Your files never leave your device. All processing happens in your browser.
Open the Img Stop Add Padding tool and add your images. Choose a shape such as 1:1, 4:5, 9:16, 16:9, 3:2 or A4 (or enter your own), pick where the photo sits, and select a colour, gradient, blurred-photo or transparent background. Or switch to Each side and add padding in pixels or percent. Optionally set an output width, then download.
About the Add Padding to Image (Change Aspect Ratio)
The Img Stop Add Padding tool changes the shape of an image without cutting anything off. Instead of cropping, it adds space around the photo so it fits a new aspect ratio – perfect for posting a full landscape photo on Instagram, turning a portrait shot into a 16:9 YouTube frame, or preparing pictures for A4 printing.
Fill the new space with a solid colour, a two-colour gradient, a soft blurred copy of the photo itself or full transparency. You can also add an exact amount of padding to each side in pixels or percent, and resize the final image to a set width such as 1080 px – for one photo or a whole batch.
Key features
- Aspect ratio presets1:1, 4:5, 9:16, 16:9, 3:2, 2:3, 4:3, 3:4, A4 portrait and landscape, or custom.
- Padding per sideAdd pixels or percent to the top, bottom, left and right – or the same on all sides.
- Photo positionCentre the photo or push it to any edge or corner.
- Four backgroundsColour, gradient, blurred photo or transparent.
- Output widthOptionally scale the result to an exact width, e.g. 1080 px.
- Batch with ZIPPad many images with the same settings.
How to use the Add Padding to Image (Change Aspect Ratio)
- Add images Drop one or more photos.
- Choose the padding Pick a shape (aspect ratio) or set padding for each side.
- Pick a background Colour, gradient, blurred photo or transparent.
- Download Optionally set an output width, then save the images or a ZIP.
Add Padding to Image (Change Aspect Ratio) at a glance
| Price | Free, no watermark |
|---|---|
| Shapes | 1:1, 4:5, 9:16, 16:9, 3:2, 2:3, 4:3, 3:4, A4, custom |
| Backgrounds | Colour, gradient, blurred photo, transparent |
| Padding | Pixels or % per side |
| Batch | Many images, ZIP download |
| Processing | In your browser – nothing is uploaded |
When to use it
- Post full, uncropped photos on Instagram as 1:1 or 4:5.
- Turn vertical phone photos into 16:9 frames for YouTube or slides.
- Make 9:16 versions for Stories, Reels, TikTok and WhatsApp status.
- Add white margins around artwork before printing.
- Give product photos equal space on every side for marketplaces.
Tips for the best result
- The blurred background looks the most natural for social media posts.
- Use “Extra space all around” to keep a margin even when the photo already fits the shape.
- Choose Transparent and PNG if you will place the image on another design.
- For Instagram, 1080 px width gives the sharpest result.
- To fill the extra space with realistic scenery instead, try the AI Image Extender.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change the aspect ratio without cropping?
Add the image to the Img Stop Add Padding tool, choose the new shape (for example 1:1 or 9:16) and a background. The tool adds space around the photo instead of cutting it.
How do I add white space around an image?
Choose a white background colour and either pick a shape or switch to Each side and enter the padding in pixels or percent.
Can the padding be transparent?
Yes. Choose Transparent as the background and save as PNG or WebP.
What does the blurred background do?
It fills the new space with a soft, enlarged and blurred copy of the same photo, which looks natural and matches the colours.
Can I set the final size in pixels?
Yes. Enter an output width such as 1080 and the height follows the chosen shape.
Is it free and private?
Yes. It is free, adds no watermark and runs entirely in your browser.
Learn more
- Google Search: Image SEO best practices – make your edited images easy to find
Made and maintained by the Img Stop team.