Resize Node

Resize changes the resolution container of the flow. After a Resize (1920×1080 → 3840×2160), every downstream node receives a real 4K image. Expensive effects (Blur, Glow) are then computed at the actual final resolution.

It is also the tool of choice to optimize a heavy flow: downscale before very expensive filters (particles, very wide Blur), then upscale at the end for export.

• Effects Library: Tools > Transform > Resize
• Quick add: right-click in the Node Editor → Add Tool > Transform > Resize

Transform (Size)

Scales the appearance of the image. The canvas stays at the same resolution; only the content gets bigger/smaller. For animation.

Resize

Physically changes the resolution of the flow (in pixels). For format conversion, cache optimization, export.

Scale

Changes the resolution by a relative factor (0.5x, 2x). Simpler than Resize, no explicit Width/Height needed.

Rule: animation/placement → Transform. Final format conversion → Resize. Simple factor → Scale.

• Input (orange) - 2D image to resize.

No Effect Mask - Resize changes the whole flow, not an area.

1080p → 4K conversion:
MediaIn (1920×1080) → Resize (3840×2160, Lanczos) → MediaOut

Cache optimization for a Particle system:
MediaIn 4K → Resize (1920×1080) → pEmitter / pRender (fast 1080p processing)
          → Resize (3840×2160, Lanczos) → MediaOut

Quick preview while working:
Heavy compositing → Resize (down 50%) → Viewer
  (instant responsiveness, full res output at export)

Width / Height

New dimensions in pixels. Directly editable.

Keep Frame Aspect

Keeps the original aspect ratio when you change Width or Height. Prevents accidental stretching.

Auto Resolution

Locks to the Frame Format Preferences or the timeline resolution. Change the comp resolution = Resize follows. Useful for a flow that has to adapt.

Reset Size

Restores the original dimensions of the input image.

Change Pixel Aspect

Lets you change the pixel aspect ratio (for anamorphic content, for example).

Filter Method

Interpolation algorithm (see the dedicated section).

A crucial choice for resize quality - it varies between upscaling and downscaling:

Nearest Neighbor / Box

No interpolation. A pixel-art look, or for technical data (z-depth, UV).

Linear

Basic interpolation. Fast, average quality. Fine for previews.

Quadratic / Cubic

Better quality, still fast. Cubic suits continuous-tone images.

Catmull-Rom

Recommended for downscaling - adds subtle sharpening that compensates for the detail lost in the reduction.

Mitchell

A good quality/speed compromise. Avoids some artifacts of the other methods.

Lanczos

Recommended for upscaling and final exports. High quality. The de facto standard for quality.

Sinc / Bessel

"Very sharp, detailed results" but can introduce ringing (inverted halos around high contrast). Test it depending on the content.

• Upscaling to 4K - 1080p footage → Resize 3840×2160 with Lanczos = better quality than the player's native scaler.
• Downscaling for a quick preview - 8K shot → Resize 1080p for interactive work → Resize 8K at the end of the chain for export.
• Format conversion (film → HD) - scanned 2K or 4K film footage → Resize to 1920×1080 for HD broadcast.
• Optimization for heavy Particles / Blur - downscale before the expensive node, upscale after = a 4x faster render for a visually acceptable result.
• Standardizing shots with different resolutions - mixed sources (2K + 4K + 6K) → each one goes through a Resize to the same comp resolution.
• Smaller export from a 4K project - comp in 4K → Resize 1080p before MediaOut = a cleanly downscaled HD export.
• Matching the Frame Format Preferences - Auto Resolution = automatically follows the project resolution, useful for templates.

• Lanczos by default for exports and upscales. Sharp, clean, with no visible artifacts in most cases.
• Catmull-Rom for downscaling - keeps more detail than Linear / Cubic thanks to its built-in sharpening.
• Resize early in the flow - put a Resize at the head of the comp if you want to work at a reduced resolution. Every downstream effect runs faster.
• Keep Frame Aspect ON by default - avoids stretching when you change Width or Height. Turn it off only if you deliberately want to stretch.
• Sinc can cause ringing - check it visually on the image; if black/white halos appear around the edges, switch to Lanczos.
• Auto Resolution for templates - if the project can be opened in 1080p or 4K, Auto Resolution adapts the Resize automatically.
• Upscaling has its limits - even Lanczos does not create detail. For true high-quality upscaling (clean 2K → 8K), use AI upscalers (Topaz Gigapixel, ResolveFX Super Scale) that synthesize detail.