Transforming and Retouching > Cropping images
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Cropping images


Cropping is the process of selecting and removing a portion of an image to create focus or strengthen its composition. You can crop an image using the crop tool or the Crop command. In addition, you can use the Straighten and Crop Image command to automatically correct a skewed image. (See Straightening images.)

To crop an image using the crop tool:

1 Select the crop tool ().

2 If you want to specify the size or resolution of the crop, enter the values in the Width, Height, or Resolution text boxes in the options bar. You can also click Front Image to enter the values of the currently active image.

3 Drag over the part of the image you want to keep. When you release the mouse button, the crop marquee appears as a bounding box with handles at the corners and sides.

4 If necessary, select the Shield cropped area option to show the cropping shield. To adjust the color and opacity of the cropping shield, use the color selection box and the opacity pop-up slider in the options bar.

5 Adjust the crop marquee:
  • To move the marquee to another position, place the pointer inside the bounding box, and drag.
  • To scale the marquee, drag a handle. To constrain the proportions, hold down Shift as you drag a corner handle.
  • To rotate the marquee, position the pointer outside the bounding box (the pointer turns into a curved arrow ()), and drag.

    • Note: You can't rotate the crop tool marquee for an image in Bitmap mode.

    6 Do one of the following to crop the image:
  • Click the OK button () in the options bar.
  • Double-click inside the crop marquee.
  • Select a different tool in the toolbox.
  • Press Enter (Windows) or Return (Mac OS).

    • Click the Cancel button () in the options bar to cancel the cropping operation.

    To crop an image using the Crop command:

    1 Select the part of the image you want to keep. (See  Using the marquee tools.)

    2 Choose Image > Crop.

    Transforming and Retouching > Cropping images