Adobe Photoshop CC – Essentials Training Course

Cropping images

✂️ Cropping Images

(From the Adobe Photoshop CC – Essentials Training Course)

Cropping is the process of trimming the edges of an image to improve composition, remove distractions, or fit a specific size or aspect ratio.

✅ How to Crop an Image in Photoshop

1. Select the Crop Tool

• Shortcut: Press C on your keyboard.

• Or click the Crop Tool from the left-hand toolbar.

2. Adjust the Crop Box

• Drag the corners or edges to resize the crop area.

• You can click and drag inside the crop box to reposition the image within it.

3. Set Aspect Ratio (Optional)

• In the options bar at the top, choose a preset (e.g., 4x5, 16x9) or enter custom dimensions.

• Choose “W x H x Resolution” if you're preparing an image for print or screen at a specific size and resolution.

4. Straighten an Image (if needed)

• Hover near a corner until the rotate icon appears.

• You can also click the Straighten tool (found in the options bar) and draw a line along the horizon to level the image.

5. Apply the Crop

• Press Enter/Return to confirm the crop.

• Press Esc to cancel it.

🧠 Tips for Cropping Effectively

• Rule of Thirds Grid appears by default to help with composition.

• Enable “Delete Cropped Pixels” unchecked to keep uncropped data (non-destructive).

• Use cropping to focus attention, remove excess space, or prepare for a specific layout.