Resize 1st or Crop 1st - which is best?

[Scarlett362]

:)Hi all, I'm trying to figure out if there is a difference in which order I edit my photos. I want to retain the highest quality for possible larger printing but I am unsure if I should crop before I resize the pic or is it better to resize it then crop. Has anyone else wondered about this?:rolleyes: or am I just being too picky? Thank you to anyone & everyone who might help me with this.:D

[ljameso1]

I don't resize my originals. I make a duplicate and resize that as needed for when I'm going to print. If you're talking about what order to work on the duplicate, then I don't think it makes much difference.

[NMarti]

Scarlett

I always make a duplicate of my original before starting to work on it. Then I open the copy and I resize then crop. You can also set your crop tool to the size you want your finished result to be and accomplish it all in one task.

[Scarlett362]

I agree with not editing the original, I always work on a duplicate too. From your replies it seems there isn't much difference between cropping first or resizing so thank you both for you input.

[jo]

My images always come in at a 72 pixel resolution. I like to resize first with the rulers on and a resolution that's good for printing. 288 pixels gives me an 8 x 12 image to work with. It gives me a feel for what the image will look like on paper, and 8 x 12 works for printing 4 x 6.

Editing and cropping depends on where I'm going with it.

For the web, cropping is purely for the artistic value -- whatever size and shape looks good to me. I have no idea what anybody else will like, so I just suit myself. :rolleyes: One of those hard lessons in life...

For print I usually crop to 8 x 10 and print on letter-sized paper. It fits nicely in precut mats, but be careful about the edges because the precut mats have a slightly smaller opening than 8 x 10.

And like everyone else says -- ALWAYS work on a copy, never on the original!

[Scarlett362]

Thanks everyone for the tips. By the way, I browsed through your galleries and some great shots and 'photoshopping'. Nice work.

[Chuck S.]

My images always come in at a 72 pixel resolution. I like to resize first with the rulers on and a resolution that's good for printing. 288 pixels gives me an 8 x 12 image to work with. It gives me a feel for what the image will look like on paper, and 8 x 12 works for printing 4 x 6.



Jo, I would just add to this that the initial resizing should be performed with the resample box unchecked. It appears from your description that you're doing exactly that, but, directed at new users of the resizing dialog, it's a good habit to adopt.

[jo]

Good point, Chuck. Sometimes I forget to mention the little details that make a big difference!