How to Reduce Images That Require 1,000 Pixels or Less using Microsoft Paint

When looking at an image on a computer screen or printed out, it can be easy to forget that the picture is made up of tiny colored squares called pixels. Sometimes requirements call for images limited to exact pixel dimensions -- onscreen art such as avatars and icons often have recommended pixel counts. Use Microsoft Paint to reduce image size pixel by pixel without destroying the integrity of the picture. Paint lets you choose how to reduce the size and then prevents distortion.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Paint. Click the "Paint" drop-down menu in the top-left corner of the screen. Select "Open."

2. Browse to the image to reduce and double-click its file name, opening it on the Paint screen.

3. Click the "Resize" button on the ribbon.

4. Click the "Pixels" radio button at the top of the "Resize and Skew" window.

5. Click into the "Maintain aspect ratio" check box.

6. Click into the higher of the top "Horizontal" or "Vertical" boxes. Type the new size, under 1,000, for the image. The other dimension box will automatically change to keep the image in proportion.

7. Click the "OK" button to close the "Resize and Skew" window and return to the newly sized image on the Paint canvas.

References

• Windows: Using Paint