Resize Right and a Transforming Ta-Da!

Hello everyone! It's Jenn (jk703) stopping in today for a quick post about resizing/scaling photos, or digital scrap items. My card example below uses Chelle's awesome baby bundle: Beary Cute Baby Boy Combo, and some Stampin' Up paper supplies.

Re-sizing....

I always have to re-size photos, and many time the elements that I include on my layouts. Going larger, going smaller... I want to make sure I resize correctly. This is an incredibly easy subject for Photoshop users, but I sometimes see layouts that have skewed images or elements.

First, to resize images in Photoshop, you first want to make a duplicate of the original photo so that you can always re-use its original size if need be. You can do this quickly by selecting Image > Duplicate in the menu bar. If you don’t duplicate, you can select File > Save As to save a copy of the resized image.

To resize and image, click on Image > Image Size. This will bring up the Image Size Menu, and show you all the little features for this function.

The Image Size Menu box is divided into two main sections - Pixel Dimensions and Document Size. Another important part of this box has to do with constraining the proportions and re-sampling the pixels of a selected image. When you change the width of the photo, Photoshop will automatically adjust the appropriate image height. If the Constrain Proportions is not checked, the dimensions of your image might become skewed.

Here are some basic facts about re-sizing:

• If you change the pixel dimensions, then you will affect the physical size, but not the resolution.
• If you change the resolution, then you will affect the pixel dimensions, but not the physical size.
• If you change the physical size, then you will change the pixel dimensions, but not the resolution.

There's something you need to keep in mind though when it comes to resizing your image and image quality. The basic idea is that it's usually okay to make your image smaller without losing much in the way of image quality. However, many times you will lose image quality if you try to make your image larger.

Scaling...

One of the most basic transformations Photoshop is capable of is scaling. Scaling allows you to enlarge or contract, say an element around a reference point. To scale a graphic, we go to Edit > Transform > Scale. A set of handles will appear around our selected layer. By moving anyone of these handles, we can adjust the size of the object. To apply the transformation, hit Enter.

Most times it will be necessary to constrain the proportions of your images when scaling. We don't want to change the size of the image, and end up with skewed images. This can be achieved by Holding Shift while dragging one of the handles. You can also scale from the center reference point by Holding Alt (Option on Mac), or combine the two by holding shift and alt at the same time while scaling. The little chain links in the menu bar can be clicked to keep the proportions correct.

To Rotate an Object in Photoshop, go to Edit > Transform > Rotate. Handles will appear as they did with a Scaling Transform, but no dragging, your cursor should be just outside of the item until you see a curving arrow icon. Simply drag left or right to rotate the selected object. Once again, you must finish the transformation by pressing Enter.

The next 3 transformations are all similar, because they are all controlled by dragging those handles. You can apply a Skew, Distort, or Perspective Transformation from:

Edit > Transform >

• Skew: Skew transformations slant objects either vertically or horizontally.
• Distort: Distort transformations allow you to stretch an image in ANY direction freely.
• Perspective: The Perspective transformation allows you to add perspective to an object.

The Warp Transformation is quite a bit different compared to the other transformations. The entire shape of the object can be modified, making this transformation useful for several different effects. To use a Warp Transformation go to Edit > Transform > Warp. A grid will appear over your object that you can adjust by dragging any where on the image or on the control points, and lines. You can additionally apply a preset warp from the options bar.

I hope this was a little helpful! Let me know if you have any questions! I'd love to hear what you want to see for a tutorial - so leave a comment! Have a great day and thanks for visiting!

Jenn (jk703)