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How to Fix Black Side Bars in Clipchamp Videos

Partner Editor Sep 29, 2026 874 views

Question details

The user wants to remove or hide the black side bars that appear around their footage in Clipchamp video projects.

How to Fix Black Side Bars in Clipchamp Videos

Product: Clipchamp
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing a video where the source footage's aspect ratio does not natively match the selected project's aspect ratio.
Observed behavior: Black bars appear on the sides (or top and bottom) of the video frame, creating an empty and undesirable visual effect.

Before you start

Identify the intended platform for your final video (e.g., YouTube requires 16:9, while TikTok requires 9:16) so you can accurately set the correct project aspect ratio.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust Project Aspect Ratio and Add a Solid Background

Use this method to easily fill the empty space with a solid background color when your original video dimensions do not match your project canvas.

Matching the project ratio to your destination platform is crucial. By placing a custom background layer beneath your video, you can eliminate default black bars entirely.

Set the correct project aspect ratio

Click the aspect ratio button at the top of the preview window and select the appropriate ratio, such as 16:9 for widescreen viewing or 9:16 for mobile vertical videos.

Insert a background layer

Open the graphics tab on the left sidebar, find a solid background color, and drag it onto the timeline track directly below your main video.

Extend background duration

Click and drag the right edge of the background clip on the timeline to extend it so it matches the full duration of your main video.

Resize to fill the canvas

Select the background layer in the timeline, then click and drag its corners in the video preview window until it completely fills the canvas behind your video.

Adjust Project Aspect Ratio and Add a Solid Background

Tip: You can change the color of the solid background by selecting it on the timeline and using the color palette options in the property panel on the right.

Solution 2

Create a Blurred Duplicate Video Background

This technique creates a professional, dynamic background that perfectly complements the colors and movement of your main video, effectively hiding side bars.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do black bars appear around my videos in the first place?

Black side bars (pillarboxing) or top and bottom bars (letterboxing) occur when the aspect ratio of your original video footage differs from the aspect ratio of your project canvas or the platform where it is being viewed.

What is the best aspect ratio to avoid black bars on social media?

For mobile-first platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, setting your project to a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio is ideal. For standard YouTube videos, Facebook feeds, or desktop viewing, you should use a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.

Can I just crop the video to remove the black side bars?

Yes, you can select your video clip on the timeline and click the 'Crop to fill' tool in the floating toolbar. However, be aware that this method zooms in on your footage, which will crop out portions of the edges to make the video fit the new dimensions.

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