Resizing changes pixel dimensions, not the quality of the original camera capture. Reducing a large photo is usually straightforward; enlarging a small file cannot invent the same detail as a large source.

Quick steps

  1. 1.Identify target width, height and aspect ratio.
  2. 2.Open the largest original, not an old compressed copy.
  3. 3.Resize or crop once for the intended destination.
  4. 4.Export and check text, faces and fine edges.

Start from the original

Use the highest-quality original available. If an app sent you a small compressed copy, downloading it again will not add missing pixels. Check width and height rather than relying on the file size alone.

Resize once for the destination

A website thumbnail and a printed photo need different dimensions. Keep the aspect ratio unless you intentionally crop. For social sharing, preview the crop after resizing because platforms may apply their own framing.

Export with suitable compression

High-quality JPEG works for most photos. Avoid saving and resizing the same JPEG repeatedly; each additional lossy export may add artifacts. Compare the saved image at its intended on-screen size.

One thing to watch

Changing the DPI field without changing pixels does not solve low screen resolution.

TRY IT ON YOUR PHOTO

Continue in MintGrade: Export and Finish tools

Use a relevant export recipe for sharing and inspect the resulting dimensions before sending.

Opens the relevant controls for JPG, PNG and WebP files. No edit is applied until you choose one.

Open export and finish tools in MintGrade →

Common question

Does reducing photo size always lower quality?

Reducing dimensions removes pixels, but a properly scaled photo can still look excellent at its intended viewing size.