Photoshop question

[dan33]

I am new to photoshop. My question is regarding cropping. I have cropped my images to the way I like them but I have realised I am assuming if I want prints of a standard size eg. 10x8 then I am geussing I have to crop evenly or to a dimension or ratio or something? I am sure there is an easy answer I just cant find it??

[dougj]

You are right, you need to crop to the final dimension of the print. Select the crop tool in Photoshop and look on the top toolbar. You can enter the width and height of the final image (e.g. 10" x 8"), the crop toll will be constrained to a) work with this ratio, and b) not exceed these dimensions.

[halesr]

Or, you could use a standard size matt with an opening cut to match your image. It will cost a bit more, but it might be more to your liking.--Rene

[charleswilliam3]

Perhaps someone can answer this one too:

Is there a way to crop to a ratio, say 2:3, while preserving the ppi? If this isn't clear, then perhaps an example will explain:

If I have an image of 3000pxX2000px @300ppi and I want the final output to be at a ratio of 2:1, then I would have to set my crop tool manually to 3000pxX1500px @300ppi. I want to know if there is a way to crop the image automatically by this ratio, rather than have to calculate for each variation in image size... whew...

[dan33]

THANKS FOR THE HELP.

[dougj]

Perhaps someone can answer this one too:

.. I want to know if there is a way to crop the image automatically by this ratio, rather than have to calculate for each variation in image size... whew...

Yes, you can create what Adobe calls an "action" (xxx.atn), basically a set of keystrokes that are saved under a unique name. You record the action, save it and load it one time. You will have a list of actions available for your photos, you choose which one to run and when.

Concerning croping, you can add a "stop" in an action so you can move the crop as required.

This is a nice feature of Photoshop. One can create a digital workflow that includes all of the adjustments, with your default values, for images. You can also add actions that automate noise reduction, adding frames, adding sugnatures, etc.

I hope this helps.

[aeubank]

I have a related question on Photoshop..

Supposing I crop an image then commit the crop. If I use the move tool to move the image to another image how can I maintain the same aspect ratio?

Thanks

[charleswilliam3]

Sorry dougi, but that does not answer my question at all. Actions are fine to automate a crop but that still does not allow me to crop by an apect ratio rather than pixel/inch dimension.

aeubank: I am not sure that understand your question, but I will attempt to anwer it. Sorry if I am way off.

Photoshop remember the last crop you made, so when you crop your first image and want the same crop for the second it should already be entered into the length and width fields.

When you move an image to another image a few factors that you should make identical are: pixels per inch, bit depth, and color space. If you cropped both images in the same way then you should be able to move one image onto another without any dilation.

[dougj]

@ charleswilliam3 - I must not understand your question. I think this is how to automatically crop a 3000ppi x 2000ppi image to 3000 x 1500, or some equivelant for a 2:1 aspect ratio, based on your example.

[vanderstouw]

A standard SLR shoots in 2x3 format...

As far as cropping is concerned, I personally suggest using the Canvas Size option rather than the crop tool...

The crop tool will atomatically toss your information away so you can't get it back after you save. Whereas Canvas size will allow you to change it later at any time (as long as you didn't use canvas size when your background layer is a "background" layer - double click on the background layer to make it "layer 0)

That way, until you flatten your image, you can decide to change your crop...

[charleswilliam3]

Yes, I would like to take that 2000x3000 image and change it to 1500x3000. and also a 2324pixel X 3472pixel image and change it to 1736 X 3472 image. But I dont want to have to do the math each time:
1:2 = x:3472
2x = 3472
x = 3472/2
x = 1736

I want to apply a simple ratio in the length and width boxes, thats all. It must not exist, because no one seems to get it...

[vanderstouw]

Ok:

Are you trying to squish the image down so nothing gets cut off?

If so, in your image size box (in PS) just unclick the "constrain Proportions" check box...

Otherwise just use the "canvas size" window...

There isn't a quick macro that allows you to just do a 1:2 crop without putting a little bit of thought into it...

You could just unclick the "resample image" check box in "image size" and type in a simple inches measurement like "10"... then just crop the other side to 5 inches.

If all you care about is total pixel count across, then how many pixels you have in each inch is irrelevant. And if it is important, just switch it back to what you want. It won't have any impact on the image.

[dougj]

Yes, I would like to take that 2000x3000 image and change it to 1500x3000. and also a 2324pixel X 3472pixel image and change it to 1736 X 3472 image. But I dont want to have to do the math each time:
1:2 = x:3472
2x = 3472
x = 3472/2
x = 1736

I want to apply a simple ratio in the length and width boxes, thats all. It must not exist, because no one seems to get it...

With all due respect, you initially posted a simple requirement for a single image size, and did not mention additional requirements. Perhaps if you post your complete needs other suggestions would be forthcoming.

[charleswilliam3]

Once again Dougi, no help. I am not the OP (original poster).

vanderstouw:

There isn't a quick macro that allows you to just do a 1:2 crop without putting a little bit of thought into it...

Thought?!?! I have to put thought into it?!?!

I geuss I'll have to break out the ol' slide rule.