Resize Image

Pixels, percentages, DPI, and the aspect lock

Width and height accept exact pixel values from 1 upward, or use the percentage slider from 10% to 200% (default 100%) to scale proportionally. A DPI field (1 to 1200, default 72) records print resolution metadata: 72 dots per inch matches typical screen resolution, while 300 is the standard for photo printing. Changing DPI does not move pixels; it tells a print lab what physical size the file is meant to represent.

The aspect-ratio lock starts engaged: edit the width and the height auto-computes from the original proportions, and vice versa. Toggle it off only when you intentionally need a stretched output. Uploads accept JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF and BMP up to about 20MB, and the whole resize runs on the local Canvas.

• Preset library with category tabs: all, social media, ID photo, common sizes, plus a search box that matches keywords like 1-inch, Xiaohongshu or Douyin.
• Pick a preset and its width and height fill the fields automatically; adjust afterwards without losing the lock.
• Canvas resampling happens in the browser, so an upscale adds no invented detail beyond interpolation.

Exact size versus proportional size

Exact width-and-height output is for canvas slots (a square profile avatar, a fixed header) where the destination demands one dimension and stretching is acceptable. Everything else should go through the lock: resize by width or by percentage so proportions hold. When the target is an official document photo, the ID Photo tool already bakes in head-ratio and background rules instead of a raw pixel target.

After resizing, if the file now exceeds a forum or upload cap, the Image Compressor is the right next step; for format conversion rather than dimension change, the Format Converter handles JPEG, PNG, WebP and BMP swaps.

When DPI matters, and when it does not

On screen, DPI is ignored: a 1000-pixel image displays at 1000 pixels regardless of the 72 or 300 label you set. DPI matters only when the file goes to a printer or a photo lab that computes physical print size from pixels divided by DPI: 1800 pixels at 300 DPI prints as a 6-inch photo, while the same pixels at 72 DPI would claim 25 inches. Set 300 before exporting a sheet you will print, and leave 72 for web use.

With the aspect lock on, type a percentage or a width and the other dimension follows; turn the lock off only for deliberate canvas stretching. Presets cover social, ID and common sizes, and the search box filters by keyword. Max upload is about 20MB and accepted formats include JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF and BMP. For official document photos, jump to the ID Photo tool, which enforces head ratio and background rules that a raw resize does not know about.

Proportional versus exact output

Proportional output preserves the photo's look: resize by width, by height or by percentage with the lock engaged and the frame ratio never changes. Exact output forces one canvas size, stretching if the source ratio differs; reserve it for slot graphics like square avatars or letterbox headers where the destination defines the shape. The preset library's social and ID tabs cover the common cases so you rarely need to type raw pixels.

Resizing Images Correctly: Pixels, Ratio and DPI

Resizing changes the pixel dimensions of an image so it fits a specific slot: a profile avatar, a marketplace listing, a print sheet or a website layout. PixlReady recalculates pixels entirely on your device and can lock the aspect ratio so faces and products are never stretched. Scale down stays sharp because the browser re-samples the image; enlarging beyond the original resolution cannot add real detail, so starting from the largest source you have always gives the best result.

Enter an exact width and height in pixels, resize by percentage, or use the built-in social and document presets. For print work, remember that physical size depends on pixels divided by DPI; the passport and ID presets already use the 300 DPI standards most photo labs expect.

Tips for best results

• Leave the aspect-ratio lock on unless the target genuinely requires a different shape.
• Downscale rather than upscale; ask for the original photo if you need a much larger version.
• Match the exact pixel size the platform publishes to avoid blurry resampling on its servers.
• Resize a whole folder at once with the batch processor for consistent dimensions.

Common use cases

• Creating correctly sized avatars, covers and post images for social platforms
• Preparing product photos to marketplace pixel requirements
• Making images fit email templates and CMS image slots
• Setting print dimensions at 300 DPI for ID photos and photo labs

Frequently Asked Questions