How to Resize Images by Pixel Dimensions in Fotor

Fotor's image resizer changes a picture's width and height in pixels. You might need this for a profile photo, a webcam overlay, a thumbnail or an upload form with strict size limits. This guide covers setting exact pixel dimensions, keeping proportions intact, and confirming that the exported file matches what you need.

Before you start

• Know the target size in pixels. Check the requirements of the place where the image will be used, such as a platform, form or app. Note whether it needs an exact width and height or only a maximum.
• Keep an untouched copy of the original file. Resizing, and especially shrinking, discards detail that you cannot recover from the smaller version.
• Find the source image's current pixel dimensions. If the target is larger than the source, the result will be enlarged and may look soft.
• Compare the source aspect ratio with the target. If the ratios differ, you will need to crop as well as resize, or the image will be stretched.
• Decide whether you need transparency. If the image has a transparent background, you will need to export in a format that keeps it.

Fotor is available as a browser-based editor and as apps. With the browser version you open your image in an online service, so do not assume the file stays only on your device. Check Fotor's current privacy terms and account settings before you upload personal or sensitive photos. Some export options may depend on signing in or on your plan, so confirm what your account allows before relying on a particular option.

Step-by-step instructions

• 1. Open Fotor's resize tool. This is either the standalone image resizer or the resize option inside the editor.
• 2. Upload or open the image you want to change.
• 3. If the tool offers both percentage and pixel modes, choose pixels so you can type exact values.
• 4. Leave the aspect ratio lock (keep proportions) turned on if you want the image to scale without distortion.
• 5. Enter the width you need. With the lock on, the height updates automatically to match the original proportions.
• 6. Apply the resize and look at the preview before exporting.
• 7. Choose the file format and, if offered, a quality level when you download or export.
• 8. Save the result under a new file name so the original stays unchanged.

If you need both an exact width and an exact height, and they do not match the source proportions, crop first. Crop the image to the target aspect ratio, for example 1:1 for a square avatar or 16:9 for a widescreen thumbnail. Then resize it to the final pixel values. Turning the lock off and typing both numbers also works, but it squeezes or stretches the content.

The layout and labels can differ between the browser editor, desktop apps and mobile apps, and between versions. If a control is in a different place from where you expect, look for fields labelled width and height and for a lock or link icon between them. Use undo, or re-open the original, if you are not happy with the result before you export.

Pick the file format based on content. PNG keeps transparency and suits graphics, logos and screenshots with sharp edges. JPG has no transparency, but it usually produces smaller files for photos because it uses lossy compression. Lower quality settings shrink the file further and can add visible artifacts.

Check the output

• Open the exported file's properties or info panel in your operating system or image viewer. Confirm that the width and height in pixels match your target exactly.
• View the image at 100 percent zoom. Check edges, text and faces for blur or blockiness from compression.
• Look for stretching in round objects and faces. Distortion means the aspect ratio changed without a crop.
• If the image should be transparent, place it on a coloured background or open it in an editor that shows transparency. A solid white or black fill means the transparency was lost.
• Check the file size against any upload limit. Pixel dimensions and file size are separate: two images with the same dimensions can differ a lot in size depending on file format and compression.

Common problems and next steps

The image looks stretched or squashed: the aspect ratio lock was off, or both dimensions were forced to a different ratio. Go back to the original, crop to the target ratio, then resize with the lock on.

The height keeps changing when you type the width: this is the aspect ratio lock working as intended. Turn it off only if you accept distortion. Otherwise, crop first to reach the exact pair of values.

The result is blurry after enlarging: resizing up cannot add detail that was not in the source. If you need a larger image, start from a higher-resolution original instead of a previously shrunk copy.

The transparent background turned white or black: the image was saved in a format without transparency, such as JPG. Export again from the original as PNG.

The file is still too large for an upload limit: reduce the pixel dimensions if the destination allows it. For photos, switch to JPG or choose a lower quality level, then check the result at 100 percent zoom for compression artifacts.

An export option or format is unavailable: check whether you need to sign in, or whether the option depends on your plan. You can also export in an available format and convert the file in another tool.