Ok, thanks, the project size setting made it better, but when I choose mp4 I am forced to use 3840x2160, so thanks to the aspect ratio I still have 2 bars left. Is this a trial version thing? Because it really shouldn't be. And when I go to advanced options I can't even identify which one is the mp4 one and they all seem to have fixed formats. Also the render dialog should have the "Do not letterbox" option activated by default.

I know that and I did say so. The problem I was describing was the fact that I am forced to use a different aspect ratio.

The problem I was describing was the fact that I am forced to use a different aspect ratio.

You are not forced to use a different aspect ratio.

In the Frame Size drop down box select Custom frame size and type in the values you require. Simple.

Depending upon the codec, some codecs do restrict the resolutions.

Depending upon the codec, some codecs do restrict the resolutions.

Yes, as I said earlier it may depend on the export template. Obviously formats for DVD or Blu-ray have to fit the relative specs and won't let you deviate. But if Peter sticks to mp4 he should be okay. At least it worked for me.

The problem I was describing was the fact that I am forced to use a different aspect ratio.

Regardless of how much a poster knows, there are still four, and only four common options available for feeling "forced to use a different aspect ratio."

Pick one and move on with your life.

@EricLNZ @Former user Thanks, but I don't seem to have custom options available at all. Is this the case for all the Movie Studios that aren't pro or is that a trial version thing?

@Musicvid
Dude, if you take offense at the fact that I have a problem, just ignore this thread and move on with your life. I told you already that you didn't read my post correctly, so stop wasting your time by repeating yourself.

Peter - I'm sure it's in the trial version. You need to click on a template then below click on the customise button.

Depending upon the codec, some codecs do restrict the resolutions.

Because videocodecs are made to show your endproduct on todays standard screens (which have an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a resolution of 1920x1080 or 3840x2160). What kind of screen do you have which shows a 900x400 video without letterboxing?

If the OP has the basic Vegas Movie Studio 15 version, it does not have customizable render templates.

Try the Platinum and note that in trial versions now "rendering is limited to projects of less than 2 minutes in length".

Thanks vk. I tend to forget there is a basic version!

So the guided solution is to download the Platinum trial version?

Guess I should just go play in traffic.

So the guided solution is to download the Platinum trial version?

The solution to find custom options since he wondered:

I don't seem to have custom options available at all. Is this the case for all the Movie Studios that aren't pro or is that a trial version thing?

I should have mentioned that it's not a trial version thing, though the OP would find that out using the Plat trial.

Vkmast, you are a very smart man. Unlike me, you seem to have a nonvolatile memory.

There are two reasons they put old teachers out to pasture at age 65. First is, they simply lose their patience. Second is, ... well, errr,...,,.................................. umm, well, I forget!

;?)

After some experimentation I think my problem was as follows:
Some years ago I tested Vegas, made a short video and in one scene I used Vegas to split the scene into single frames. This splitting however must've taken place before I adjusted the width and height in the project settings, so Vegas put bars to the left and right of the images. Those bars however were transparent instead of black, so they didn't show up in the thumbnail or in XnView. I only just now realized that the pictures have a higher width than my input video. *facepalm*

So, I blame myself in part for just plunging in and not reading the manual unless I had to, but I also believe that Vegas could be a lot more user-friendly when it comes to handling resolutions, e.g.:
- Automatically propose the resolution from the project's properties for rendering
- Warn me when a conversion changes the resolution

Anyway, thanks for all the advice! I think I can work properly with Vegas now.

but I also believe that Vegas could be a lot more user-friendly when it comes to handling resolutions, e.g.:
- Automatically propose the resolution from the project's properties for rendering
- Warn me when a conversion changes the resolution

I think VMS is already very user and novice friendly but indeed it's not idiot-proof.

Video resolutions are standardized. VMS automatically sets project properties to the properties of the first video clip taken into the project. When rendering this project using the renderwizard, VMS automatically detects resolution and framerate and uses the right template to render it (conform restrictions of the used codec).

When you use non-standardized project resolutions than you have to make your own rendertemplates, with all the risk of getting a non-conform output.

Sorry for being an idiot then. ¬_¬ My propositions have nothing to do with making it idiot-proof, they just give basic user-friendliness. But I'm not going to discuss that any further, I just gave constructive criticism on how to make this product better.

That are your words! When you use VMS for video editing it is already more than basic user friendly and that far more as any other NLE.

 but I also believe that Vegas could be a lot more user-friendly when it comes to handling resolutions, e.g.:
- Automatically propose the resolution from the project's properties for rendering
- Warn me when a conversion changes the resolution

Anyway, thanks for all the advice! I think I can work properly with Vegas now.

[EDITORIAL Content Removed]

1. When you check "=Match Project Settings" at render, Vegas AUTOMATICALLY chooses all the render templates available to do exactly as you should wish!

-- Of course, if you have chosen a CUSTOM resolution for your project, there will not be a matching render template, because one does not exist.

2. SAVE your custom settings as a custom Project template,

3. SAVE your custom settings as a custom render template, it now shows up when it matches your custom project template, just like pure magic. Or like Christmas in July, but only for a few engaged learners.

-- You wanted a "warning?" How 'bout if the incorrectly matched templates just DIDN'T show up?

We helped you out of a newbie hole that you dug by yourself, and you seemed to accept the hand up. Now it's time to put down the shovel, use your hand to thank others for the help already given, and choose either the Vegas learning curve or a different product. I don't know of a third way.

I agree with one of Peter's comments. It would be helpful if when exporting with a template whose frame ratio doesn't match the project, the user is given a warning to alert them. They may have accidentally selected an incorrect template such as PAL instead of PAL Widescreen.

@3POINT Good to know that it was unintentional. But a software can virtually never be user-friendly enough and no developer can think of everything, which is why it's important take criticism seriously.

@Musicvid I hadn't forgotten to thank everyone, so there's no need to remind me (see last line of my second to last post). But thanks for the additional info. It's good to know that the option to match the project settings at least does exist, even though it doesn't exist in the version I am testing right now. But saving a template is something I'll do from now on.

@EricLNZ Thanks! :-)