How to Resize an Image in Paint 3D

Most resize problems in Paint 3D come from one checkbox. Here is how to resize an image in Paint 3D the right way, what that checkbox does, and three other ways to resize for different jobs.

The one setting that confuses everyone

In the Canvas tab, under Resize canvas, there is a box called Resize image with canvas. It decides what happens when you change the size.

• Ticked: the picture grows or shrinks along with the canvas. This is a real resize.
• Unticked: only the canvas changes. The picture stays the same size. Shrinking the canvas cuts off the edges. Growing it adds empty space around the picture.

If your picture got cut off, or gained a blank border, when you only wanted it smaller or bigger, this box was unticked.

Method 1: Resize the whole picture

1. Click the Canvas tab.
2. Tick Resize image with canvas.
3. Tick Lock aspect ratio, so the picture keeps its shape.
4. Choose Pixels or Percent in the unit list.
5. Type the new Width. The Height changes with it.

Percent is handy for quick changes. Type 50 to halve the picture, or 200 to double it. Pixels is better when a website or form asks for an exact size.

You can also drag the small square handles on the edges of the canvas. That is quicker, but it is harder to hit an exact number. Whichever way you choose, check the new width and height in the panel before you carry on.

Method 2: Resize only when you save

This is the best option when you just need a smaller copy, for example to email or upload. Your project stays at full size.

1. Click Menu, then Save as, then Image.
2. Under Preview on the right, type a new Width or Height. Leave Lock aspect ratio ticked.
3. Check the file size and dimensions shown at the top left of the screen.
4. Click Save, then pick a folder and a file name.

Because the resize happens only in the saved file, you can make several sizes from the same project without losing quality in the original. Our guide on how to save in Paint 3D covers every format on this screen.

Method 3: Resize one part of the picture

1. Click Select and drag a box around the part you want to resize.
2. Drag a corner handle of the box. The right panel shows the width and height of the selection, so you can aim for an exact size.

When you shrink a selection, the spot it used to cover can be left empty. To resize one object cleanly, cut it out first with Magic select. Our guide on how to remove a background in Paint 3D shows how.

Method 4: Resize a 3D object

Click Select, then click the 3D object. A box with corner handles appears around it. Drag a corner to make it bigger or smaller. 3D objects stay separate, so you can resize them again at any time without touching the rest of the picture.

Resize or crop?

Resizing changes the size of everything in the picture. Cropping keeps the size of what is left and throws away the edges. If you want a smaller picture that still shows everything, resize. If you want to lose part of the picture, crop. Our crop guide covers that.

Tips for good results

• Shrinking is safe. Making a picture smaller keeps it sharp.
• Enlarging cannot add detail. A small picture made much bigger will look softer. Start from the largest version you have.
• Keep the ratio locked. Unlocking it stretches or squashes the picture.
• Resize last. Do your edits first and resize at the end, ideally while saving.

Common problems

The picture looks stretched. Lock aspect ratio was unticked. Press Undo, tick it, and try again.

The edges got cut off. Resize image with canvas was unticked, so only the canvas shrank. Press Undo, tick it, and resize again.

A white or empty border appeared. Same cause in reverse. The canvas grew but the picture did not.

The saved file is still too big. Lower the width in the save screen, and check the file size before saving. Saving as JPEG instead of PNG usually gives a smaller file for photos, but JPEG cannot keep transparency.

FAQ

Spotted something that does not match your screen? Email [email protected].