How to Change Image Size in Photoshop Without Distortion – Detailed Steps
Step 1: Open Your Image
- Launch
Adobe Photoshop.
- Navigate
to File > Open and select your image.
- Click
Open.
Step 2: Enable Proportional Scaling (Free Transform)
- Press
Ctrl + T (Windows) or Cmd + T (Mac) to activate Free
Transform.
- Ensure
the Maintain Aspect Ratio (link icon) is enabled in the
options bar.
- In
Photoshop CC 2019 and later, proportional scaling is default, so
holding Shift is no longer necessary.
Step 3: Use the Image Size Tool
- Go
to Image > Image Size or press Alt + Ctrl + I (Windows) /
Option + Cmd + I (Mac).
- In
the dialog box:
- Lock
the aspect ratio by clicking the chain-link icon between Width and
Height.
- Check
the Resample option.
- Choose
Preserve Details 2.0 (for enlargement) or Bicubic Smoother/Bicubic
Sharper depending on scaling direction.
Step 4: Set New Dimensions
- Enter
the desired Width or Height value.
- The
other dimension will automatically adjust if the chain is locked.
- Click
OK to apply (after checking Resample and selecting
interpolation mode).
Step 5: Check Resolution Settings
- For web
use, set Resolution to 72 PPI.
- For print,
aim for 300 PPI or higher.
- Once
configured, click OK to confirm.
Step 6: Export the Resized Image
- Navigate
to File > Export > Export As.
- Choose
your preferred format (e.g. JPEG, PNG).
- Adjust
quality and size settings as needed.
- Click
Export to save your resized image.
📌 Pro Tips to Avoid Distortion
|
Tip |
Description |
|
Convert to Smart Object |
Right-click layer → Convert to Smart Object to keep
transformations editable. |
|
Use High-Resolution Originals |
Start with a quality base image for better output. |
|
Use Canvas Size for Cropping |
Use Image > Canvas Size instead of Image Size to
crop without resizing. |
|
Content-Aware Scaling |
Use Edit > Content-Aware Scale to stretch
backgrounds without distorting subjects. |
✅ Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
- Unlock
aspect ratio mistakenly removes the link icon.
- Holding
Shift on newer Photoshop versions may actually disable default
proportional scaling.
- Always
work on a duplicate of the original image to preserve quality.
❓ FAQs (FAQ Schema Included)
Q1: Should I hold Shift while resizing?
A: No. In Photoshop CC 2019 and later, proportional scaling is default.
Using Shift toggles this behavior off while pressed.
Q2: Can I upscale a small image without losing clarity?
A: Use Preserve Details 2.0 for minor enlargement. However, large
upsizing may introduce blur or artifacts.
Q3: What’s the difference between Free Transform and
Image Size?
A:
- Free
Transform scales layers visually (Ctrl/Cmd + T).
- Image
Size changes pixel resolution and physical output size.
Q4: When should I use Content-Aware Scale?
A: To stretch non-essential parts of an image (like background), while
keeping subject undistorted.
✅ Final Checklist
- Chain-link
icon locked for aspect ratio
- Resample
option selected with interpolation method
- Smart
Object used for non-destructive editing
- Correct
resolution based on output medium
- Exported
using high-quality format and settings
