How to Resize an Image without Losing Quality

By knowing how to resize images without losing quality, you’ll help your website look professional and establish trust with users.

Images are fundamental to digital content creation. Whether you’re creating a website, publishing a blog post, or posting on social media, using high-quality images is an absolute must. But what do you do when an image isn’t sized correctly for a specific use case?

In this post, you’ll learn five easy and quick ways to resize any image without losing quality. Then we’ll take a brief look at other image resizing tools so you can find the right one for your website.

Why do resized images lose quality?

When you resize an image, there are two common methods used: resizing by resampling and resizing by scaling.

Resizing by resampling involves adding or removing pixels from the image, resulting in a change in the total pixel count. This process can cause loss of quality because the software has to guess and create new pixels based on the surrounding ones. This can lead to blurriness or pixelation, especially if the image is downsized significantly.

Resizing by scaling, on the other hand, maintains the total pixel count but adjusts the size of the image by changing how many pixels are displayed per inch (PPI). While this method generally preserves the image quality better than resampling, it can still result in some loss of sharpness or detail, especially if the image is scaled up.

In both cases, it's important to consider the original resolution and image quality before resizing to minimize any noticeable loss in quality.

Why It’s Important to Resize Images (Without Losing Quality)

Imagine two online stores selling the same pair of shoes, but one has blurry product photos while the other has crystal clear ones. Which store are you more likely to buy from?

Probably the second store. Here’s why.

Aside from showcasing the product properly, having well-formatted images on a page conveys professionalism. On the flip side, messy images imply a lack of competence. The buyer thinks, “If they can’t get the images right, can I trust that they’ll get the products right?”

This is what happens when you resize an image and sacrifice quality. Sure, the image will fit into your banner or post, but at what cost?

Aside from obvious use cases, such as fitting the criteria for a particular social media platform, properly resizing images also has a more technical benefit for your website.

In addition to impacting the user experience, images that aren’t properly resized affect website performance. Oversized, high-resolution images might look good on the front end, but their file sizes are large. That means browsers will take longer to load them, which will increase your website’s overall load time. For more on how to make a website, check out HubSpot's free CMS tools.

But why is this so important?

A recent study found that load speed considerably impacts conversions. For example, the study found that sites that load in one second have three times higher conversion rates than sites that load in five seconds. This means you can’t afford to sacrifice a single second of load time.

Best Ways to Resize an Image Without Losing Quality

To resize an image while minimizing the loss of quality, consider the following best practices:

1. Use high-resolution source images.

Starting with a high-resolution image provides more detail and allows for more flexibility in resizing without significant quality loss. Higher-resolution images have more pixels, meaning there is more information available to work with during the resizing process.

2. Resize incrementally.

To avoid drastic changes, resize the image in smaller increments rather than making significant size adjustments all at once. This approach helps preserve the quality and minimizes the chance of introducing noticeable artifacts.

3. Maintain the original aspect ratio.

When resizing, it's generally best to maintain the original aspect ratio of the image. This ensures that the proportions are maintained and prevents distortion. Stretching or squeezing an image disproportionately can lead to visible quality loss.

4. Use WordPress plugins.

When using WordPress, you can simplify the image resizing process by using a plugin. These plugins preserve image quality by employing advanced algorithms and provide options for automatic optimization, reducing file sizes without compromising quality. They also support responsive design by generating appropriately sized images for different screen sizes.

Some of my favorite plugins include Smush, Optimus, and EWWW Image Optimizer.

5. Employ command-line tools.

If you have experience with command-line tools, like ImageMagick, consider using them to resize images. These tools can be a great time save since they allow for bulk processing, and even let you create scripts to automate image resizing.

To resize an image using ImageMagick, you can use the “convert” command with the “-resize” option.

For example, the command “convert input.jpg -resize 800x600 output.jpg” resizes the input image to a width of 800 pixels and a height of 600 pixels, saving it as output.jpg.

Upsampling vs Downsampling Images

Upsampling and downsampling are two different processes used to alter the resolution or size of an image.

Upsampling involves increasing the size or resolution of an image. It typically requires adding new pixels to the original image, often through interpolation algorithms. This results in a larger image with potentially more detail, although the added detail is only an estimation based on existing pixels. Upsampling does not actually create new information or improve the quality beyond the original resolution.

Downsampling, on the other hand, is the process of reducing the size or resolution of an image. It involves removing pixels from the original image, typically by averaging or sub-sampling adjacent pixels. Downsampling aims to reduce the file size and potentially simplify the image by removing unnecessary details. However, downsampling can also lead to a loss of fine details and smoothness, as some information is discarded.

Both upsampling and downsampling have their applications depending on the specific use case. Upsampling may be used to increase the print size of an image or prepare it for high-resolution displays. Downsampling may be employed to optimize image file sizes for web or email use, reducing loading times.

Guidelines for Resizing an Image Without Losing Quality

1. Be mindful of dimensions when reducing image pixel size.

There’s no standard width or height you should aim for when resizing your image's pixels. It will depend on a variety of factors, including where you’re putting them on your website, whether the majority of your visitors are using desktop or mobile, and so on. Between 600 to 1200 pixels should work well for web images, while still maintaining quality.

2. Compress web images to 100KB.

A rule of thumb is that you want to strike a balance between the lowest file size and an acceptable quality. Generally, an image file size of 100KB or less is acceptable for images that go on your website. Some quality loss will happen, but it won’t be noticeable if done properly.

3. Use the right image file type.

You might think that it doesn't matter what type of file (PNG vs. JPEG) that your image is stored in. However, your file type will impact the quality of your image as you resize it. 

For example, JPEGs typically store high-quality and high-detail images. When compressed, they're easy to share online, however, because of the lossy compression process, some data from the image is deleted as it gets smaller. As you continue to use it, you risk compromising the quality of your image as it loses data over time. 

On the other hand, PNGs are designed for this type of resizing. PNGs do not lose any data as you resize them so the image won't become distorted or blurry. This makes them ideal for logos and images that have a lot of writing or small figures and characters. As you resize them, those graphics will remain readable to your audience.

Let’s look at how you can resize images with some of the most popular tools out there. We'll cover:

• How to Resize an Image in Adobe Express

• How to Resize an Image in Photoshop

• How to Resize an Image in MS Paint

• How to Resize an Image in Canva

• How to Resize an Image to 100KB in Squoosh

• More Image Resizing Tools

Step 1. Create a new project in Adobe Express.

Click the “plus” icon on the Adobe Express homepage. This will open the quick actions menu. From here, select “Resize image.”

Step 2. Upload your image.

This pop-up will then appear. You can upload the image you want to resize by either dragging and dropping it into the square or browsing on your device.

Step 3. Resize your image.

Resize your image by either using one of the available templates or inserting custom dimensions. The templates are preset dimensions based on the requirements for various social media platforms.

Step 4. Adjust your image.

If you’re not happy with crop, you can also adjust your image further by panning the image (dragging it from left to right) or changing the scale of the image with the slider.

Step 5. Download your image.

Finally, click “Download” to save your resized image to your device. You can then upload to your website, blog, or social media page.

How to Reduce Image Size in Photoshop

Step 1. Import your image.

Import your image by clicking “File” and navigating to “Open.” You then have to browse your device and select the image you want to resize.

Step 2. Unlock the background layer.

Navigate to the right-hand panel and unlock the background layer. You must do this to be able to edit your image.

Step 3. Change image dimensions.

Navigate to the menu bar in the header and click on “Image.” Select “Canvas Size” from the dropdown menu. You can then change the canvas dimensions in the “New Size” section of the pop-up box to your desired dimensions. Click “OK” to proceed.

Step 4. Adjust image within canvas.

Drag your image around and adjust the edges until it fits into your newly sized canvas. Press the “enter” key on your keyboard once you’re satisfied.

Note: Ensure the “Show Transformation Controls” box is ticked, as this is what allows you to manipulate the edges of your image.

Step 5. Save your resized image.

To save your resized image to your device, select “File” from the header menu bar. Then, navigate to “Export” in the dropdown menu and click “Export As.” This allows you to choose the format for your image (PNG, JPG, etc.). Finally, click “Export” and save to your desired location.

How to Reduce Image Pixel Size in MS Paint

Step 1. Upload an image.

Choose the image you want to resize by clicking “File” on the menu bar and selecting “Open” from the dropdown menu. Select the image you want to upload from your device.

Step 2. Zoom out.

Once the image is open, if necessary, zoom out using the slider on the status bar at the bottom of the page to bring the image into focus.

Step 3. Crop the image.

If you want to crop out a portion of your image, click the square “select” icon and trace the area you would like to keep in the image. Once satisfied, click the “crop” icon to crop the image.

Step 4. Resize the image.

Click the “resize” icon to resize the image. This will open up a window with options to resize and skew the image. You can resize the image by percentage or pixel, depending on your preference. Click “OK” to save your changes.

Step 5. Save image.

Finally, to save your newly resized image, click “File” on the menu bar and navigate to “Save As” on the dropdown menu. This will allow you to choose the format to save your image.

How to Resize JPG & PNG Files in Canva

Step 1. Select image from your device.

To begin, click “Create a Design” and navigate to “Edit Photo” on the dropdown menu. This will allow you to select an image from your device.

Step 2. Click “Use in a design.”

Click “Use in a design” which will allow you to access more image editing features, including resizing.

Step 3. Resize the image.

Select “Resize” from the header menu. This will trigger a dropdown menu where you can manually change the image dimensions or select a template.

Note: This feature is only available in premium plans. However, free users can access a 30-day trial.

Once you’ve set your new image dimensions, save your changes by either clicking “Copy and Resize” — which will create a resized copy of your image — or “Resize” — which will resize your original image.

Step 4. Save your image.

Finally, to save your resized image, rename it in the header bar, then click the “Share” button also located in the header. This will trigger a dropdown menu where you will have the option to download the image.

As mentioned, when compressing an image to or under 100KB, some quality loss will happen, but it won’t be noticeable if done properly. Here we’ll look at how to compress an image in Squoosh.

Step 1. Go to Squoosh and upload your image.

First, open Squoosh in your web browser or as a desktop application. To insert your image, you can either copy and paste it into the pink spot or drag and drop it there.

You can also retrieve it from your device by clicking the image icon on the page.

Step 2. Adjust image size.

Toggle the resize icon on the menu bar. This will trigger a dropdown menu where you can adjust the pixel width and height of the page.

Step 3. Compress your image.

To view compression options in Squoosh, open the dropdown menu under “Compress.” You’ll see several options listed, but there are three that will probably be your go-tos. These are:

• MozJPEG. This method compresses images in the JPEG/JPG format. The JPG format is best for highly detailed images like photographs. It is a lossy format, meaning that the compression process removes some data permanently from the image.

• OxiPNG. This method compresses images in the PNG format. The PNG format is better for image files with lower levels of detail, like graphics and illustrations. PNG is a lossless format, meaning that no data is removed during compression.

• WebP. WebP is a relatively new file format developed by Google that aims to produce smaller file sizes than JPG and PNG while retaining quality. You can learn more about WebP here.

Step 4: Download your image.

Once you’ve set your new dimensions and compressed your image so it’s under 100KB, click the download icon on the bottom right corner of the page.

You can choose a PNG resizing tool that fits your preferences, but most of these tools work the same while retaining transparency and image quality. Here are some options we recommend:

• Adobe Express: The free online image resizer from Adobe works with PNGs. You can resize your image while retaining quality, as well as apply dimensions optimal for social media posts.
• Biteable: When resizing PNGs, it doesn’t get much simpler than Biteable. Upload your image, set your dimensions, and download.
• Squoosh: In addition to applying compression, you can also resize images (including PNGs) inside of the Squoosh tool. This is useful if you want to apply resizing and compression with the same tool.

Below, we go over more options.

Image Resizing Tools

Manually resizing each and every image you upload to your website would require a huge investment of time and energy — and likely some experience in graphic design. The good news is you can simplify the process with an image resizing tool.

Below is a collection of the best image resizing tools. They range in functionality and price so you can choose the right one for your needs and budget. Let’s get started.

Resizing.app

Resizing.app is a free Chrome extension that allows users to resize images right in their browsers. It features an incredibly simple interface.

Clicking the extension triggers a pop-up page that instructs the user to click an icon to upload an image. Then, once the image is uploaded, the user can resize the image by width, height, percentage, or using custom dimensions.

Once you resize the image, you can optimize it with the sliding scale and convert it. One drawback of this tool is that it doesn’t show the file size when you’re optimizing it. That can make it difficult to know when to stop sliding the scale to the right.

Pricing: Free

BeFunky

BeFunky is a web-based image editor that allows users to edit photos, create collages, and design digital assets such as banners and flyers. It’s designed to be Photoshop for beginners. It’s rich with features but presented in a user-friendly interface.

With BeFunky’s Batch Image Resizer, you can even resize images in bulk instead of one by one. There’s a free version with 125 digital effects available, and a premium version with hundreds more.

To resize an image with this tool, you can import the image directly from your computer, choose an image from your Google Drive, or simply drag and drop images into the editor.

Once the image is in the editor, the rest is pretty simple — select the “Edit” menu and navigate to “Resize.” This will trigger a pop-up window where the image can be resized by width, height, or scale.

Pricing: A free version is available. The paid version costs $4.99 a month billed annually or $9.99 a month billed monthly.

PicResize

PicResize is a web-based, image-resizing tool that allows users to crop, resize, and convert images. The standout feature of this tool is the ability to resize images in bulk using a feature called “BatchResize.”

This feature allows users to upload up to 100 pictures at once, resize these images using a single parameter such as “make my pictures X% smaller,” and finally save the images in JPG, GIF, or PNG format.

Once complete, users can download the resized images as a Zip folder.

It’s important to note two things.

• The free version of PicResize is only for shrinking photos. You’ll have to purchase PicResize Pro to enlarge them.

• You can only compress JPG file formats. Instead of a slider, there’s a dropdown menu with the options: good, better, best. While you can’t see the image file size, you can set a maximum file size.

Pricing: A free version is available. The paid (ad-free) version costs $75 for lifetime access.

GIMP

GIMP is a free, open-source tool. However, unlike the other tools on this list which are web-based, this tool is a downloadable program.

Although you can use this program for resizing, it is designed as an “image manipulation program.” It has many other powerful features, such as photo enhancement and digital retouching.

To resize an image on GIMP, users can either insert fixed dimensions (similar to other tools on this list) or resize the image completely freehand by dragging the corners of the image.

Pricing: Free

Resize your images in a few simple steps.

Let’s face it: Whether you’re a site owner, social media marketer, or blogger, resizing images can easily seem like just another thing in a long list of tasks.

This post was created to teach you how to make this process as easy as possible. So, next time you’re tempted to skip this crucial step, remember that by using the right methods and tools, resizing can be quick and painless.

You can resize your images in less time and improve your website speed and delight your visitors as a result.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in December 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.