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Photoshop: Resizing

Version: Adobe Photoshop CC 2021. Be aware that different versions of Photoshop will vary in appearance and functionality. Full Guides: Photoshop: Images, Photoshop: Graphic Design

Resizing methods depend on the number of layers or objects/images in a document.

Expand each section below to see its content.

To resize an image:

Navigate to Image > Image Size.
Type in the desired dimensions in the Width and Height boxes. Use the drop-down menus next to these boxes to change the units of measurement, if desired (inches, pixels, etc).

Dimension Link: By default, the Width and Height dimensions are linked, and changing one value will automatically adjust the other. This ensures that proportions are maintained to avoid distortion. To unlink, click the chain link icon (not recommended).
Resolution: Image Resolution is the detail an image holds, measured in pixels per inch. A resolution of 300 pixels/inch is ideal for images meant for print, but is excessive for digital images. A typical resolution for digital images is 72 pixels/inch.

When done, click OK.

Layer Unlocking

The initial layer of a document is automatically set as the background and it will be locked by default. To unlock a layer, click on the padlock icon on the layer in the Layers Panel.

To resize an object/element:

Select the layer in the Layers panel and then select the Move tool, which looks like a four-sided arrow, from the Toolbar.
In the Option Bar, ensure the box for Show Transform Controls is checked. Small boxes, called Handles, will appear on the corners and sides of the object.
Click-and-drag the handles to resize. Hold the Shift key to maintain the aspect ratio, which prevents stretching/skewing.
When done, click the check-mark icon in the Options Bar to confirm. To undo the changes, click the Cancel icon instead.

Resize the canvas to adjust the work area of the document. Increase the canvas size to create space around the layers. Decreasing the canvas size may result in cropped layers.

To resize the canvas:

Navigate to Image > Canvas Size. A new window will appear.
Type in the desired dimensions in the Width and Height boxes. Use the drop-down menus next to these boxes to change the units of measurement, if desired (inches, pixels, etc).
When done, click OK.

Keywords:

software, editing, images, photos, graphics, size, resolution

Doc ID:

86736

Owned by:

Janelle B. in Pacific Lutheran Univ

Created:

2018-10-12

Updated:

2023-08-04

Sites:

Pacific Lutheran University

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