Crop vs Resize

[andyz]

Say in post you'll want a photo as an 8x10. It starts off at almost 50x70. Which is best, and why, to resize the photo down and then crop, or to crop an 8x10 initially, or does it matter?

[MT Stringer]

Crop to 8x10 at 300 dpi and see how that looks. That way you can adjust the crop for composition and go from there.

[MicWayWal]

If the default algorithm for resizing and/or cropping is alright for your use, it doesn't matter. But if you want or need to use a different algorithm for cropping, then you should resize first. This way you can choose the algorithm PS will use for your resize.

[DoublyDan]

Andy, Are you using Photoshop or Lightroom?

I found the cropping tool in Lightroom to be a little unconventional but once I figured it out (with the combination of the export command) I found that I can EASILY preserve my images and recrop at any time. With Photoshop I would use the "hide" radio button in the options bar after dragging a crop area over my image. When I would save the PSD sometimes I would lose the ability to reveal all (the original sized image).

As far as resizing goes I would stay away from that unless you need to enlarge an image to make your crop fill the rectangle. There are differing algorithms for enlarging or shrinking your images so be care of which one you choose. If enlarging you will want to do it in several steps. Say you want to make your image 30% bigger, do it in 3 steps of 10% ...This should give you better results than making the jump in one step.


With your example I would probably downsize it first, if the 50x70 has less than stellar detail at 100%. Looking at it at 100% will usually give me my answer.

Cropping for me usually comes first if in Lightroom or last if in Photoshop.

Hope this helps.

[andyz]

I'm using CS5 now. I often crop or resize first so I am working on a smaller file. My original is always preserved as I do a "Save As" almost immediately.

I was wondering from an image quality and workflow perspective if it made a difference based on the order of what is done.

Mike, 300 is my default setting on the CS5 crop tool. I assume that is what you were referring to.

[DoublyDan]

In Photoshop I make my crop last because all of the effects and layer adjustments will apply to the whole image. If I make my crop first, then only that portion of the image will receive treatment (obviously) If at a later time you want a 5x7 as well, but you cropped for an 8x10 then you may not like what your original crop has left you to make the second crop.

But if on the other hand you edit the whole image then save as a tiff or PSD. Then you can crop then export. Revert (File>Revert0)the PSD file to the last time it was saved (the final image with no crops) you will always have a full sized file to make your crops from.

Lightroom does not commit destructive crops to the image, you can at anytime reset the crop to original ratios. So you are more free to crop several sizes without having to revert or make other copies.

The algorithms are found under Image>Image Size> check the checkbox at the bottom that says "resample image" Used for resizing and cropping> In the drop down box it shows which algorithm you have your crop tool set too.

You can select the check box and change the algorithm then uncheck the check box and that will be the algorithm used when you use the cropping tool. Or you can control a resize from this dialog box.

Yes you want to set your crop dpi or ppi for 240, 300, 360 etc. But once you have that crop dragged out (but not committed -do not hit enter or the check mark) you can select the radio button to just hide the parts of the image you will not be using. Or you can have it deleted (this is the default). I usually like to hide it as it gives me more options. But any effects will not affect the hidden parts of the image and sometimes this hide option does not work properly for me. If I close the PSD file and reopen it at a later time, I will find that the Image>Reveal All command does nothing...

[MicWayWal]

Daniel,

If I am printing the image larger than the original file, 11x14 and larger, then I will crop first. I want to do my PP work on the largest size print I am going to produce for my client. The retouching work I would do on an original sized file may not look very good once it is enlarged to 24x30 or 30x40, as it reveals small imperfections I could not see in the small size. So for large prints, crop first, retouch and post work, then resize to smaller sizes if needed.

[DoublyDan]

Originally Posted by MicWayWal

Daniel,

If I am printing the image larger than the original file, 11x14 and larger, then I will crop first. I want to do my PP work on the largest size print I am going to produce for my client. The retouching work I would do on an original sized file may not look very good once it is enlarged to 24x30 or 30x40, as it reveals small imperfections I could not see in the small size. So for large prints, crop first, retouch and post work, then resize to smaller sizes if needed.

Good Point Michael. I haven't had to do much heavy lifting when it comes to up-scaling. I have enlarged for some composites though. I completely agree about the retouching work having to be done on the largest size possible. But don't tend to do much enlarging on retouched portraits. (and now that i got the 7D the images begin with a really nice quality before enlargement, I like the room to crop if I need it, and sometimes I do)

On another note, Lightroom has a very good resizer built in. I don't know all the specifics but if you are like me and import all your PSD files you can resize the finished PSD file to your liking.

Like most Adobe programs, you will find that there are many ways to accomplish just one result. Knowing the steps you need to take before you start is the best way to go about it. This way you can judge if you need to make the crop first or last.