Trimming the pixel count

Your photo-editing software should offer a command that enables you to check the pixel count of your photo and eliminate any excess pixels. The following steps show you how to get the job done in Photoshop Elements, but the basic concepts apply no matter what software you're using:

1. With your picture open, choose Image --> Resize --> Image Size.

The Image Size dialog box appears.

2. Select the Resample Image check box.

When the box is selected, the Width and Height options in the Pixel Dimensions area at the top of the dialog box become available.

3. Select Bicubic from the drop-down list next to the Resample Image check box.

4. Select the Constrain Proportions check box.

5. Enter the desired horizontal pixel count in the Width box at the top of the dialog box.

Or enter the vertical pixel count in the Height box, again using the box in the Pixel Dimensions area at the top of the dialog box. When you change one value, the program automatically adjusts the other value to keep the original image proportions intact.

6. Click OK to close the dialog box.

7. Choose View --> Actual Pixels to see the image displayed at its new size.

Remember that the picture will display at a different size when viewed on a monitor that doesn't use the same screen resolution that you're currently using.

If you don't like the new size, choose Edit --> Undo and try again.

8. Save your resized picture file.

If you want to make additional changes to the picture, choose File --> Save As and save the photo in a non-destructive file format, such as PSD or TIFF.