Framing the Perspective View
Framing in the 360 Preview panel defines the geometric bounds through which the equirectangular panorama is projected into a perspective window.
Selecting an aspect ratio or adjusting the framing box in 360 Preview changes only the visible composition rendered within the preview viewport. It does not crop, resample, or alter the underlying 360° equirectangular image in Photoshop. The full spherical environment remains completely intact.
Aspect Ratio Presets
The 360 Preview panel provides seven standardized aspect ratio presets to support diverse compositional formats, from classic squares to expansive cinematic scopes:
1:1 Square
Balanced symmetrical framing for focal subjects, architectural domes, or square format media.
4:3 Standard Landscape
Traditional medium-format and photographic composition offering vertical breathing room around subjects.
3:4 Vertical Portrait
Upright portrait framing emphasizing towering vertical architecture, tall trees, or ceiling-to-floor vistas.
16:9 Widescreen
Modern widescreen presentation ideal for cinematic horizon spans, panoramic vistas, and digital displays.
9:16 Vertical Story
Tall vertical aspect ratio highlighting dramatic vertical scale, interior atriums, or mobile compositions.
2.35:1 Cinematic Scope
Ultra-wide anamorphic cinema proportion emphasizing expansive lateral horizons with theatrical drama.
Free (Unconstrained)
Unconstrained framing adapting fluidly to viewport bounds for custom composition requirements.
Composition Guidelines
The 360 Preview panel features four verified composition guideline overlays. These visual guides assist in balancing horizon lines, establishing symmetry, and positioning focal subjects:
Classic rule-of-thirds grid facilitating harmonious balance along intersection points and horizontal horizon thirds.
Displays an exact central target dot for anchoring symmetrical subjects, architectural keystones, and direct sightlines.
Full horizontal and vertical center axes providing immediate feedback on pitch tilt and horizon level.
Corner-to-corner diagonal guidelines identifying leading lines, geometric convergence, and perspective diagonals.
Interaction: Aspect Ratio & Field of View
Framing aspect ratio and Field of View (FOV) govern distinct geometric dimensions of the perspective view. Understanding their conceptual interplay ensures optimal composition:
FOV controls the angular cone of vision visible through the camera lens. A narrower FOV (e.g. 35°) pulls background elements closer and minimizes rectilinear edge stretching, whereas a wide FOV (e.g. 90°) captures extensive horizontal and vertical environment breadth.
Aspect ratio defines the aperture boundary of the output canvas. Adjusting the ratio clips or expands the lateral or vertical periphery without changing the camera focal length or spherical perspective geometry.
Practical Framing Scenarios
Square Focus (1:1)
Pair a 1:1 preset with Center Point or Crosshair guidelines when capturing focal landmarks, sculptural elements, or symmetrical interior rotundas.
Vertical Architecture (9:16 / 3:4)
Select a vertical ratio and enable Gridlines to align vertical columns, cathedral ceilings, or multi-story atrium architecture without perspective skew.
Expansive Horizons (16:9 / 2.35:1)
Utilize widescreen or cinematic scope with Crosshair guidelines to align natural shorelines, mountain horizons, and architectural sweeps across the horizontal axis.
Visual Interface Example
360 Preview showing an aspect-ratio selection and composition guideline overlay.