You can change the dimension size of an image in Photoshop by using the Image Size dialog box. Here's how:
Steps to Resize an Image in Photoshop
- Access the Image Size Dialog: Start by navigating to the top menu bar and selecting Image > Image Size. This will open the Image Size dialog box where you can make your resizing adjustments.
- Deselect Resample Image: In the Image Size dialog box, find and deselect the "Resample Image" option. This step is crucial when you want to change the dimensions of the image without altering the actual pixel content and thus without changing the total file size. This action ensures you are only changing the physical printed size.
- Maintain Aspect Ratio: To prevent distortion when resizing, check the "Constrain Proportions" box. This keeps the width and height linked, maintaining the image's original proportions when you enter a new value for either dimension.
- Enter New Dimensions: Locate the "Document Size" section, and enter your desired height and width values. Photoshop will automatically adjust the other dimension based on the linked proportion if constrain proportions was selected.
- Adjust Resolution (Optional): If you need to change the print quality or pixel density, you can enter a new value in the "Resolution" field. Common resolution values are 300 pixels per inch (ppi) for high-quality print, or 72 ppi for web. This step is important when preparing your image for different outputs (e.g., print vs. screen).
Example Use-case:
Let's say you have a high-resolution image that is too large in dimensions for your needs. If you need to change a 10x8 image to 5x4 but retain the quality, then you could follow the steps above:
- Open Image> Image Size.
- Deselect Resample.
- Click Constrain Proportions.
- Enter new values for width and height, in this case, 5 for width and Photoshop will automatically update the height to 4.
- Change the Resolution to the correct value for web (72 dpi) or print (300 dpi).
Table Summary
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Image Size Dialog | Go to Image > Image Size to access the resizing options. |
| 2 | Deselect Resample Image | To change print dimension without altering the pixel count. |
| 3 | Check Constrain Proportions | To maintain the image's original proportions. |
| 4 | Enter new height/width values | To change the actual dimensions of the image. |
| 5 | Enter new resolution value | To change the image's quality based on its intended purpose. (Print, web etc.) |
