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Design · Tip

Convert Vertical Footage to Widescreen Video with Generative Expand

Turn 9:16 vertical clips into 16:9 widescreen videos using Photoshop Generative Expand.

From the Xiry library · Updated 3 October 2026

This technique lets video editors adapt vertical phone recordings into 16:9 widescreen frames without black bars or blurred duplicate backgrounds. By exporting a still frame into Adobe Photoshop and using Generative Expand, you create an extended matching background plate to place behind your original clip.

How it works

  1. Export a still frame from your vertical video footage.
  2. Open the image in Adobe Photoshop.
  3. Expand the crop box horizontally to 16:9 aspect ratio.
  4. Click 'Generative Expand' (or Generative Fill) with no prompt to fill in the left and right background sides.
  5. Export the generated horizontal background image and import it into your timeline behind your vertical video clip.

What it's for

  • Repurpose vertical Shorts, Reels, or TikToks into widescreen YouTube videos
  • Replace black bars or blurred backgrounds with an AI-generated scene extension
  • Adapt talking-head smartphone videos for widescreen monitors and presentations

Key points

  • Export a still frame from your vertical 9:16 footage
  • Open the still frame in Adobe Photoshop
  • Use the Crop tool to expand canvas width to 16:9 aspect ratio
  • Run Generative Expand without a prompt to auto-fill side extensions
  • Export the wider background image and layer it beneath the vertical video clip

Pricing

Paid. Requires Adobe Photoshop subscription (included in Photography plan from $9.99/month)

Details

Type
Tip
Category
Design
Topic
Video Editing Tips
Open source
No
Platforms
macOS, Windows
For
Video editors and content creators repurposing vertical content for widescreen formats
Alternative to
Blurred video background letterboxing, Pillarboxing
Tags
photoshop, generative fill, video editing, workflow, generative ai

Why it was saved

  • @nomadatoast, 30 July 2024: Allows creators to turn vertical 9:16 talking-head clips into horizontal YouTube videos without black bars or blurry letterboxing.

Related

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