Crop image

Crop image: uses and practical guidance

Cropping an image selects a specific region and removes the rest of the composition from the exported copy. It can centre a product, remove screenshot borders or prepare a different aspect ratio. Coordinates and pixel measurements define the retained rectangle. Inspect the source dimensions before entering values so you know the bounds within which that rectangle must fit. Cropping changes composition rather than simply changing the displayed zoom level.

The top left corner is the origin: X measures movement to the right and Y movement downwards. Width and height describe the area retained from that starting point. Check that X plus width does not exceed the original width and Y plus height does not exceed the original height. These size values are not the coordinates of the lower right corner. Keeping that distinction clear prevents selecting a region different from the one intended.

A crop does not create extra detail in a small subject. If the selected region will later be enlarged, consider whether it contains enough resolution for the final output. To prepare a square from a landscape photograph, choose a square region preserving the subject, then resize it. Forcing independent dimensions without cropping can distort the image instead of changing its composition. Decide between cropping and resizing according to the actual destination requirement.

Open the copy and inspect all four edges for missing lettering, hands, labels or important object details. Screenshots may need surrounding context to remain understandable. Keep the original to try other compositions. This tool exports a new image, but is not a complete privacy audit of the file; review the visible information you are sharing and verify that the intended recipient should receive all of it.

A practical check before using the result

For a product, identify the smallest rectangle preserving its full outline and necessary surrounding space. Calculate origin and dimensions from the original image. If resizing occurs first, earlier coordinates no longer refer to the same pixel grid. Inspect a trial download before preparing other variants. For text screenshots, read words close to each edge to detect excessive cropping. Store coordinates with source dimensions so the composition remains interpretable when several similarly named images exist in the project. Reusing coordinates without identifying their source can select the wrong region, even if the rectangle itself remains within valid bounds.