Resizing images is one of the most important skills one would need when working with digital content, especially in executing a project whether for personal purposes or professional use. You may find it quite simple to resize images, yet common mistakes are done, which lead to low quality images, unnecessary waste of time, and frustration. Here, we look at some of the most common mistakes people make in resizing their images and provide some tips on how to avoid these mistakes.
Mistake: Between Pixels and DPI
The most common point is confused with people, which is whether increasing the DPI increases the picture quality or not. Though it appears to be true because mostly we hear about increase in DPI that improves the picture, it does not essentially represent the reality. Generally, DPI measures the printed page size while pixels measure the physical dimensions of an image.
Always size to match pixel dimensions (width x height) for digital. Be sure that all prints are set at minimum 300 DPI. Don't ever forget that a change in resolution setting does nothing to an image when pixel dimensions aren't kept.
Not Keeping Aspect Ratio Stretching or Squashing an Image
Most users forget the aspect ratio when they resize the images and end up having distorted-looking images. This mainly occurs when one types the dimensions manually without locking the ratio.
Solution
Most editing tools of images give a lock for the aspect ratio. It is advisable always to use this feature in resizing images so that one does not end up having distorted images. This especially applies to logos, portraits, and product images.
Mistake:Same Size Used for All Platforms
Different platforms have different requirements regarding the size of images. The same size may be used on all platforms, but it will present poorly in some cases, such as cropping or pixelation.
Solution
Investigate the ideal image size for each platform you are utilizing. For example, the social media platforms, especially Instagram and Facebook, would require different ideal post size, story size, or even banner size. As much as possible, maintain a reference chart for proper workflow.
mistake: Do not Compress Images
Big files slow down page load speed, which decreases user experience and even sometimes even SEO. Many persons compress images once they resized. This can cause the issue of performance.
Use compression tools to compress image files. File size will not be compromised much in terms of quality. Try to compress images with online tools like TinyPNG or JPEGmini without compromising any visual integrity. Test your images on your own website with loading speed in mind.
Mistake: Wrong choice of File Type
Inaccurately selecting file format also can result in loss of quality without motive or files become unnecessarily bulky. For example, there is the potential for use of PNG to photograph because it results in a lot bigger file compared to a JPEG.
Solution
You should know what file formats are best for what type of thing
JPEG-great for photographs and many other pictures which contain colours.
PNG-good for using transparent images as well as other graphics in which edges need to be sharp or clear.
GIF-best suited for simple animation.
Always use the version that best suits your intended use depending on the format of the image you intend to work with.
mistake: Upload an image without checking its quality after resizing
Most end-users upload the resized version without checking for quality failure after resizing. This usually tends to result in pixelization or blurriness due to poor quality.
Always preview images once you have resized them so you can check for distorted pixels or loss of clarity. A second set of eyes may be beneficial as it can be difficult for you to catch potential issues yourself, or simply wait until later and review fresh.
Misconception: Metadata are neglected along with alt tags
Many users tend to forget to add the metadata and alt text of images when resizing them for a website, which will be very important for both SEO and accessibility.
Solution
Always fill in the alt text with relevant keywords each time you upload resized images to your site. It not only helps with the SEO but also makes the content accessible to users who have disabilities and rely on a screen reader.
Mistake: Reliance on Basic Software
Unsatisfactory results are experienced when using basic software, like Microsoft Paint, or using poor online tools. Such tools usually miss out on the advanced functionalities that are required for great resizing.
Solution
Use professional image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or online tools like Canva and Pixlr for better features and control of the image quality. Options include batch resizing, advance compression, and more.
Catastrophic Mistake: Overwriting the Original Files
In another error, you size an image down and overwrite it over the original file. This can be disastrous, especially if you don't like the size of the resized version.
Solution
Always keep the original of the image you are modifying. Use some form of systematic naming to your files, such as adding " _original" or saving the original in a separate folder. This makes it relatively easy to fall back on the original in case of a problem.
Wrong Behavior: Do Not Seek Help
Many attempt to resize the images, unaware of any of the tools and tricks available in the software tools. This poor workflow with awful results ends up.
Solutions
Leverage on-line tutorials, discussion forums and material. It is replete with tutorials out there to teach you tips and techniques for image resize. Skills and efficiency always increase while learning continuously on image edit and resize topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a good image size for websites?
The optimal image size can vary greatly depending on use case, but as an absolute best practice, all images should be under 200KB to ensure pages load really fast. Best sizes include 1200x800 pixels for the blog post images and 1080x1080 pixels for social media.
Q2: How can I ensure my resized images are sufficient in quality?
review the image at its intended display size to check for sharpness and clarity. If it appears pixelated or fuzzy, consider resizing it again for better quality.
Q3: Can I resize images on my smartphone?
Yes, there are many apps available for both iOS and Android that will resize an image and edit it: Snapseed, PicsArt, and Adobe Lightroom Mobile, to name a few.
Q4: Is there a difference between resizing and cropping an image?
Yes, in resizing, the dimensions are changed, while cropping just removes a part of an image to focus on a particular area.
Q5: Which tools are best suited for batch resizing images?
Tools like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP have batch processing features. Online tools like Bulk Resize Photos and PicResize can also be used for bulk resizing.
Avoiding the usual mistakes of image resizing will have a huge impact on quality, speed up loading time, and enhance the experience of users with your content. Armed with this information about the basics of resizing images, tools, and best practices, you should be able to create pretty great-looking images for any need or for any set of users. Quality impressions last, so don't rush it.