Resizing images using GIMP

[Bluey Zarzoff]

I have noted a couple of times where people were having trouble resizing images.

Whilst I usually use Photoshop and resizing is easy with that, I thought that I will post the method using GIMP.

GIMP is an open source photo editor (free) and, quite frankly, is not too bad. Not up there with PS but does more than enough for most image manipulations.

Now, to resize an image.

1. Open GIMP. Open the image that you wish to resize.

2. In the top menu options, click on Image/Scale Image.

3. You will be presented with a box the gives the option of scaling the size of the image and the pixel count per inch.

4. Set the size of the image, if you are setting it to view on the internet, I would suggest a maximum of 800px wide as this will fit the page nicely when zoomed. You will find that the program constrains proportions automatically so you should only need to set the width.

5. Set the pixel size to 72px/inch. This is standard for internet images. Again, proportions will be retained.

6. Click on the scale button at the bottom right of the window. The adjusted image will now show. Check if it is done to your satisfaction. Remember you may have to zoom out to see it as the original zoom is retained, which is for the old larger image.

7. Now the tricky bit. I did the swearing for you on this so you don't have to send the air blue.

        In the top menu  click on File/Export. Yes EXPORT, not save or save as. The reason for this is that in save and save as, there is no option to save as a JPG or PNG or any other standard format.

        Fill in the details, give it the file path, make sure that it is the file format that you want and click Export. All done.

8. Your original image will still be there as well. Simply close it without saving and it will remain unaltered.

Hope this helps a bit.

[Jamo]

Thanks Bluey,

Just goes to show there are more ways to skin a cat (or resize photos). Now that I am getting the hang of it I am finding Leah's suggestion in Irfanview quite easy. There is less steps in the process that what you mention here.

Cheers

[Aussie Sapphire]

Yes - I like the Gimp for more tricky stuff but for routine jobs, I find Irfanview faster and easier.

Have never used Picture Manager but find Irfanview is a good mix of having lots of features but easy on the routine stuff.

Will add some of these software suggestions to the FAQ section soon.

cheers
Leah

[Bluey Zarzoff]

Thanks Leah.

Haven't tried Irfanview. Will have a look at it.

[Ranger Itchy]

Hi Guys, Just a quick question that might sound a bit silly to you but I'm going to ask it anyway!!!  Where do I find and download GIMP or INFRAVIEW??? I usually use windows but would like some other options!!!

Cheers Ian

[Fullerton]

Irfanview ... http://www.irfanview.com/

[darttrev68]

Hi Folks, I use Photoscape. It is free to download and has both resizing and file conversion options. Plus lots of other features that I have not yet used. Very easy to use and allows you to "save as" so that your originals are not lost.
Find it here http://www.photoscape.org/ps/main/index.php

[Jeffin]

If you're using a mac, then it's easy to use preview to resize an image and save space.