How to Fit to Canvas Size in Photoshop?

To fit an image or layer to the canvas size in Photoshop, you primarily use the Free Transform tool to resize the layer to match the dimensions of your current document canvas. This process allows you to quickly adjust the size of a specific Image Layer relative to the overall canvas dimensions, as highlighted in quick tutorials like "How to Fit Image Layer to Canvas QUICK Photoshop".

Here's a breakdown of the most common methods:

Using the Free Transform Tool

This is the most direct and frequently used method for resizing a single layer to fit the canvas.

1. Select the Layer: In the Layers panel, click on the image layer you want to resize.
2. Activate Free Transform: Go to Edit > Free Transform or use the shortcut Ctrl+T (Windows) or Cmd+T (macOS). A bounding box will appear around your layer.
3. Scale the Layer:
   • To Maintain Aspect Ratio (Recommended): Hold down the Shift key while dragging one of the corner handles of the bounding box. This scales the layer proportionally.
   • To Fill the Canvas Without Distortion: Continue holding Shift and drag the corner handle until the longer side of your image layer reaches the corresponding edge of the canvas. You may then need to reposition the layer to center it or adjust its placement. Parts of the image on the shorter side will extend beyond the canvas edges (this is often referred to as "filling" while maintaining aspect ratio).
   • To Stretch/Distort and Fill Exactly: If you don't need to maintain the aspect ratio (i.e., you're okay with the image looking squished or stretched), simply drag the corner or edge handles without holding Shift until the bounding box snaps to the canvas edges.
4. Commit the Transformation: Press Enter (Windows) or Return (macOS) or click the checkmark icon in the Options bar at the top.

Pro Tip: While using Free Transform, you can hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while dragging a corner handle (and Shift for proportion) to scale the layer from its center point.

Using the Options Bar During Free Transform

Once Free Transform is active (Ctrl/Cmd+T), the Options bar provides numerical control over the layer's dimensions.

• Look for the W (Width) and H (Height) percentage inputs. By default, they are set to 100%.
• To fit to the canvas, you could manually calculate the percentage needed based on the layer's current size and the canvas size, but this is less "quick".
• A common use here is to ensure the aspect ratio link icon is active (looks like a chain) when you want to scale proportionally.

Table Summary: Fitting Methods

Method	Action	Shortcut	Aspect Ratio Maintained?	Fills Canvas Completely?	Distortion?
Free Transform	Drag corner handle w/ Shift	Ctrl/Cmd+T	Yes	Potentially (Filling)	No
Free Transform	Drag corner/edge handle w/o Shift	Ctrl/Cmd+T	No	Yes (Stretching/Squishing)	Yes
Free Transform	Adjust W/H in Options Bar w/ link active	Ctrl/Cmd+T	Yes	Depends on percentages	No

Ultimately, fitting a layer to the canvas is primarily achieved by selecting the layer, activating Free Transform, and scaling it appropriately using the bounding box handles, often while holding Shift for proportional resizing.