Live Composition Guides
Aspect Ratio & Composition Framing Overlay
Rule-of-thirds, golden ratio, and safe-zone crop bounds for 21:9, 1:1, and 9:16, overlaid directly on your live feed — pure geometry, no analysis, so it works instantly with zero delay.
Notes
Why This Is Pure Geometry, Not Analysis
Every guide here is drawn from fixed mathematical ratios against your video dimensions — no AI model, no frame analysis, no camera permission delay beyond the standard prompt. That means zero lag and instant switching between guides, at the cost of the overlay having no idea where your face actually is. It shows you where the lines fall; positioning yourself against them is still up to you.
Reference
The Five Overlay Modes
| Mode | Use for |
|---|---|
| Rule of Thirds | General composition — place subjects near grid intersections. |
| Golden Ratio | A more classically-proportioned alternative to thirds. |
| 21:9 Bounds | Cinematic widescreen crop preview. |
| 1:1 Safe Zone | Square-crop platforms (profile pictures, some feeds). |
| 9:16 Story/Reel | Vertical formats — Stories, Reels, TikTok-style crops. |
Step-by-Step
How to Use the Overlay
- Click "Start Camera" and allow access when prompted.
- Select a guide matching what you're framing for — thirds for general use, a safe zone if you'll crop for a specific platform.
- Position yourself against the lines shown on screen.
- Switch guides instantly to compare framing options — there's no reload or delay between modes.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rule of thirds?
A composition guideline that divides the frame into a 3×3 grid — placing key subjects near the intersection points tends to look more balanced than dead-centering them.
Why does the 1:1 and 9:16 overlay dim part of my frame?
That dimmed area falls outside what a square (1:1) or vertical story/reel (9:16) crop would keep — it shows you exactly what survives a re-crop for those specific formats before you actually export or post anything.
Does this track my face automatically?
No, deliberately not — every guide is pure geometry drawn from fixed ratios, with no AI model or frame analysis involved. That keeps it instant with zero lag, but positioning yourself against the lines is up to you rather than automated.
What is the golden ratio guide for?
A classical alternative to the rule of thirds, based on the golden ratio (≈0.618) rather than even thirds — many photographers find it produces slightly more dynamic-feeling compositions.
Can I use this while recording or streaming?
The overlay itself is only visible on this page and does not embed into a recording or stream — it's a positioning aid to use while framing yourself, similar to a grid overlay in a camera app.