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Find out how why image size is so important, the most common image sizes for
various applications, what an aspect ratio refers to and how to resize a photo.
Therefore, it’s worth knowing what size your photo will be before you
take it. This way, you can make sure the aspect ratio you’re using
reflects the size of the image and the subject of the photo - so you
don’t have to crop out as much from your photo to make it fit.
When you’re designing for the web, it’s important to think about
image sizes as it can affect site speed. If an original image is larger
than the space it fills on a website, it will shrink to fit. However, your
browser will still need to load the larger image.
If you have lots of large photos on a website, it can take longer for
pages to load, which users might not be patient enough to hang
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around for. By resizing images so they fit the exact space they are
supposed to, you can improve the site’s performance and user
experience.
For example, an aspect ratio of 1:1 means the width and height are
the same, creating a square image. A ratio of 3:2 means the width is
greater than the height, creating a rectangular image.
4:3 is the aspect ratio that some computer monitors, TVs and digital
cameras use. This is the perfect aspect ratio to shoot photos or film in
if you’re creating photos that will fill a screen.
4 x 6 inches.
This is perhaps the most common photo size in print. This size of
photo fits perfectly into a 3:2 aspect ratio. If you take a photo using
this ratio, you shouldn’t have to crop out any of the image to make it
fit. This size is ideal for framed photos, greetings cards and
postcards.
You’ll need the pixel length to be 1200 x 1800 pixels for the image to
print with the best quality.
5 x 7 inches.
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This slightly larger image is often used for framed photos and
greetings cards. To get the best results for a photo of this size, try to
use a 3.5:2.5 ratio on your camera.
You’ll only need to crop a small amount of your photo to ensure that it
fits this size. For a perfect fit and quality when printing, make sure
your photo is 1500 x 2100 pixels.
8 x 10 inches.
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If you want more impactful images, this slightly larger size is a good
choice. To get the most from this image size, try to use an aspect ratio
of 5:4 on your camera.
You’ll need to crop the long side of your photo, so make sure there’s
nothing important at the bottom or top. If you’re resizing an image,
make sure it’s 2400 x 3000 pixels to fit this printed size.
8.5 x 11 inches.
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12 x 18 inches.
To get the most from a print of this larger size, make sure the image
you’re printing is large enough. A pixel size of 3600 x 5400 pixels and
an aspect ratio of 3:2 should give you the best results.
18 x 24 inches.
For a much larger print size like this, you’ll need your image to be
5400 x 7200 pixels. When you’re taking the photo, use an aspect ratio
of 3:4.
24 x 36 inches.
When you’re creating social media assets, there are lots of different
sizes to consider depending on what platform you’re using. Some
platforms won’t let you publish photos unless they are the correct
size, so it’s important to get it right.
Instagram posts.
Instagram stories.
Instagram stories are vertical, so you’ll need to flip your photo to fit.
It’s a good idea to take any photographs that are intended for stories
in portrait orientation (taller than they are wide). Alternatively, you
could make Instagram story templates. The pixel dimension for an
Instagram story is 1080 x 1920 with an aspect ratio of 9.16.
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Facebook posts.
For a Facebook feed post, you’ll need an image size of 1200 x 630.
This is the perfect size to slot into a newsfeed without Facebook
clipping or stretching your photo to fit.
Facebook stories.
A Facebook cover photo is the long image that goes across the top of
your personal or business profile. You’ll need an image size of 820 x
312 pixels to go here, but remember that your profile picture takes up
space on the left hand side of the image. Make sure that you avoid
putting anything important in this area of the image as it may be
covered up.
Twitter posts.
• If you’re tweeting two images, make each one 700 x 800 pixels.
Your cover photo is the image that goes across the top of your profile.
You’ll need a horizontal image of 500 x 1500 pixels for this.
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Pinterest pins.
LinkedIn posts.
For the long background image at the top of your profile, use an
image size of 1584 x 396 pixels.
creating a 4K standard image, it’s worth knowing the sizes that are
common across the web. Using the wrong image size can mean you
don’t achieve the right level of quality for the person who’s viewing it.
HD quality.
4K quality.
8K quality
8K takes this even further, using even more pixels and, in turn,
producing impeccable quality video and photography. For an 8K
image, use pixel dimensions of 7680 x 4320.
Step 5: click OK, then go to File. Click Save As to save your image.
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By knowing how to resize your images, you can frame your photos in
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a way that best fits the subject and publishing platform. Whether
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