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I need a little help with a photo resize

by laurencewins
33 replies
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My resident guru isn't contactable anymore and I have a small problem that I need help with.
I am trying to do a favour for a friend and create a letterhead. I have a photo to add BUT I can't remember how to resize it properly so it will fit.

I was wondering if there was somebody who could either tell me how or who could do what I know is a simple job if you actually know what you're doing.

Thank you in advance to anybody willing to help.
  • Profile picture of the author twister85
    Resizing a photo could be simple as opening a bottle. But sometimes the cap wont open. So.. You can just use photoshop by dragging the image and editing it in the canvas settings. Or just hit me a PM with the image and I'll do it for you.
    Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I sent you a pm. Thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Laurence,

    It helps if you say what software you have for editing graphics. The "how-to" can be slightly different from program to program.

    Basically though, open the program and go to the Edit menu. Look for an option that says Resample, or Resize, or Image Size, or a similar wording. Select that option you should have some kind of dialog box that lets you type in the new size. Also look for an option to constrain proportions so the height and width are adjusted at the same rate to prevent distortion.
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Hi Dennis,

    To be honest, when it comes to photos, I get confused but Shivam has thankfully offered to fix it for me. But thank you very much for your advice. I am lost without my guru.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Laurence - I'm a techno moron and can handle this one.......
    Go get Irfanview - it's a free program and lets you do a LOT of different things to your photos. Sizing in so easy with that program even I can do it.
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    Sal
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Thanks Sal. I will give that a try shortly. I will let you know how I go. Thank YOU!
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Hey Sal, I can see how to change the size but it still has the black background and that doesn't disappear. I think I better wait for the guy who so kindly offered to fix it for me and hope he knows what he is doing. Seems you are smarter than me in this area of work.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      Hey Sal, I can see how to change the size but it still has the black background and that doesn't disappear. I think I better wait for the guy who so kindly offered to fix it for me and hope he knows what he is doing. Seems you are smarter than me in this area of work.
      Glad to see you got what you need, but for your future reference...

      Irfanview, the program itself, will only go so small, so if you resize a graphic smaller than the minimum program size, the black background is just the empty space. Black is the default background color (which can be changed). If you put the picture on whatever it was you making, it shouldn't have the black background.
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    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      Hey Sal, I can see how to change the size but it still has the black background and that doesn't disappear. I think I better wait for the guy who so kindly offered to fix it for me and hope he knows what he is doing. Seems you are smarter than me in this area of work.
      The black background isn't part of the pic - try posting a pic in here and you will see that the black doesn't come along with the picture. It is just the background that shows on Irfanview.
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Some programs don't handle this right, and you have to do it right the first time, or quality degrades. ALSO, some default to sizing based on how you drag it. The best is often a setting that allows relative sizing(I forget the term, but it is often a checkbox in the sizing dialog. THEN, you can enter the desired size.

    ALSO, resizing text is messy and problematic, so it is best if that is on another layer and adjusted as well, as text.

    Yes it is a bit more work, but quality is better, and text won't degrade It is best if it is layered anyway, as it makes changes easier.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    There isn't any text on the photo itself so that should help. I did try fiddling with the size but the width was strange. I will wait and see if the first kind soul works some magic. If not I will be back asking for more help. It frustrates me so much sometimes.
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      There isn't any text on the photo itself so that should help.
      Yeah, a loss of quality usually shows in text first, and sometimes it is impossible to keep the quality. That is one reason why some companies leave out the text if the logo gets too small.

      I did try fiddling with the size but the width was strange.
      Yeah, many programs allow independent sizing, and drag and drop often defaults to not proportional, so if you don't drag it right, it gets distorted. That is why I often use the dialog where you can be certain all is right.

      I will wait and see if the first kind soul works some magic. If not I will be back asking for more help. It frustrates me so much sometimes.
      That is the quickest way. If s/he waits for the graphic, is diligent, and you send it out quickly, you may quickly get it properly resized. It is just nice to know it. And EVERYONE gets frustrated at times.

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Use Microsoft Paint (win7).

    Change the default setting (Percentage) to Pixels, leave the Maintain aspect ratio checked. Change either the Horizontal or Vertical numbers & the image will scale both X & Y at the same time.



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  • Profile picture of the author twister85
    Just Got home, It was a long journey, Thanks buddy for keeping your trust in me. I'll try my best or outsource with my partners to make it done nicely. have patience.

    PM'd you some question.
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  • Profile picture of the author twister85
    Files send. hope you like them Laurence!
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Hi Yukon,

    I don't even know what MS Paint is and it doesn't look like I have it. But thanks for trying.
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    • Profile picture of the author yukon
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      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      Hi Yukon,

      I don't even know what MS Paint is and it doesn't look like I have it. But thanks for trying.
      You've never heard of Microsoft Paint?

      Paint has been the default drawing program for Windows since Windows 95.
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      • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
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        Originally Posted by yukon View Post

        You've never heard of Microsoft Paint?

        Paint has been the default drawing program for Windows since Windows 95.
        Not everyone uses "Windows", hello ...
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        • Profile picture of the author yukon
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

          Not everyone uses "Windows", hello ...
          If they did they would be able to easily resize images with default software.
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      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by yukon View Post

        You've never heard of Microsoft Paint?

        Paint has been the default drawing program for Windows since Windows 95.
        Paint is a HORRIBLE program. That is one reason why people generally use anything BUT. Using paint for graphics is like using notepad instead of word for an editor.

        Steve
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        • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
          You've never heard of Microsoft Paint?

          Paint has been the default drawing program for Windows since Windows 95.
          Hmmm, l have done courses, and found people that don't know how to scroll the image up, eventhough they are holding the mouse in their hands.

          I had a guy ask me how, and l couldn't figure out what he meant, someone else had to show him. I know so much about these nasty PC,s that l couldn't comprehend someone who didn't know how to use a mouse!


          I suppose it is a bit like asking a rocket scientist, how to use a piece of chalk, he may not understand the question, because it is so basic.


          Paint is a HORRIBLE program. That is one reason why people generally use anything BUT. Using paint for graphics is like using notepad instead of word for an editor.

          Steve
          True Paint is a piece of s*** but it can do some basic things. Certainly better than getting Photoshop, (free trial, or $20 a month version) and trying to figure it out enough to do something.

          Photoshop is an impressive piece of software, but you have to allow almost 6 months to get a handle on it!


          Gimp, is to Photoshop, what Openoffice is to Word; the free ones, do work, but are a pain to use at times, or a bit like using a free Volkswagen instead of spending coin and getting a sports car!

          Shane
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          • Profile picture of the author seasoned
            Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

            True Paint is a piece of s*** but it can do some basic things.
            Yes. I often have to work with iferior tool sets, and HAVE had to use paint. But it is nowhere near as good as gimp or photoshop.

            Certainly better than getting Photoshop, (free trial, or $20 a month version) and trying to figure it out enough to do something.

            Photoshop is an impressive piece of software, but you have to allow almost 6 months to get a handle on it!

            Gimp, is to Photoshop, what Openoffice is to Word; the free ones, do work, but are a pain to use at times, or a bit like using a free Volkswagen instead of spending coin and getting a sports car!

            Shane
            You aren't being fair. you can do most of the paint functions just as easily with gimp or photoshop. The thing is that gimp and photoshop can do SO MUCH MORE!

            Steve
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            • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
              You aren't being fair. you can do most of the paint functions just as easily with gimp or photoshop. The thing is that gimp and photoshop can do SO MUCH MORE!

              Steve
              Ok, from what l have heard, and briefly seen, Gimp, is a bit more clumsy to use over Photoshop, but l have only briefly used it myself, so l'm not an authority on the subject.

              I have used Openoffice, and eventhough good, it isn't as intuitive to use over Word.


              It could be because they have to make it different enough from Word so no copyright issues will arise, unfortunately that also means Microsoft gets to use the best ideas, and others get the next best things!

              I have my suspicions that Gimp, is similar, can't be as good as Photoshop, but takes second place?

              But as you are saying if you only want to use it for painting, then a couple of hours of learning would do the trick.

              Shane
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              • Profile picture of the author seasoned
                Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

                Ok, from what l have heard, and briefly seen, Gimp, is a bit more clumsy to use over Photoshop, but l have only briefly used it myself, so l'm not an authority on the subject.

                I have used Openoffice, and eventhough good, it isn't as intuitive to use over Word.


                It could be because they have to make it different enough from Word so no copyright issues will arise, unfortunately that also means Microsoft gets to use the best ideas, and others get the next best things!

                I have my suspicions that Gimp, is similar, can't be as good as Photoshop, but takes second place?

                But as you are saying if you only want to use it for painting, then a couple of hours of learning would do the trick.

                Shane
                Openoffice ******CAN'T****** be like MS OFFICE because then it can't be like MS office! The fact is that Open office is more like MS office than ms office is! You see, Microsoft forget why they got the nod in the first place, and is changing all their products. So little works as it once did. And MS office is a good example of that. try comparing say MS office 2001 to the latest. Even trying to set font size is very different.

                Still, openoffice wasn't trying to copy. They can copy the essence of ANY non patentable feature, and MS office doesn't have any patentable features. They can NOT copy the "look and feel" though. The mere(and actually INVALID) CLAIM of that for borlands spreadsheet product was apparently what basically killed THEM!

                GIMP was NEVER made to be a workalike to photoshop. gimpSHOP is the ONLY one even suggesting some similarity! http://www.gimpshop.com/welcome

                "Gimpshop is an exceedingly powerful Photoshop look alike that has far more features than you, or most people you know, will ever use. If you're looking to do something as simple as touch up photos, or something far more sophisticated, like work in multiple layers, it has the tools you need.
                Keep in mind, that it is FREE and opensource.

                Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Shivam, I sent you an email.
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I am not sure if I explained myself clearly. Shivam did not fully understand so I am going to try again.
    I have a word document that has to stay as a word document. What I want to do is to add a photo to the top as a logo and make it a letterhead document.
    I don't want a Powerpoint presentation and I don't think I could cope with more of the kind suggestions as to how to do it because I think I must be dumb when it comes to this stuff as everything suggested makes not much sense to me.

    SO...what I want/need is to find a kind soul who can add the photo the word doc, after resizing it so it fits. I am not sure of the time where Shivam lives so I thought I would post this anyway.

    So...anybody know how to help me with this? and stop my insomnia worrying about it (doesn't take much to keep me awake).

    Thanks to all those who have made suggestions already.
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    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
      SO...what I want/need is to find a kind soul who can add the photo the word doc, after resizing it so it fits. I am not sure of the time where Shivam lives so I thought I would post this anyway.

      So...anybody know how to help me with this? and stop my insomnia worrying about it (doesn't take much to keep me awake).

      Thanks to all those who have made suggestions already.
      Hi, laurence, l have done a lot of graphics, etc and have Word; if l remember correctly you have W7, the same as me, so l should be able to help you.

      You also live in my State, etc, so it should be easier to communicate.

      Just PM the image or images over with very clear instructions, so l get it right the first time.

      But if l am unsure l will do several.

      That way you can get some sleep, and the issue is solved.


      Seems like a relatively easy problem, but may require relatively advanced knowledge, which l probably have, or l have a lot of experience, in putting graphics with Word. doc.


      Anyway, two heads are better than one, and l am glad to help, and l should be online for another 1.30 hours, (our time), so l will leave it up to you.

      Shane

      PS if you click on "All Programs" Microsoft icon, bottom left, and after a second or two the program list shows up, then scroll down a bit to "Accessories" click or open that, and Paint will be there.

      Then double click, and create a shortcut for it, so you can find it again.
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Thanks for the offer Shane but it looks like Shivam has worked some magic and done what I asked for. Thank you to everybody for their ideas, etc. That is what makes this forum so great. People aren't afraid to offer some help if asked.
    We all have different skills and that's why we can do that.
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Shivam fixed the problem for me and so I now have exactly what I need. Thanks Shivam. Well done mate.
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  • Profile picture of the author twister85
    Sorry Laurence for making it so complicated. I didn't knew that you need some simple designs. well I would suggest you to work and learn more on computers.

    You can't live in a jungle without knowing about the danger: bear grills.

    Glad I came handy, Nice to do it for you Laurence!
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Oh - you can copy and paste that pic on OO draw and do stuff to it, too. Stuff like adding a background or text to the photo.
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I do use Windows but I only loaded the main programs. And Alexa is right in saying not everyone uses MS Office anyway.

    Anyway I am ultra glad that I got it fixed and hopefully I won't have that hassle again.
    I do want to thank everyone for their input as it proves this site is full of kind people and not just those who are out to get everything for themselves.

    My friend also says a HUGE thanks.
    She only has very limited computer skills and much of that I have taught her.
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      I do use Windows but I only loaded the main programs. And Alexa is right in saying not everyone uses MS Office anyway.

      Anyway I am ultra glad that I got it fixed and hopefully I won't have that hassle again.
      I do want to thank everyone for their input as it proves this site is full of kind people and not just those who are out to get everything for themselves.

      My friend also says a HUGE thanks.
      She only has very limited computer skills and much of that I have taught her.
      Mspaint is part of Windows, not office. Office, for a time, was GOING to have a higher end graphics program, but they dropped it. The only graphics you can do with MS Office is the remedial stuff built into word, powerpoint, and visio.

      Still, and I am running my version in safe mode now, so I can't verify this, I think that mspaint might be a free feature you may need to enable. Don't ask me why, but there are a few dozen programs/features that you have to intentionally enable in order to use.

      Steve
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