency.
Save your image as a PNG file with transparency enabled.
Q: How do I add black bars to my video on my smartphone?
A: If you want to add black bars to your video on your smartphone, you can use any video editing app that supports overlaying images or changing aspect ratios, such as InShot, FilmoraGo, or KineMaster. To add black bars to your video on your smartphone, follow these steps:
Download a black bar PNG file that matches your video aspect ratio and resolution from one of the sources mentioned above and save it to your smartphone.
Open your video editing app and import your video file and your black bar PNG file into the app.
Add your video file to the timeline and adjust its position and size to fit the screen.
Add your black bar PNG file to the overlay track and adjust its position and size to cover the top and bottom of your video.
Export your video with the black bars overlay.
Q: How do I add black bars to my video on YouTube?
A: If you want to add black bars to your video on YouTube, you can use the YouTube video editor, which is a basic online tool that allows you to trim, crop, rotate, add music, and add filters to your videos. To add black bars to your video on YouTube, follow these steps:
Upload your video file to YouTube and go to the video details page.
Click on the Edit Video button and select the Editor tab.
Click on the Crop button and select the aspect ratio you want for your video. For example, if you want to add black bars to a 16:9 video, you can select 21:9.
Drag and adjust the crop area to select the part of your video you want to keep. You can use the preview window to check how it looks.
Click on Save and wait for YouTube to process your video with the black bars.
44f88ac181
Comments