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How do I resize an image in InDesign?

Published in InDesign Image Editing 4 mins read

To resize an image in InDesign, you'll generally resize the frame containing the image. Here's how:

1. Resizing Proportionally (Maintaining Aspect Ratio):

  • Select the frame: Click on the frame containing the image with the Selection Tool (black arrow).
  • Hold Shift: Press and hold the Shift key. This constrains the proportions.
  • Drag a corner handle: Click and drag any of the corner handles of the frame. Dragging inwards makes the frame smaller; dragging outwards makes it larger. The image inside will resize proportionally with the frame.

2. Resizing Non-Proportionally (Distorting the Image):

  • Select the frame: Click on the frame containing the image with the Selection Tool.
  • Drag a handle: Click and drag any of the handles (corner or side) of the frame without holding Shift. This will allow you to change the width and height independently, potentially distorting the image. Avoid this unless you specifically want a distorted effect.

3. Resizing Content and Frame Independently

You can resize the content (image) within the frame separately from resizing the frame itself. This allows you to crop the image or to fit it within a smaller or larger frame.

  • Select the frame: Click on the frame with the Selection Tool.
  • Use the Control Panel (at the top): With the frame selected, look at the Control Panel at the top of your InDesign workspace. You'll find options for resizing the content of the frame. Common options include:
    • Fit Content Proportionally: This resizes the image to fill the frame as much as possible while maintaining its aspect ratio. Some of the image may be cropped.
    • Fit Frame to Content: This resizes the frame to exactly fit the image.
    • Fit Content to Frame: This stretches the image to fit the frame, potentially distorting the image.
    • Fill Frame Proportionally: Similar to 'Fit Content Proportionally,' but prioritizes filling the entire frame, potentially cropping more of the image.
  • Alternatively, Use the Free Transform Tool (E): Select the Free Transform tool (looks like a rectangle being transformed). Then, holding down Shift, you can resize the content proportionally, similar to resizing the frame.

4. Using the Content Grabber (Donut):

The Content Grabber (the circle in the center of the image frame) lets you reposition the image within the frame without resizing it.

  • Click the Content Grabber: Click the circle in the center of the image.
  • Drag: Drag the circle to reposition the image inside the frame. This effectively crops the image to the visible area of the frame.

Important Considerations:

  • Image Resolution: Be mindful of the image resolution. Enlarging an image too much can result in pixelation. Check the effective PPI (pixels per inch) of the image in the Info Panel (Window > Info) to ensure it's suitable for your intended output. Aim for at least 300 PPI for print.
  • Content Aware Fit: In newer versions of InDesign, consider using the "Content Aware Fit" option (often found in the Control Panel or in the Object > Fitting menu). This uses Adobe's Sensei AI to intelligently crop and fit the image within the frame, prioritizing the important parts of the image.

By understanding these techniques, you can effectively resize and manipulate images within InDesign to achieve your desired layout.

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