How to Resize an Object in Photoshop?

Resizing an object in Photoshop is primarily done using the Free Transform tool.

Getting Started with Free Transform

To resize an object, such as a layer containing an image, text, or shape, you first need to activate the Free Transform command.

Select the layer containing the object you want to resize in the Layers panel.
Go to Edit > Free Transform, or use the shortcut:
- Windows: Ctrl + T
- Mac: Cmd + T

Once Free Transform is active, a bounding box appears around your object with handles on the corners and sides.

Resizing Using Bounding Box Handles

You can resize the object by clicking and dragging these handles. The way the object resizes depends on which handle you drag and whether you hold down modifier keys.

Dragging a Corner Handle: Resizes the object in both width and height simultaneously.
Dragging a Side Handle: Resizes the object in only one dimension (width or height).

Using Modifier Keys for Control

Modifier keys give you more control over the resizing process:

Holding Shift: Constrains the proportions of the object while resizing. This prevents distortion. If you drag a corner handle while holding Shift, the width and height scale proportionally. If you drag a side handle, it will proportionally adjust the opposite side as well, but still constraint to that axis. (Note: In newer Photoshop versions, proportional scaling is often the default when dragging corner handles; Shift then allows non-proportional scaling.)
Holding Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac): Resizes the object from its center point outwards. The object expands or contracts equally in all directions from its middle.
Holding Shift + Alt (Windows) or Shift + Option (Mac): This powerful combination, as mentioned in the reference, allows you to resize the object proportionally from its center.
- If you drag a corner handle while holding these keys, the object maintains its aspect ratio and scales inwards or outwards from the exact middle.
- If you use a side handle with these keys, it will adjust the opposite side equally, keeping the center static, while also respecting any default proportional constraint of the specific side handle in your Photoshop version.

Here's a quick summary of common modifier keys:

Keys	Effect
Drag Corner Handle	Freeform resize (Proportional often default)
`Shift` + Drag Handle	Proportional resize (Non-proportional often default)
`Alt` / `Option` + Drag	Resize from Center
`Shift` + `Alt` / `Option` + Drag	Proportional resize from Center

Remember to try dragging both corner and side handles with different key combinations to see the effects.

Finishing the Transformation

Once you are satisfied with the size of your object:

Press Enter (Windows) or Return (Mac).
Click the checkmark icon in the Options bar at the top of the screen.
Double-click inside the bounding box.

To cancel the transformation, press Esc.

Precise Resizing via the Options Bar

For exact control, you can use the Options bar that appears when Free Transform is active. Here you can:

Enter specific Width (W) and Height (H) percentages or pixel dimensions.
Ensure proportional scaling by clicking the Chain icon between the W and H fields.

By mastering the Free Transform tool and its modifier keys, you can accurately and efficiently resize any object in Photoshop.

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