How to Use Photoshop Measurement Tools

When using Adobe Photoshop, you will need to determine the size of your images. Photoshop has two separate mechanisms to enable you to measure the size of images. You can use the handy rulers available, or for imported images, you can use the Image Size function. Both will let you know the image size in pixels, centimeters, or inches.

Things You'll Need

• Adobe Photoshop

Instructions

Measuring Images

1. 

   View the Image Size option. When you are using a previously-developed image, you will want to use the Image Size option. From the top of the Photoshop screen, select Image > Image Size. A pop-up screen will appear and you will be able to read the size of the image. As you can see from the picture, the image width and height are visible.

2. Change the size of the image. Click on the Width field and change the number. Now click OK and you will see that the size of the image has changed. You can also change the height value.

3. 

   Configure the ruler. When you are developing a new image, you will want to use the ruler option. At the top of your Photoshop screen, select Edit > Preferences > Units & Rulers. You will see a pop-up screen that will enable you to select whether you would like to have the ruler measure in pixels, inches, centimeters, millimeters, or another type of measurement.

4. 

   Make the ruler visible. From the top of the Photoshop screen, select View < Ruler (you can also click Ctrl+R). You will now see a ruler around your image. Notice in this image, that there is a dotted vertical line and horizontal that moves with your cursor.

5. 

   Measure the image. As you move your cursor around the image, the dotted line moves. This lets you know precisely where your cursor is. You can now measure specific points on your image.

Tips & Warnings

• Most graphic artists use pixel measurements when working with images, however, if you are going to be making a hard copy of the image, you may prefer to use inches or centimeters.

• When sizing an image, the image can become distorted if "Constrain Proportions" is not selected.