If the Resample option is unchecked, you’re now Resizing the image. This is known as resampling, and it’s usually what we’re doing when altering the size of a digital image.

We often talk about resizing an image, when what we are actually doing is resampling it! In Photoshop, go to Image > Image Size, or hit the CMD (or CTRL on Windows) + ALT + I shortcut.īy default, the Resample option in Photoshop is checked, which will mean the dimensions of the image will change by adding or subtracting pixels from the width and height. Resizing and resampling are two confusing terms because we tend to use them the wrong way round.

Notice that when we reduced the image size, our file size was also reduced from 17.2M (megabytes) to only 703.Subscribe to the Spoon Graphics YouTube Channel Resize vs Resample In this example, we reduced our image size by changing the resolution from 300 to 72ppi and changing the pixel dimensions from 3000 x 2000 to 600 x 400px. If image appears too sharp, Bicubic is recommended. By selecting a Resampling Method, we are telling Photoshop to alter pixel information in a way that will produce the best results when reducing image sizes.īicubic (best for smooth gradients) - Very precise method that calculates the averages of surrounding pixels.īicubic Sharper (best for reduction) - Based off of Bicubic sampling and works best when reducing images while keeping detail sharper. What does this mean? Basically, Photoshop will discard any unused pixels in order to reduce the image. First, we can change the resolution by typing in 72 and then, we can change the pixel dimensions by entering 600 x 400 as the width and height.īefore hitting OK, we will want to select our resampling method. Let's say that we want to put this image on our website, so we want it to be only 600 x 400 pixels and with a resolution of 72ppi. With Photoshop open, go to File > Open and select an image One may need to reduce the size of an image because the resolution is too high for web, the file size is too large to e-mail, or only a small image is required for a printed piece.ġ. The process of reducing the size of an image in Photoshop is only slightly different than when enlarging. How to Reduce the Size of an Image Using Photoshop Finally, notice that our image size started as 17.2M (megabyte) and increased to 24.7M with the enlargement. In this example, we enlarged our image by increasing the document size from 10' x 6.667' to 12' x 8' Also note that the pixel dimensions changed from 3000 x 2000 to 3600 x 24000. Images will look smoother or more soft with this method.Ĭongratulations! You have now successfully changed the size of your image! By selecting bicubic smaller, we are telling Photoshop to interpolate (or create new pixel information) that will produce the best results when enlarging images.īicubic (best for smooth gradients) - Very precise method that calculates the averages of surrounding pixels.īicubic Smoother (best for enlargements) - Based off of Bicubic sampling and works best when enlarging images that have high image noise. What does this mean? Basically, Photoshop will have to create new pixel information in order to enlarge the image. In this example, we increased the document width from 10' to 12' and the height from 6.667' to 8'.īefore hitting OK, we will want to select our resampling method. We want to keep the 300 resolution, so all we need to do is type in new pixel or document dimensions. Lets say we wanted to enlarge this image to a 12' x 8' so that it can easily be printed and framed. Enter new pixel dimensions, document size, or resolution. An Image Size dialog box will appear like the one pictured below.Ĥ. Note: When enlarging images, it is recommended to clean up dust and scratches or any noise before enlarging because these items may be magnified in your enlarged image.ģ.

Photoshop resize image