How to Resize an Image in Photoshop (and a Free Alternative)
imgmend Team
AI Image Tools
Image Size, Canvas Size, Crop and Export As all resize different things. Here is how to resize an image in Photoshop, which resample setting to pick, and a free browser option.
To resize an image in Photoshop, choose Image → Image Size, set the unit to Pixels, enter the new width or height with the chain icon locked, pick a Resample method, and click OK. Image Size changes the picture itself; Canvas Size only changes the empty space around it.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Resize the picture | Image → Image Size |
| Resize the canvas, not the picture | Image → Canvas Size |
| Shrinking | Resample: Bicubic Sharper (reduction) |
| Enlarging | Resample: Preserve Details 2.0 |
| Free alternative | imgmend compressor and upscaler |
Step-by-Step: Image Size
- Open the image and choose Image → Image Size (Alt+Ctrl+I on Windows, Option+Cmd+I on Mac).
- Set the unit next to Width and Height to Pixels.
- Keep the chain icon linked so the proportions stay the same, then type the new width or height.
- Make sure Resample is ticked. If it is off, you only change the print size, not the pixels.
- Choose the Resample method and click OK.
Which Resample Method?
- Making it smaller: Bicubic Sharper (reduction) keeps edges crisp.
- Making it larger: Preserve Details 2.0 is the option intended for enlarging.
Resize on Export
To keep the original untouched, choose File → Export → Export As, set the size or scale on the right, pick the format and export. This creates a resized copy.
Canvas Size vs Image Size
Canvas Size adds or trims space around the picture without scaling it. Use it to make room, not to shrink the photo. For the difference between pixels, DPI and file size, see how to change the resolution of a picture.
Free Alternative Without Photoshop
To make an image smaller, upload it to the imgmend compressor and set a smaller max dimension; the new file size is shown before you download. To make it larger, use the imgmend upscaler, which doubles the width and height with AI. Free use is 3 images per day with no account, with a small watermark on free upscale downloads, and images above about 2 megapixels are scaled down before upscaling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I resize an image in Photoshop?
Choose Image → Image Size, enter new pixel dimensions with the proportions locked, pick a Resample method and click OK.
How do I resize without distorting?
Keep the chain icon between width and height linked so both change together.
What is the difference between Image Size and Canvas Size?
Image Size scales the picture. Canvas Size changes the area around it without scaling the picture.
Is there a free way to resize an image?
Yes. imgmend's compressor reduces dimensions and file size in your browser, and its upscaler enlarges images.
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