If you are an avid Mac user, then you must be aware of several unique features available on Mac operating systems. One such feature is the built-in image editor that comes with macOS. If you need to change the pixels of an image on your Mac, then you will be pleased to know that it can be done using this built-in editor.
You may need to change the pixels of an image for various reasons such as reducing the file size of an image or resizing an image to fit a certain dimensions criterion. Whatever the reason may be, we have created this tutorial to help you through the process. In this article, we will take a look at some easy methods you can use to change the pixels of an image on Mac.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we start, let’s make sure we have everything we need:
– A Mac computer
– An image file you want to modify
What requires your focus?
Changing the pixels of an image is a simple process, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before starting:
– Changing the pixels of an image can lead to some quality loss, so be careful not to overdo it.
– Make sure you have a backup copy of the original image before you start editing.
– It’s always a good idea to save the image as a new file instead of overwriting the original.
Method 1: Using Preview
Preview is a built-in app on Mac that allows you to view and edit images and PDFs. Here’s how to change the pixels of an image on Mac using Preview:
1. Open the image you want to modify in Preview.
2. Click on the "Tools" menu and select "Adjust Size."
Steps:
1. Press ‘cmd’ + ‘option’ + ‘I’ from the keyboard to open the ‘Adjust Size’ window, alternatively click ‘Tools’ from the menu bar and choose ‘Adjust Size’.
2. In the ‘Adjust Size’ window, input the target pixel dimensions in the fields labelled ‘Width’ and ‘Height’.
3. Unselect the checkbox labelled ‘Resample image’, located at the bottom of the window.
4. Press ‘Enter’ or click ‘OK’ button to apply the changes.
Pros: Simple and straight-forward process. Preview is free and comes pre-installed on Macs.
Cons: There may be some quality loss when changing the pixels of an image.
Method 2: Using Adobe Photoshop
If you have Adobe Photoshop installed on your Mac, then you can use it to change the pixels of an image. Here’s how:
1. Open Adobe Photoshop and go to "File" > "Open" to open the image you want to modify.
Steps:
1. From the top menu bar, click on the ‘Image’ option and choose ‘Image Size’
2. In the ‘Image Size’ window, uncheck the checkbox labelled ‘Resample Image’
3. Edit the current pixel dimension of the image in the fields labelled ‘Width’ and ‘Height’.
4. Click on ‘OK’ to apply the changes.
Pros: Adobe Photoshop offers more advanced capabilities for image editing.
Cons: Adobe Photoshop is expensive and may take time to learn.
Method 3: Using GIMP
If you don’t have Adobe Photoshop and don’t want to use Preview, you can use the free image editor GIMP to change the pixels of an image on Mac. Here’s how:
1. Download and install GIMP on your Mac if you haven’t already.
Steps:
1. Open the image you want to modify in GIMP.
2. Go to "Image" > "Scale Image".
3. Input the target dimensions in the fields labelled ‘Width’ and ‘Height’.
4. Uncheck the box labelled "chain" to keep the aspect ratio or check it if you want to crop the image.
5. Click on "Scale" to apply the changes.
Pros: GIMP is a free image editor with advanced features.
Cons: GIMP may take time to learn, and the interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
Why Can’t I Change Pixels of An Image?
1. Your image may be locked or restricted, and you may not have the appropriate permissions to modify it.
2. Your editor may not have the necessary tools or features to change the pixels of an image.
3. The image may be in a format that cannot be modified, such as a PDF or an image with a low resolution.
Fixes:
1. Check the file permissions and make sure that you have the appropriate access to modify the file.
2. Try using a different editor that has the necessary tools to change the pixels of an image.
3. Convert the image to a compatible format or find a higher-resolution version.
Implications and Recommendations
Changing the pixels of an image can have some implications, such as affecting the image’s quality or resolution. It’s always a good idea to keep a backup copy of the original image before making any modifications. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of the image’s aspect ratio to avoid stretching or cropping the image in a way that distorts it.
If you find that you need to modify images frequently, consider investing in a professional image editing software like Adobe Photoshop or use free alternatives like GIMP.
FAQs
Q. Can I change the pixels of an image without affecting its quality?
A. No, changing the pixels of an image will lead to some quality loss. However, you can minimize this loss by making subtle changes and saving the image in a high-quality format like PNG or JPEG.
Q. Can I change the pixels of multiple images at once?
A. Yes, most image editors have a batch processing feature that allows you to apply the same modifications to multiple images at once.
Q. Will my image look pixelated if I reduce the pixel size too much?
A. Yes, if you reduce the pixel size too much, your image may start to look pixelated or blurry.
Q. Can I enlarge an image by increasing its pixel size?
A. Yes, you can increase the pixel size of an image to enlarge it. However, be aware that this may lead to some quality loss and may not produce a satisfactory result.
Q. Can I change the pixel size of an image on my iPhone or iPad?
A. Yes, you can use the built-in Photos app on iOS devices to change the pixel size of an image. However, the process may be slightly different than on Mac, and some features may not be available.
In Conclusion
Changing the pixels of an image can be a simple process on Mac if you have the right tools and techniques. We have explored three different methods you can use to modify an image’s pixel size, ranging from simple to more advanced tools like Adobe Photoshop. Remember to always keep a backup copy of the original image and be mindful of the image’s aspect ratio when making modifications.