Resizing a Canvas in Art Software
If you've created a page and realized it needs to be a different size, you can change the canvas size in your art software. To do this, go to Edit > Change Canvas Size. This will allow you to modify the original dimensions of your page.
In the Change Canvas Size menu, you can adjust the size using the slider or by entering specific values. The original dimensions of the page are displayed, along with the unit of measurement used (e.g. inches). As you modify the size, the white area in the preview will show the new size of the canvas.
Canvas Size Editing
Typing in Dimensions
You can type in the exact number for the height and width of the canvas if needed (e.g., 20 in).
Reference Point
The canvas size editing is based on the center reference point by default. You can change the reference point by unchecking the box. Unchecking the box will remove Crop Marks and default border. You can set the reference point to the bottom left, which means:
- Height changes will only affect the bottom of the canvas
- Width changes will affect the left side of the canvas
- All changes are based around the bottom left corner
Sliders
You can also use sliders to change the canvas size. Sliders are available in the edit mode. You can adjust the height and width using the sliders.
Changing Canvas Size and Resolution in Graphic Design
Changing Canvas Size
The art created earlier is not destroyed, it's non-destructive, so it will be preserved. To change the canvas size, go to Edit and adjust the canvas size. The reason the canvas size cuts off at the edge is because it reaches the original page boundary. The edit is non-destructive, so the original artwork is preserved.
Changing Image Resolution
To change the resolution of the canvas, go to Edit and select Change Image Resolution. This option allows changing the canvas size and resolution simultaneously. However, it does not provide the same control over the reference point (e.g. bottom left or upper right) as changing the canvas size. Use this option primarily for changing the resolution, and the other tool for changing the canvas size.
In the Change Image Resolution dialog, you can:
- Set a specific resolution (e.g. 72)
- Change the units for width and height (e.g. from pixels to inches)
- Adjust the size of the canvas, which will affect the overall quality of the image
Image Resolution and Canvas Size in Graphic Design
Issues with Changing Image Resolution
When changing the DPI (dots per inch) of an image, the quality of the image may be affected. Shifting from a high DPI (e.g. 600) to a lower DPI (e.g. 72) can result in a noticeable loss of quality. This is because the image is made up of pixels, and changing the DPI can affect the pixel density.
Options for Changing Image Resolution
There are two methods to change the image resolution:
- Contracting the size of the image
- Increasing the DPI
Both methods can produce different results, and it's recommended to try both to see which works best for the specific workflow.
Example of Changing Image Resolution
Changing the image resolution from 600 DPI to 72 DPI while keeping the dimensions the same can result in a pixelated image along the edges. It's essential to be aware of this potential issue and take steps to modify it if necessary.
Additional Methods for Changing Image Resolution
There are other methods to change the image resolution, which will be discussed later. These methods can help to improve the quality of the image when changing the resolution.