How to Change the Size of an Image in PhotoShop: Resize for Print or Resample for Screen

One of the most common PhotoShop tasks is resizing an image. While resizing an image is a simple thing to do, there are many considerations to keep in mind before resizing an image. First of all, do you want to change the size of the image when it is printed, or do you want to change the size of the image on the computer, such as for a website or slide show. Second, how important is it to you that your image remain sharp.
Sizing up always results in a loss of sharpness unless you are using a vector image. Sizing down, on the other hand, results in greater sharpness when image resolution remains unchanged.
Follow the instructions below to change the size of your digital image:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• digital image
• PhotoShop

1. Identify if it is resizing or resampling you want to achieve: Do you want to change the size of the photo when printed, or do you want to change the size of the photo as it appears on screen? For print, follow Steps 2 and 3.

2. 
    
   uncheck resampling image for changing print size of photo

   If altering the size of the printed photo is your goal, then uncheck the "resample image" box--which is accessed by clicking on "Image" and choosing "image size." See photo illustration.

3. Change the number of one of the dimensions and the other dimension will change proportionally. Note: the resolution will change proportionally, as well. If you size up, the resolution will become smaller, with the result that the image will be less sharp. If you size down, the resolution will become larger, with the result that the image will become sharper.

4. 
    
   check resampling image for changing on-screen size

   If changing the photo so that it will appear smaller or larger on screen (for the internet or a slide show, for example), then check "resampling image."

5. Using the drop-down box beside the "resampling image" box, select "bicubic smoother" if you are changing your image to a larger size, or choose "bicubic sharper" if you are changing your image to a smaller size.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the sharpen tool for added effect
• Always save a copy of your photo before applying new techniques. That way, if you don't like the results, you still have your original.

Resources

• Create Digital Image with Transparent Background

[inwonderland]

on 8/21/2009 Your Photoshop articles are definitely accurate, and these resizing tips are helpful even to experienced users. Thanks!