Video and audio guide

How to convert 1080p video to 720p

Reduce resolution for smaller files and more compatible playback.

Updated September 4, 2026By LosslessConverter

Download for WindowsWindows 7-11, 64-bit Download for MacmacOS 10.13 or later

The free version limits many processing operations to the first three minutes. Check compatibility and trial limits.

Media filesVideo or audio files
Choose 720p MP4Output matched to this workflow
Smaller HD videoVerify before batch processing

LosslessConverter Source ready

LoadFormatSettings

Source

Media filesVideo or audio filesReady for output selection

Output

Destination matched

Compatible profileVideo, audio, or editing output

ResolutionMatch targetQualityBalancedStatusReady

Ready to convertConvert

Problem and solution

Match the output to its destination.

Check the codecs inside the source container and the requirements of the target player, editor, or device before converting.

Understand what downscaling changes

Reducing 1920 x 1080 video to 1280 x 720 lowers pixel count and can reduce storage, bandwidth, and decoding demand. It cannot preserve all source detail, so the result should be described as a smaller HD copy rather than unchanged quality.

Situation 1: older hardware cannot decode the 1080p source smoothly.
Situation 2: a smaller file is needed for storage, transfer, or streaming.
Situation 3: the destination accepts 1280 x 720 but not the source resolution.

Keep the source aspect ratio and frame rate unless the destination requires another value. Compare one output with the original for detail, text sharpness, motion, audio, and sync before processing a batch.

Solution direction

Apply the solution in the workflow below.

Convert the source with LosslessConverter and set the output resolution to 1280 x 720. This reduces processing and storage demands while retaining an HD result.

Three-step workflow

Create and verify one test output before processing the full batch.

Convert the source with LosslessConverter and set the output resolution to 1280 x 720. This reduces processing and storage demands while retaining an HD result.

Add the source

Load the 1080p video

Open LosslessConverter and select Add Files. Add the 1920 x 1080 source video and verify that its frame rate and aspect ratio are detected correctly.

LosslessConverter main window with the source controls visible — **Source toolbar**Load the source from the main toolbar.

Create a smaller HD file

Choose Video > MP4 and set 1280 x 720

Open Output Format, select the Video group, and choose MP4. Set the resolution to 1280 x 720, keep the source aspect ratio, and retain the source frame rate unless the destination requires another value.

MP4Select Video, then choose MP4.

Create the 720p file

Select Start All, then inspect the 720p result

Choose an output folder and select Start All. Compare the result with the source and verify resolution, picture detail, motion, audio, and sync.

LosslessConverter main window with Start All ready at the lower right — **Start All**Run the task, then verify the result.

Try it with your own media

Process one file, verify the result, then run the full batch.