How to crop an image: aspect ratios, pixels and composition
Understand cropping versus resizing, choose between square, 4:5 and 16:9, and frame profile photos, product details and cover images with exact pixels.
An explanatory example, not a watermark-removal result or performance benchmark.
| Use | Example selection | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Avatar | 800 × 800 px | 1:1 |
| Portrait post | 800 × 1000 px | 4:5 |
| Landscape cover | 1600 × 900 px | 16:9 |
Start with where the image will go
A profile photo, article cover and product detail need different compositions. Check the destination's aspect ratio and minimum dimensions first. Square is useful for avatar assets, 4:5 for vertical compositions and 16:9 for wide images. These are framing choices, not a promise that every platform uses the same specification.
Aspect ratio is not pixel size
A 1:1 ratio means equal width and height: both 600×600 and 1200×1200 are squares. A 4:5 image could be 800×1000 pixels. In the crop tool, the selection's width and height determine the output pixels. A preset helps establish a composition but does not enlarge a small original.
Start with a preset, then position precisely
Open the image and try square, 4:5 or 16:9. Enter left and top offsets, width and height to place a precise crop, or draw a new selection by dragging. Keep the entire selection inside the original, particularly near the bottom or right edge. Presets lock the ratio while resizing or editing dimensions; select Freeform to unlock it. Drag inside to move the selection, use corner handles to resize, or use arrow keys for precision.
Give the edges some attention
A tight crop is not always better. Platforms may display an avatar as a circle and hide corner details; a cover may need room for a headline. Before generating, check that text, product labels and faces remain complete and that the subject has enough breathing room.
Decide about compression after downloading
The crop is exported as PNG with transparency retained and without copying original metadata. PNG is not guaranteed to be smaller than an original JPEG. Download it and compare JPEG or WebP in the compression tool if needed. Remember that JPEG fills transparency with white.
Before you finish
- Check the destination's ratio and minimum pixel dimensions
- Inspect edge details, text and breathing room
- Download the result and keep the original before navigating
Keep editing your image
Save your result before opening another tool. Mark a selection to remove people, objects, text or logos.