How to Save Custom Render Resolution Presets in Blender

Blender allows creators to streamline their 3D workflow by creating custom render resolution templates using user presets. Instead of manually retyping pixel dimensions, aspect ratios, and frame rates for every new project, you can save specific resolution settings directly within Blender’s Output Properties panel. This guide explains what user presets are and provides a step-by-step walkthrough for saving, managing, and applying custom resolution templates across your projects.

What Are User Presets in Blender?

User presets in Blender are saved configurations of specific tool settings, rendering parameters, or output dimensions. Instead of relying solely on default presets like 1080p HDTV or 4K UHD, user presets allow you to store recurring project dimensions—such as vertical video formats for social media (1080x1920), banner resolutions, or print-ready dimensions—into Blender's local configuration files for immediate reuse.

How to Save a Custom Render Resolution Preset

Follow these steps to create and store your custom resolution template:

  1. Navigate to Output Properties: In the Properties Editor on the right side of the interface, click on the Output Properties tab (represented by a printer icon).
  2. Set the Dimensions: Under the Format section, adjust the Resolution X and Resolution Y values to your desired pixel dimensions. You can also adjust the Aspect Ratio and Frame Rate if your preset requires specific motion settings.
  3. Open the Preset Menu: Click on the Presets dropdown menu located directly above or beside the Resolution fields.
  4. Add the Preset: Click the + (Plus) icon next to the dropdown list.
  5. Name Your Preset: Enter a descriptive name for your template (for example, Instagram Reel 1080x1920 or 4K DCI) and confirm by pressing Enter or clicking OK.

Your custom template is now permanently saved within Blender's preset list and can be applied to any scene in your current or future projects.

How to Apply or Delete a Custom Preset

  • To Apply: Go to the Output Properties tab, click the Presets dropdown in the Format section, and select your custom preset from the list. The resolution and frame rate will automatically update to your saved parameters.
  • To Delete: Select the preset you want to remove from the dropdown list, then click the - (Minus) icon next to the menu to delete it permanently.

Preserving Presets Across New Projects

Custom presets are automatically saved to your Blender user configuration directory. If you want a specific custom resolution to be active every time you launch a new file:

  1. Apply your desired custom resolution preset.
  2. Go to the top menu and select File > Defaults > Save Startup File.
  3. Confirm the prompt to make this resolution your default workspace configuration.