> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.skylum.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.skylum.com/saving-and-exporting-files/resizing-an-image.md).

# Resizing an image

Learn how to resize your images in Luminar for Desktop for optimal quality and performance when preparing your photos for web, print, or social media.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note:** Some interface details and visuals in this article may differ from the latest version of Luminar for Desktop. To see the current interface, visit the [Luminar for Desktop walkthrough](/how-to-use-luminar-for-desktop/luminar-for-desktop-walkthrough.md).
{% endhint %}

Resizing a photo can be necessary for a variety of situations. For instance, you may need a specific ratio for a print, or a specific pixel size to share to social media. Luminar for Desktop can handle both scenarios with ease.

### Resizing or cropping an image to a specific aspect ratio

Resizing or cropping a photo to a specific aspect ratio can be necessary for a variety of situations. The most common is for creating a print in a standard size. For example, a standard print size is 8” x 10”, which equates to a 4:5 aspect ratio. Let’s resize and crop a photo to fit.

1. Select a photo in your **Catalog** that you wish to resize to a specific aspect ratio, then switch to the **Edit** tab.
2. At the top of the Tools panel, select the **CropAI** tool.
3. In the **Ratio** dropdown menu, select from one of the preset standard ratios, or choose **Enter Custom** to define a custom crop ratio. For this example, we’ll choose **4:5**
4. Use the **Hand Tool** to move your image around for your preferred placement and composition. When you’re satisfied, click on the **CropAI** tool to commit the crop.

### Resizing an image to a specific pixel size

Resizing an image to a specific pixel dimension is done during the **Export** process. You can export your image at its original size or enter new dimensions for the image to fit its long side or short side.

A common reason for resizing the pixel dimension of a photo is to share it with friends and family via email or social media. Decreasing the pixel dimensions of a photo makes the file size smaller, and thus easier to email and upload. For example, let’s export a photo to post on Facebook, which recommends that photos be 1080 pixels wide.

1. Select a photo in your **Catalog** that you wish to export.
2. From the **File menu, choose Export**.
3. In the **Resize** dropdown menu, choose **Long Edge**.
4. In the field below, enter the pixel dimensions you need. For this example, we’ll enter 1080.
5. Select the **Color space** and **Format** desired (for Facebook, we recommend sRGB Color space and JPEG format).
6. Click the **Save** button to export your photo.

{% hint style="info" %}
**What size should I export?**\
Recommended pixel dimensions vary by the social media platform. We recommend checking with your favorite platform(s) to see which sizes work best.
{% endhint %}


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