How to resize an image on Mac, Windows, and a Chromebook

Resizing an image is something we will all have to do at some point in our digital lives. And whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or using a Chromebook, there are ways to resize images on every PC. Fortunately, these are all relatively simple methods.

While there is a nearly limitless world of photo editing programs out there, we’ve made sure to highlight the tools in this multi-step guide that any Windows, macOS, or Chromebook user will have access to.

That being said, here’s how to resize images in Windows 11, macOS Sonoma, and ChromeOS.

Windows 11

For Windows 11 PCs, we prefer to use the operating system’s native Photos app. Follow the steps below to resize an image in Photos on Windows 11:

Step 1: Right-click on the image and select Open with followed by Pictures.

2nd step: Select the Three points icon located in the upper right corner of the application.

Step 3: Select Resize in the drop-down menu.

Step 4: A pop-up window appears. Select one of the three predefined sizes (shown on the left). Otherwise, choose Set custom dimensions for a specific size. Another pop-up window appears (shown on the right).

Step 5: To maintain the aspect ratio, check the box next to Maintain proportions.

When you enter a number in one of the boxes, the other box will automatically adjust its number in proportion to the number you just entered. If the aspect ratio doesn’t matter, leave the box unchecked and enter the numbers in both boxes.

Step 6: Select purple Save the resized copy button.

macOS

On macOS, you can use Preview to resize images. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Right-click on the image and select Open. If Preview is not your default image viewer, select Open with followed by Preview instead.

2nd step: Select Tools on the menu bar.

Step 3: Select Adjust size in the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Enter the width and height information. You may need to change the size type, such as from inches to pixels, as shown above. Alternatively, you can select a preset size by selecting the arrows next to Integrate into.

Step 5: Select blue ALL RIGHT button to confirm the new size.

Step 6: To save the resized image, select Deposit on the menu bar.

Step 7: Select To safeguard.

ChromeOS

You can use the ChromeOS Gallery image viewer app to resize images. Follow the steps below to resize images via Gallery:

Step 1: Right-click on the image and select Open with Gallery in the context menu. Alternatively, if Gallery is not your default image viewer, select Open with followed by Gallery.

2nd step: Select the Resize button at the top.

Step 3: Enter the width and height. Select the Chain icon to unlock the aspect ratio if necessary.

Step 4: Select blue To safeguard button. You can also select blue Down arrow choose Save as if you don’t want to edit the original image.

Web (Pixlr X)

Pixlr X is a free web application that you can use to make simple edits to your images, including resizing them. Follow the steps below to resize an image using Pixlr X:

Step 1: Direction Pixlr

2nd step: Select blue Open image button. Choose the image you want to edit.

Step 3: Find it Layout and template and select it. It looks like a group of three rectangles.

Step 4: From the Layout menu, select Smart Resizing.

Step 5: On the Smart Resizing On the screen that appears, you can enter your desired width and height measurements, lock or unlock the aspect ratio with the Lock Aspect Ratio toggle, or even choose from a variety of size presets.

Step 6: Once you have made all your changes, select blue Apply button.

Step 7: Find the blue To safeguard at the bottom and click on it.

Step 8: Enter the file name, select your preferred file type and adjust the quality if necessary. Once everything is the way you want it, select blue To safeguard button.

Your edited image should be saved to your Downloads case. There is a daily limit of three free backups.

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