Tips for Cropping Photos
Learn how to crop your photos without impacting quality and meet online app and website requirements.
Cropping removes unwanted content. That content might include unnecessary space around subjects or objects. If you're happy with the way I've cropped your images, you can skip this page.
Cropping can also change aspect ratios. For example, 4” x 6” photos are in a 2:3 aspect ratio (least common denominator fractions). Similarly, photos printed on 8” x 10” paper are in a 4:5 ratio. And many TVs and computer monitors display information in a 16:9 ratio. The photos you receive from me are almost always in a 2:3 aspect ratio.
Sometimes my original 2:3 ratio crop is preferred. Alternatively, you can crop the image tighter while still maintaining the 2:3 aspect ratio, make the photos square (1:1 ratio), or even make the image wide and short like a banner graphic. Pick the crop that works best for you.
My high-resolution cameras allow for deep crops. This means you can remove most of the original image and the remaining area will still work great for most online applications.
For example, if an image includes a full-body portrait, you can crop the image and only leave the head and shoulders. That crop would be fine for most digital uses.
Crop your photos referencing my basic instructions or search for photo cropping advice online.
PC Cropping Instructions
Follow these basic photo cropping instructions for Windows 10 PCs.
- Click the Windows Start button.
- Type the word photos. The search box will appear.
- Click on the Photos App option that appears on the search results list.
- Click the Import button located at the top-right screen corner.
- Select the appropriate photo.
- Click the Crop icon located at the top of your screen.
- Drag the corner handles and choose the appropriate crop. Also explore the Straightening, Rotate, Flip, and Aspect Ratio tools at the right of your screen.
- Click the Save a copy button.
Mac Cropping Instructions
Follow these basic photo cropping instructions for macOS.
- Select the photo by double-clicking.
- Choose Edit from the toolbar.
- Click the Crop button located at the top of your screen.
- Drag the corner handles and choose the appropriate crop. Also, explore the Flip and Aspect Ratio tools at the right of your screen.
- Click the Done button located at the top of your screen.