Forms, print shops and websites often ask for pictures at a specific size. It may be 600 by 600 pixels for an upload, or 3.5 by 4.5 cm for a printed photo. This guide explains how to hit those numbers without stretching the image.
Pixels, cm and inches
- Pixels are the dots that make up a picture on a screen. Online forms and websites usually ask for pixels.
- Centimetres, millimetres and inches describe physical size when printed. Photo labs and official print requirements use these.
The two are connected by resolution, often written as dots per inch (dpi). If a print requirement gives a pixel size or a dpi, follow its notice.
Steps
- Open the Resize Image tool.
- Add your picture.
- Enter the width and height, and choose the unit.
- Choose how the picture should fit.
- Download the result.
Presets cover passport photos, signatures and common social sizes. Your picture stays on your device.
Avoid stretching
If the new shape differs from the original, the picture can end up squashed or stretched. Faces and logos look wrong this way. Choose a fit option instead:
- Crop to fill keeps the proportions and trims the edges to match the new shape.
- Fit inside keeps the whole picture and may leave empty space.
- Stretch forces the picture to the exact size and can distort it. Avoid it unless you must.
Keeping the ratio the same is the safest choice. If you only know the width, the height follows automatically.
Crop first when the shape is different
If your photo is landscape and the form needs a square, crop it to the right shape before resizing. Use the Crop Image tool and place the subject properly. Resizing after cropping gives a cleaner result than forcing the shape.
Pixel size is not file size
A picture can have the right pixel size but still be too heavy for an upload. Pixel size and file size are separate limits. If a form also needs a size in KB, use the Resize Image to KB tool after you set the pixels. For passport or exam forms, the Photo and Signature Resizer combines both, but always compare the numbers with the official notification.
Making a picture bigger
Making a small picture larger cannot add detail. See the Image Upscaler for smooth enlargement, and expect some softness.
Checklist
- Write down the exact size and format from the official notice.
- Resize a copy, not your only original.
- Zoom in on the final file to check it looks sharp.
- Confirm the file opens on another device.