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How to Resize an Image on Mac

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Hans Grimentz
Hans Grimentz

Do you often find yourself struggling with oversized images on your Mac? Whether you want to reduce the file size or adjust the dimensions for a specific purpose, resizing and cropping images can be a useful skill to have. Fortunately, Mac offers various built-in tools that make this process simple and hassle-free. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of resizing and cropping images on your Mac using the native tools available.

If you prefer to edit your images directly in your browser, be sure to try out our ImageResize.ai tool, where you can crop, resize, and extend images to common sizes.

Table of Contents

Resizing an Image on Mac

When it comes to resizing an image on your Mac, there are a couple of different methods you can use. We will explore two of the most straightforward and efficient methods below:

Method 1: Using the Preview App

  1. Launch the Preview app: Locate the image file you wish to resize, right-click on it, and select "Open With" from the context menu. Choose "Preview" from the list of available applications.
  2. Open Image Tools: Once the image is opened in the Preview app, click on the "Tools" menu at the top of the screen and select "Adjust Size" from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Command + Option + I".
  3. Specify the New Dimensions: In the "Adjust Size" window, you will see the current dimensions of the image displayed. To resize the image, enter the desired width or height in pixels or choose a percentage scale from the dropdown menu. Ensure that the "Scale proportionally" checkbox is selected to maintain the image's aspect ratio. The other dimension will automatically adjust accordingly.
  4. Save the Resized Image: After specifying the new dimensions, click on the "OK" button. To save the resized image, navigate to the "File" menu, select "Save" or "Export As", choose the desired file format (e.g., JPEG, PNG), and select the destination folder on your Mac. Finally, click "Save" to complete the process.

Method 2: Using the Photos App

If you prefer using the Photos app to resize your images, follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Photos app: Locate the image you want to resize and open it in the Photos app.
  2. Access the Edit Menu: Click on the "Edit" button located at the top right corner of the Photos app window. Alternatively, you can press the keyboard shortcut "Command + Return" to enter the editing mode.
  3. Choose the Resize Option: In the editing toolbar that appears at the bottom of the window, click on the "Crop" icon (represented by a square with arrows pointing outwards). This will open the editing menu.
  4. Specify the New Dimensions: Within the editing menu, you will see various options for cropping and resizing the image. To resize the image, click on the "Aspect" button, and choose "Custom" from the dropdown menu. Here, you can enter the desired width and height in pixels or choose a predefined aspect ratio.
  5. Apply the Changes: After specifying the new dimensions, click on the "Done" button to apply the changes to the image.
  6. Export the Resized Image: To save the resized image, click on the "File" menu, choose "Export" and select the desired file format (e.g., JPEG, PNG). Finally, specify the destination folder on your Mac and click "Export" to complete the process.

Cropping an Image on Mac

Cropping an image allows you to remove unwanted portions and focus on specific areas. The process is simple and can be done using either the Preview app or the Photos app on your Mac. Let's explore both methods:

Method 1: Using the Preview App

  1. Open the Image in Preview: Locate the image you want to crop, right-click on it, and select "Open With" followed by "Preview". This will open the image in the Preview app.
  2. Access the Crop Tool: Once the image is opened, click on the "Tools" menu at the top of the screen and select "Rectangular Selection" or use the keyboard shortcut "Command + K". This will activate the crop tool.
  3. Select the Area to Crop: Click and drag your cursor to create a rectangular selection around the area you want to keep in the cropped image. You can adjust the size and position of the selection by clicking and dragging the handles.
  4. Crop the Image: After selecting the desired area, click on the "Crop" button in the toolbar. The image will be cropped based on your selection.
  5. Save the Cropped Image: To save the cropped image, navigate to the "File" menu, select "Save" or "Export As", choose the desired file format, and specify the destination folder on your Mac. Finally, click "Save" to complete the process.

Method 2: Using the Photos App

  1. Launch the Photos app: Locate the image you wish to crop and open it in the Photos app.
  2. Enter the Editing Mode: Click on the "Edit" button at the top right corner of the Photos app window or press the keyboard shortcut "Command + Return".
  3. Access the Crop Tool: In the editing toolbar that appears at the bottom of the window, click on the "Crop" icon (represented by a square with arrows pointing outwards).
  4. Adjust the Crop Area: Move and resize the selection frame by dragging its edges or corners. Ensure that the desired portion of the image is within the selection. You can also choose from predefined aspect ratios by clicking on the "Aspect" button.
  5. Crop the Image: Once you are satisfied with the selection, click on the "Done" button to apply the crop.
  6. Export the Cropped Image: Click on the "File" menu, select "Export", choose the desired file format, and specify the destination folder on your Mac. Finally, click "Export" to save the cropped image.

Common Questions about Image Resizing on Mac

What file formats can I resize using Preview?

Preview supports resizing a variety of image file formats, including JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, and more.

Is there a shortcut to resize images quickly?

You can use the "Automator" app on your Mac to create a custom quick action that allows you to resize images with just a right-click. You can set up specific dimensions and add the action to your context menu.

Can I batch resize multiple images at once?

Yes, you can use the Preview app to batch resize multiple images simultaneously. Open all the images you want to resize, select them all in the sidebar, and then go to the "Tools" menu and choose "Adjust Size." Changes will be applied to all the selected images.

Will resizing an image reduce its quality?

Resizing an image can potentially reduce its quality, especially if you're making it smaller. Enlarging an image may result in pixelation or loss of sharpness. To minimize quality loss, it's best to resize conservatively and save the resized image with the highest quality settings available.

Will resizing an image reduce its file size and save storage space on my Mac?

Yes, resizing an image can reduce its file size, especially when you make it smaller. Outside of resizing the images themseves, there are a lot of other ways to reduce image file size.

Conclusion

Resizing and cropping images on your Mac doesn't have to be complicated. By utilizing the built-in tools like Preview and Photos, you can easily adjust the dimensions and remove unwanted portions of your images. Whether you need to resize an image for a web page, email attachment, or social media post, these simple steps will help you achieve the desired results with ease.

So, the next time you find yourself dealing with oversized or unwanted portions in your images, remember the techniques shared in this guide. With a few clicks, you'll be able to resize and crop your images effortlessly on your Mac!