How to use Resize Image
- Choose an image or drag it onto the upload area.
- Enter a new width and height in pixels, or switch to percentage.
- Select Resize image and download the result.
Resizing versus compressing
Resizing changes the number of pixels in an image, its width and height. Compressing keeps the pixels but stores them more efficiently. Both make files smaller, but for different reasons. When a form asks for a photo of exactly 600 x 600 pixels, or a website theme needs a 1920 pixel wide banner, resizing is what you need. Making an image smaller also reduces its file size, often more effectively than compression alone.
Step-by-step
- Open your image. The current width and height are filled in.
- Type the new width. With the lock on, the height updates automatically to keep the proportions.
- To set both values exactly, unlock the aspect ratio first. Be aware that the image may look stretched.
- Or switch to Percentage and enter a scale, such as 50 percent for half the size.
- Select Resize image and download.
Common sizes
| Use | Typical size |
|---|---|
| Website full-width banner | 1920 x 1080 px |
| Blog or article image | 1200 x 800 px |
| Facebook and Instagram square post | 1080 x 1080 px |
| Instagram portrait post | 1080 x 1350 px |
| Story or reel cover | 1080 x 1920 px |
| YouTube thumbnail | 1280 x 720 px |
| Profile picture | 400 x 400 px or larger |
If you need an exact shape such as a square, crop the image first with Crop Image, then resize it. Resizing alone changes size, not shape.
Making images larger
You can enlarge an image up to four times, but enlarging cannot invent detail that was not in the original. The result will look softer the more you enlarge. If you need a large print, start from the original photo from the camera rather than a copy shared through a chat app, which is usually reduced in size.
Image quality tips
- Large reductions are done in several halving steps, which keeps fine lines and text smoother than a single jump.
- Keep the output format the same as the original unless you have a reason to change it.
- For text and screenshots, PNG avoids blurry edges around letters.
- Resize once from the original. Resizing a resized image repeatedly loses quality each time.
Frequently asked questions
Will resizing reduce quality?
Making an image smaller keeps it sharp and usually reduces the file size. Making it larger than the original cannot add detail, so the result will look softer. For best results, start from the largest version of the image you have.
What does locking the aspect ratio do?
When locked, changing the width updates the height automatically so the image keeps its original proportions. Unlock it only if you need exact dimensions and accept that the image may look stretched.
Which format is the resized image saved in?
The same format as the original by default. You can choose a different output format in the settings.
Is there a size limit?
Files up to 25 MB and up to 40 megapixels are supported. Very large images may be limited further by the memory available to your browser, especially on phones.
How do I resize a photo to 2 x 2 inches?
Inches depend on print resolution. At 300 DPI, 2 x 2 inches is 600 x 600 pixels. For passport photos, the Passport Photo Maker sets the size and head position for you.
Will resizing change the file format?
No, unless you choose a different output format in the settings.
What is the largest size I can create?
Up to 20,000 pixels on a side and 40 megapixels in total, subject to the memory of your device.