A horizontal cartoon cannot always be turned into a vertical cartoon by cutting off the sides.

The format affects composition.

If you know where the cartoon will be published, plan for that before the final render.

Standard horizontal video

16:9 is the standard widescreen format used for regular YouTube videos and many desktop/TV viewing situations.

A common HD frame is:

1920 × 1080

This format gives you room for:

  • two-character scenes;
  • environments;
  • wide action;
  • cinematic composition.

Vertical short-form video

9:16 is the standard vertical format associated with Shorts, TikTok and Reels.

A common frame is:

1080 × 1920

Vertical composition favors:

  • closer characters;
  • stacked visual information;
  • central action;
  • less important detail at extreme sides.

Square and other formats

Some placements may still use square or near-square assets.

Do not create every project in every ratio automatically.

Choose formats based on actual distribution.

Compose for the final frame

Suppose two characters stand far apart in a 16:9 kitchen.

Crop that to 9:16.

One character may disappear.

For vertical output, you may need a different shot:

  • move characters closer;
  • use alternating coverage;
  • reframe the environment;
  • create a dedicated vertical composition.

Keep important information away from interface overlays

Short-form platforms place interface elements over the video.

Buttons, captions and account information can cover edges and lower areas.

Do not place critical text or a character's face against the extreme edge of the frame.

Platform interfaces change, so verify current safe areas when publishing.

Text needs to survive phone viewing

A title that looks elegant on a laptop may be unreadable on a phone.

Use:

  • fewer words;
  • larger type;
  • strong contrast;
  • enough screen time.

Do not make the audience pause the video to read a paragraph.

Consider making separate masters

If both YouTube and vertical social distribution matter, a dedicated 16:9 and 9:16 version may look better than one compromised composition.

The story can stay the same.

The framing changes.

Where MyToonMaker fits

At publication time, Codex should verify the aspect ratios and export sizes currently supported by MyToonMaker and update this article against the current official platform requirements.

Do not hard-code a product capability merely because a social platform supports the format.

Create Your Cartoon.