How to Enlarge a Photograph
There are many ways to enlarge a photograph using computer software. The most common software is Windows Photo Gallery, which comes installed on most Windows-based computers. However, you'll need a more powerful program if you want to produce the best results when enlarging a photograph.
Things You'll Need
- Photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop
- Computer scanner
- Printer
- Photo paper
Instructions
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How to Enlarge a Photograph using a PC computer
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Make sure you have the appropriate software for the task. If you have a home scanner/copier attached to your computer, it came equipped with its own software bundle. You can determine this by scanning a photo using the scanner. If your scanner is installed properly, it will automatically launch photo editing software either before or after your photo has been scanned. If you are certain you do not have photo editing software installed on your computer, you can download one from the Internet. Visit Download.com and search Photo Editing Software. A common program for this use is Adobe Photoshop Elements, but you can filter out your search based on your specific wants and needs: price, user ratings or editors' recommendations. Some of the software is free or offered for a trial basis.
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The photo you want to enlarge will need to be placed into your computer, either by scanning it or downloading it from a digital source, before you can edit it. Save an original version of the photo in your documents folder and make a separate copy by saving it again under a different name. You should have two versions of the same file. This ensures that any mistakes in the editing process will not destroy the photo or cause you to repeat the input process.
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Open the file using your photo editing software. Make note of its size by reading its measurements in the image size window. If there is a specific area of the photo you want to be enlarged, find your cropping tool, set your measurements to the desired enlargement size and, using the crop tool, draw a selection box around the area you want enlarged. Click OK. The remainder of the image should disappear.
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If you want to enlarge an entire photograph, there are two ways to accomplish this. Using the photo editing software, simply change the measurements in the image size information box to the desired percentage. Perhaps an easier way is to simply click "Page Setup," change the percentage size to a larger increment and print.
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Tips & Warnings
Always make sure you allow for resolution, or dpi (dots per inches), adjustments when you change an image's size using the "Image Size" window. Most software programs allow you to click a box that will constrain the image's proportions. This keeps everything equal and reduces loss of image quality.
When scanning an image, make sure your resolution, or dpi, is set at 200 or above. Anything less risks image quality upon printing.
