Downscaling is the process of converting a video from a higher resolution (e.g., 4K) to a lower one (e.g., 1080p or 720p). It reduces file size by shrinking the number of pixels while retaining reasonable quality and the same aspect ratio.
High-resolution files are heavy - difficult to edit, stream, or store. Smaller resolutions are easier to upload, stream, and store. Downscaling helps with faster rendering, platform compatibility, and accessibility for devices with lower display resolutions.
Downscale when exporting for web, social media, or mobile. Always ensure the source footage is high quality, so detail isn’t lost during the process.
Maintain aspect ratio – Prevent stretching or squashing by locking proportions when resizing.
Choose the right algorithm – Use high-quality downscaling methods (bicubic, Lanczos) to preserve detail.
Export for platform specs – Downscale to meet delivery requirements (e.g., smaller sizes for web streaming).