{
  "id": 18166603,
  "title": "How to crop a phone screenshot into a clean product photo before making an AI video",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/how-to-crop-a-phone-screenshot-into-a-clean-product-photo-before",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-04T19:06:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/ref_vid/how-to-crop-a-phone-screenshot-into-a-clean-product-photo-before-making-an-ai-video-2m76"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This guide, written using AI assistance (Claude), demonstrates how to prepare a phone screenshot of a product for use in an AI video. The process starts by adding the photo to the RefVid studio, either by clicking \"New element\" or pasting the image using Command+V on Mac or Ctrl+V on Windows.\n\nWhen a screenshot screenshot with a phone-like shape is added, RefVid automatically suggests the Crop function. This function is accessible on any photo tile, allowing for easy cropping. Upon selecting \"Crop\", a dialog box appears with the original photo, showing a box encompassing the entire image. Users can drag this box to adjust its position and size.\n\nImportant information to note during cropping includes the display of a yellow note. This note appears if the crop exceeds a 2.5:1 ratio or if it is less than 300 pixels in size. Once the crop dimensions fall within the acceptable range, the note will disappear.\n\nNext, users can choose the desired aspect ratio for their cropped photo. Available options include 1:1, 9:16, 16:9, 3:4, and 4:3. The selected shape will adjust the box accordingly. The box can be dragged to position it over the product within the screenshot.\n\nAfter applying the crop, the original photo remains unchanged in the RefVid studio. Should users wish to modify their crop settings again, they can reopen the Crop function, which will resume from the last used crop on the original photo. Alternatively, a \"Reset to original\" option is available to restore the entire screenshot.\n\nThe cropping process does not alter the aspect ratio of the video. Instead, it modifies the reference photo used by the video model. The original aspect ratio can be set separately in the video settings. Furthermore, the original photo is not lost; reopening the Crop function will bring it back, or users can restore the original photo via the \"Reset to original\" option.\n\nTo achieve the best results, it is recommended to use a single product image with a clear, well-lit background. The product should be presented in various angles, such as front, side, and back views. Detailed instructions on capturing product reference photos can be found in another guide titled \"How to shoot product reference photos\".",
  "summary": "This post was written with AI help (Claude), from our own screenshots and screen recording of the RefVid studio; every step shows the real UI. A phone screenshot of a product brings the status bar, the app's buttons and the price into your AI video. RefVid now lets you crop any reference photo before you generate: the video model sees the cropped photo, not the original, so the product stays…",
  "key_points": [
    "Add screenshot to RefVid studio via New element or Command+V",
    "Crop function appears automatically for phone-like screenshots",
    "Adjust crop dimensions within 2.5:1 ratio and 300px minimum"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}