Resizing an entire project in Photoshop can refer to two distinct actions: scaling the entire image content along with the canvas or simply changing the dimensions of the workspace (the canvas) without scaling the content. The method you choose depends on your goal.
This guide explains both approaches, including how to adjust the canvas size as mentioned in the reference.
Understanding Photoshop Project Dimensions
In Photoshop, your "project" or "document" has two main dimensional properties:
- Image Size: This refers to the actual pixel dimensions of your artwork. Changing the image size typically scales all layers and the canvas proportionally.
- Canvas Size: This refers to the dimensions of the overall workspace. Changing the canvas size expands or crops the workspace without scaling the existing content.
Knowing the difference is crucial for achieving the desired result when resizing.
How to Change the Canvas Size (Resizing the Workspace)
If you need to make your workspace larger or smaller without scaling the image content within it, you should change the canvas size. This is useful for adding borders, expanding the background, or cropping excess space around your design.
According to the reference:
"Choose canvas size you will now see the current measurements of your photoshop document and the measurement. Type to change the canvas size simply highlight either the width or height amounts."
Here are the steps in detail:
- Go to the menu bar and select Image > Canvas Size....
- The Canvas Size dialog box will appear. As noted in the reference, you will now see the current measurements of your Photoshop document (Width and Height) and the unit of measurement (e.g., pixels, inches, centimeters).
- To change the canvas size, Type to change the new dimensions. Simply highlight either the width or height amounts and enter your desired values.
- You can change the Units using the dropdown menus next to Width and Height.
- Use the Anchor grid to specify where the existing image should be positioned relative to the new canvas size.
- Clicking the center square expands or contracts the canvas equally around the existing image.
- Clicking a side or corner square adds or removes space on the opposite side(s).
- The Canvas Extension Color lets you choose the color of the newly added canvas space (e.g., Foreground, Background, White, Black, Gray, Other).
- Click OK to apply the changes.
Note: If you make the canvas smaller than your current image, Photoshop will crop the image to fit the new dimensions.
How to Resize Your Photoshop Project (Scaling Content and Canvas)
If you want to scale your entire artwork – all layers, text, shapes, etc. – along with the canvas, you should change the image size. This is the standard way to make a document larger or smaller for printing, web display, or other uses where the resolution or overall dimensions need to change while keeping the content intact.
- Go to the menu bar and select Image > Image Size....
- The Image Size dialog box will open, showing the current dimensions, resolution, and file size.
- Ensure the chain link icon between Width and Height is active (clicked) to maintain the aspect ratio. If it's unchecked, you can change Width and Height independently, which will distort the image.
- Enter your desired new Width or Height. The other dimension will update automatically if the aspect ratio is constrained.
- Choose your desired Units (e.g., Pixels, Inches, Centimeters).
- Adjust the Resolution if needed (e.g., 72 dpi for web, 300 dpi for print). Changing the resolution will also affect the pixel dimensions if "Resample" is checked.
- Ensure Resample is checked if you want Photoshop to add or remove pixels to match the new dimensions. Choose a suitable resampling method (e.g., Preserve Details 2.0 for upsizing, Bicubic Sharper for downsizing). If Resample is unchecked, changing dimensions will only change the print size/resolution relationship, not the actual pixel count.
- Click OK to apply the changes.
Photoshop will then process the image, scaling all layers to fit the new dimensions and/or resolution.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Goal | Method | Effect on Content | Effect on Canvas | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale the entire design proportionally | Image Size | Content is scaled along with canvas | Canvas is scaled | Changing resolution for print/web, upsizing/downsizing entire artwork |
| Add space around the design | Canvas Size | Content remains its original size | Canvas becomes larger | Adding borders, expanding background space |
| Crop space from around the design | Canvas Size | Content remains its original size | Canvas becomes smaller | Removing excess space, trimming edges |
| Change workspace dimensions without scaling | Canvas Size | Content remains its original size | Canvas changes dimensions | Adjusting the boundaries of the project area |
By understanding the difference between Image Size and Canvas Size, you can effectively "resize" your project in Photoshop based on whether you need to scale the artwork or just change the workspace dimensions.
