A Beginner’s Walkthrough: How to Resize an Image in Photoshop

This tutorial aims to guide both seasoned and novice users on the valuable skill of resizing images in Photoshop. Whether you’re engaged in personal projects or client work, the ability to scale images and perform Photo Retouching in Photoshop is likely to be beneficial. In this article, Innovature BPO will demonstrate How To Resize An Image In Photoshop.

Resizing Images with Photoshop: A Comprehensive Guide

If your primary concern is maintaining image quality while resizing in Photoshop, now, let’s explore the various ways to resize an image in Photoshop.

Adjusting Image Dimensions Using the Image Size Command

Resizing images in Photoshop can be easily achieved through the Image Size command, making it the most straightforward and convenient method. It is suitable for both print and online images, making it a go-to solution for those seeking to reduce image size in Photoshop.

Resizing can be done using pixels, percentages, or inches, each serving different purposes. Understanding these options and knowing when you are available to answer the question How To Resize An Image In Photoshop?

#1) Modifying Image Size in Pixels

How To Resize An Image In Photoshop and optimize it for online use, follow these steps:

Step 1: Start by opening the desired image in Photoshop. You can do this in two ways: Click on “Open” if Photoshop has just been launched, and select the image from your computer. Alternatively, if you’re already working on a project, go to the “File” menu on the top menu bar, select “Open,” and choose your image.

Step 2: Once the image is open, go to the “Image” menu on the top menu bar and click on “Image Size.” Alternatively, you can use the shortcut Alt + Ctrl + I (PC) or Option + Command + I (Mac).

A new window will appear, displaying the image details.

Step 3: By default, the dimensions are set in pixels. If this is not the case, click on the drop-down menu (labeled 1) to change it. To resize your image to specific measurements, such as 1200px by 800px, simply enter the desired values in the width and height text boxes. Click “OK,” and Adobe Photoshop will resize the image accordingly.

If you wish to maintain the original aspect ratio of the image, ensure that the “Constrain Proportions” option (labeled 2) is enabled. This will link the width and height values. Next, select the “Resample” box (labeled 3) to ensure that the number of pixels adjusts proportionally. Leave the “Resample” option set to “Automatic” for now. Avoid modifying the resolution at this stage.

To preview the resized image, hover over it with your mouse. The cursor will change to a hand tool. Click and hold the mouse button to drag the image and inspect it. Use Ctrl + click (PC) or Command + click (Mac) to zoom in on the preview image and Alt + click (PC) or Option + click (Mac) to zoom out. Alternatively, you can click and drag one corner of the image size window to increase or decrease its size.

That’s all there is to it. Resizing images in Photoshop using pixels is a straightforward process. Click “OK” to save the changes and proceed to save the final image by going to “File” > “Save As.”

Before we explore the other two options (percentage and inches), there’s one noteworthy feature to mention. You can quickly resize the image in Photoshop to one of the standard dimensions by selecting an option from the “Fit To“ drop-down menu. See the example below.

#2) Altering Image Size in Inches

When our intention involves creating printed copies of images, the utilization of inches becomes paramount. This unit of measurement grants us the precision needed to translate digital dimensions into tangible, real-world representations.

The process of resizing images in Photoshop using inches might initially appear intricate, yet you’ll soon discover its simplicity. Referencing the aforementioned steps, the transformation entails adjusting the width and height parameters to align with inches. This uncomplicated adjustment serves as the sole requirement.

#3) Resizing Images by Percentage

Though percentages might not primary choice, their significance surfaces in instances requiring subtle refinements. These instances encompass minor tweaks like marginal reductions or expansions, often employed when we seek to adjust height, width, or both, by a specified percentage.

Navigating the pathway to scaling an image within Photoshop by percentages is a straightforward endeavor. Embarking on this journey involves a mere modification of the dimension values to correspond with percentages. Streamlined and accessible, this approach upholds the hallmark of convenience.

Pro Tip: A noteworthy consideration is the potential for disparate units of measurement. By utilizing the shift key, the alteration of units independently—pixels for width, inches for height—becomes a possibility.

Worth noting is the expansive array of units beyond the triad of pixels, inches, and percentages for resizing within Photoshop. Picas, points, centimeters, and millimeters also stand as viable alternatives, enriching the repertoire of tools at our disposal for accomplishing meticulous image adjustments.

Understanding Photoshop’s Resample Options and Pixel Interpolation

Knowing How To Resize An Image In Photoshop is crucial for adjusting your photos to specific dimensions or scaling layers to fit your project. There are multiple approaches to accomplishing this task, but some may result in a loss of image quality compared to the original.

To preserve the initial high-resolution quality, it’s advisable to adhere to 5 of the most effective methods provided below.

Utilizing the Artboard for Image Resizing

Have you ever wondered what happens when you scale an image up or down in Photoshop?

When you resize an image, Photoshop performs a process called resampling. If you decrease the size of an image, some pixels are removed, while scaling up requires adding new pixels. This adding and subtracting of pixels is known as resampling.

Pixel Interpolation, on the other hand, refers to the calculation performed by Photoshop to recreate pixels during resampling.

Understanding and utilizing Photoshop’s resample options can help you achieve desired results for different images. Let’s explore How To Resize An Image In Photoshop using resample options and understand their differences.

#1) Automatic: Photoshop determines the resampling method based on the image and whether you’re scaling it down or up.

#2) Preserve Details (enlargement): This option is ideal for enlarging an image. Use the noise reduction slider if necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

#3) Preserve Details: Start with this option and switch to others if you’re not satisfied with the results. It simply preserves the image details.

#4) Bicubic Smoother (enlargement): Choose this option for smooth results when enlarging an image.

#5) Bicubic Sharper (reduction): Select this option if you want to maintain sharpness while reducing the image size.

#6) Bicubic (smooth gradients): In cases where the bicubic method appears too sharp and over-sharpens certain areas, this option can be used.

#7) Nearest Neighbor (hard edges): This option quickly matches the nearest pixels, preserving hard edges.

#8) Bilinear: This option calculates new pixel values by averaging the surrounding pixels.

Now, let’s discuss changing image resolution and when it is necessary.

Changing image resolution in Photoshop is not complicated, but it’s important to understand what resolution is and when to make changes (whether scaling up or down).

Resolution refers to the level of detail you see in an image. On screens, you perceive pixels of light, while in print, you see dots of ink. We measure both in inches, hence the terms Pixels Per Inch (PPI) for screens and Dots Per Inch (DPI) for print.

High-resolution images have more pixels per inch, resulting in higher quality. These images are suitable for printing as they produce good print quality. On the other hand, low-resolution images have fewer pixels per inch and lower quality.

The recommended resolution for print is 300 pixels per inch (PPI), while for digital or online images, 72 PPI is sufficient. 72 PPI is preferred for digital images because they do not require intricate details, they are smaller in size, and load quickly.

To adjust the image resolution in Photoshop, go to “Image” > “Image Size.” Enter your desired resolution value in the resolution text box. You’ll notice that Photoshop adjusts the width and height of the image based on the new resolution value. Don’t worry about this change.

After adjusting the resolution, you can change the width and height values back to your preferred dimensions.

If you want to maintain the total number of pixels in your image (recommended for printing), deselect the resample option before adjusting the resolution value.

Alternatively, you can use the “Auto Resolution” option if you have a specific print output in mind. Click the “Fit To” drop-down menu and select “Auto Resolution.” Enter your desired screen value and choose the preferred quality.

Click “OK” and adjust the width and height values accordingly.

Employing the Photoshop Crop Tool for Precise Resizing

Resizing images in Photoshop can be done using the “Image Size” command, but there’s another method you can try using the artboard. However, keep in mind that this method may not work for all cases, so it’s worth experimenting with it.

Here’s how you can use the artboard to scale an image in Photoshop to specific dimensions:

# Step 1:
Go to the “File” menu on the top menu bar and select “New.” Alternatively, you can use the shortcut Ctrl + N (PC) or Command + N (Mac) to create a new document.

Choose a custom document size and use the preset details to specify the width, height, and resolution for your image. Also, make sure to select the appropriate orientation based on the image you want to resize. Click “Create” to proceed.

# Step 2:

The artboard should now be set to the exact size you want your final image to be, such as 1200px by 800px. Go back to the file menu and select “Place Embedded” to import your image.

Drag the edges of the image until it fits within the artboard. Avoid holding down the shift key, as that would stretch the image.

It’s important to note that using this method to resize your image may result in cropping out certain areas. It’s not suitable for all types of images.

For example, if the original image is 1280px by 1280px, when resizing it to 1200px by 800px, some areas (marked in the example) will be cropped out. Despite successful resizing without stretching, some details are lost.

Unfortunately, attempting to resize the same image using the “Image Size” command may lead to stretching and result in an irregular image. This means that resizing square images into non-square dimensions without stretching can be challenging using the first two methods.

However, in a later part of this tutorial, we will explore another interesting method using the content-aware tool to resize images without stretching. But before that, let’s see how we can use the crop tool to resize an image to specific dimensions and sizes.

Maintaining Proportions: Resizing Images Without Distortion

If you want to remove distractions and emphasize a specific part of a photo, Photoshop’s crop tool can be incredibly helpful. In the latest version of Photoshop, this tool has been improved to provide more control over cropping. Here’s how you can crop an image to the exact size with just a few clicks:

# Step 1:

To access the crop tool, either click on its icon in the left panel or press the “C” key. A crop overlay will appear on your image. Next, click on the drop-down menu next to “Original Ratio” and select “W x H x Resolution” to specify your desired crop size.

# Step 2:

Enter the measurements for your preferred crop size. “W” represents width, “H” represents height, and the last option is for resolution. Photoshop will automatically save these values. Adjust the crop area to encompass the portion of the image you want to focus on. You can move and resize the crop overlay as needed. Press the Enter key to complete the crop.

Pro Tip: If you click and hold on to the dimensions shown at the bottom-left of your workspace, you can see the image details before and after making adjustments.

Note that it’s advisable to leave the “Delete Cropped Pixels” option unchecked. This allows you to make further adjustments to the crop if you change your mind. If you select the box, you won’t be able to modify the crop after pressing Enter.

Resizing Layers Effectively in Photoshop

Resizing an image without stretching it:

1. Content-Aware Tool

Resizing certain images can be challenging. We previously attempted to resize a 1280px-by-1280px image to 1200px by 800px but didn’t achieve optimal results. The artboard method provided a decent outcome, but it cropped out some details.

The “Image Size” command maintains image details but causes stretching. As promised, we will now share a trick on how to use the content-aware tool in Photoshop to change the image size without stretching it.

# Step 1: Select the crop tool and click the drop-down menu next to the original ratio. Choose “W x H x Resolution.”

# Step 2: Specify the desired width, height, and resolution as shown in the screenshot below.

# Step 3: Enable the Content-Aware option (see below) and drag the edges highlighted by the crop tool until the entire image fits in. Don’t worry about the dimensions. Regardless of how much you drag the edges, Photoshop will maintain the specified width and height. Once you’re satisfied, click the checkmark and wait for Photoshop to process the changes.

2. Remember to leave the “Delete Cropped Pixels” option unselected

Let’s observe the results:

We have successfully resized the image without stretching it. The new image size is now 1200px by 800px, with a resolution of 72ppi.

However, you may encounter issues where certain parts of the image are duplicated, as shown in the example below. We attempted to resize an image from 1920px by 1280px to 800px by 800px.

3. There are three methods you can use to address such issues

# Method 1: Adjust the image

Drag the image to occupy the bottom space.

Click the checkmark to apply the changes and observe the results.

The image looks good, but it would be even better if we try to balance it so that both the top and bottom spaces are nearly equal.

# Method 2: The Spot Healing Brush Tool

This technique works well for simple duplicates, as demonstrated in the image below.

Once you select the spot healing brush, use it to erase the duplicate until you’re satisfied.

# Method 3: Clone Stamp Tool

If the spot healing brush doesn’t yield satisfactory results, try the clone stamp tool.

The clone stamp tool is effective for complex duplicates. Select the tool from the tool panel or press “S” on your keyboard to quickly access it. Press and hold the Alt key, then click on the area you want to clone. Release the Alt key and click and drag across the duplicate. Repeat this process until the entire duplicate is removed.

That’s it! You have successfully resized the image in Photoshop without stretching it. It may require a bit more effort, but the results are better.

You might be wondering why there hasn’t been a specific section on how to make an image bigger or smaller in Photoshop. The information you have accumulated on resizing in Photoshop can be applied to both scenarios—whether you want to scale an image up or down.

Bulk Resizing of Multiple Layers

Resizing a layer in Photoshop:

Layers are essential in Photoshop as they allow you to work with different elements independently. All layers are organized in the layers panel, forming a stack.

To work on a specific layer, you need to select it. It’s a good practice to rename your layers appropriately to make your work easier.

If you can’t see the layers panel, go to the top-bar menu, click on “Windows,” and select “Layers.”

Adding an image to a layer in Photoshop:

Start by creating a new document in Photoshop by going to “File,” then “New,” or by pressing Ctrl + N (PC) or Command + N (Mac). This will be your first layer, where you can add other content layers such as images, text, or objects.

To add an image to a layer, go to “File” and select “Place Embedded.” Choose an image from your computer and click “Place.” Alternatively, you can simply drag and drop the image into the open Photoshop document. This will successfully add the image to the layer.

Resizing a layer in Photoshop using the scale function:

First, select the layer you want to resize from the layers panel. Then, go to “Edit,” “Transform,” and choose “Scale.”

Use the Transform Controls to adjust the layer’s size accordingly.

However, it is highly recommended to convert layers into smart objects before resizing them for two reasons. First, it’s useful if you’re working on a project and need to move the layer between documents while maintaining the original quality. Second, it allows you to scale the image down and back up without losing quality.

Converting a layer into a smart object is easy. There are two ways to do it. You can go to “Layer,” “Smart Objects,” and select “Convert to Smart Object.” Alternatively, you can right-click on the layer you want to convert and choose “Convert to Smart Object.”

Shortcut for resizing a layer in Photoshop:

The quickest way to resize a layer in Photoshop is by selecting the desired layer and pressing Ctrl + T (PC) or Command + T (Mac) to show the transform controls.

However, make sure to select “Show Transform Controls” and keep it enabled if you’re using a newer version of Photoshop. With this option selected, the transform controls will always appear on the layer whenever you select it from the layers panel.

Mastering the Art of Resizing Multiple Layers

Resizing multiple layers in Photoshop is simpler than you might have imagined. Follow these steps:

From the layers panel, select all the layers you want to resize.

If the layers are random, press and hold the Ctrl/Command key and individually click on each layer.
If the layers are in order, press and hold the Shift key and click the first and last layers to select them all at once.

The transformation controls will appear on the last selected layer. Drag these controls to resize the layers as desired.

By following these steps, you can easily resize multiple layers in Photoshop to achieve the desired result.

FAQs for How To Resize An Image In Photoshop

#1) How can I adjust the dimensions of an image in Photoshop?

Answer: One of the simplest ways to alter the size of an image in Photoshop is by using the Ctrl + T (Command + T for Mac) shortcut, which activates the transform controls. For precise sizing, accessing the image menu from the top bar and selecting “Image Size” offers better results. Input your desired width and height values, then confirm the changes by clicking OK.

#2) What shortcut resizes images in Photoshop efficiently?

Answer: Employ the Alt + Ctrl + I (PC) or Option + Command + I (Mac) keyboard shortcut to initiate the image size window. After entering your preferred dimensions, confirm the resizing with the OK button. Adobe promptly handles the image size adjustment.

#3) How can I proportionally stretch and resize images in Photoshop?

Answer: Identify the desired image layer within the layer panel. Press Ctrl + T (Command + T) to activate the transformation controls. For proportional resizing, press and hold the Shift key while adjusting the transform controls. To stretch without maintaining proportion, avoid holding down the Shift key.

Further Reading: Delve into a comprehensive review of the Best Photo Editing Software.

#4) How can I resize an image in Photoshop without distorting it?

Answer: Opt for the “Image Size” command under the Image menu. Enter your preferred width and height values. In cases where this approach falls short, leverage the content-aware tool. Alternatively, the crop tool can be utilized to achieve precise sizing while selecting the “W x H x Resolution” option.

#5) How can I adjust image size in Photoshop without altering the canvas dimensions?

Answer: Navigate to Edit and then Transform, followed by selecting Scale. Manipulate the transform controls until the desired size is achieved. However, the optimal method involves using the “Image Size” command, wherein you can directly input width and height values in the designated text boxes.

#6) How can I resize an image in Photoshop without resorting to cropping?

Answer: Within the image menu on the top bar, access “Image Size.” Input your preferred dimensions into the width and height text boxes, and confirm by clicking OK. This straightforward process avoids the need for cropping.

Throughout this article, you’ve acquired a versatile set of techniques for How To Resize An Image In Photoshop. This newfound knowledge underscores the necessity of effort to attain optimal outcomes. As exemplified earlier, the synthesis of various Photoshop proficiencies becomes essential to accomplish tasks such as resizing images without distortion.

See more»

A Beginner’s Walkthrough: How to Resize an Image in Photoshop

Table of Contents

Resizing Images with Photoshop: A Comprehensive Guide