Why Crop Images Correctly
Poor cropping ruins even the best photos. Whether you're preparing images for Instagram, your website, a business card, or a presentation, proper cropping ensures your subject is centered, the aspect ratio matches the platform, and nothing important is accidentally cut off.
Common Aspect Ratios Explained
- 1:1 (Square): Instagram posts, profile pictures, product listings.
- 4:3: Standard screen ratio, tablets, older video formats.
- 16:9: Widescreen — YouTube thumbnails, presentations, website banners.
- 3:2: Classic photography ratio, perfect for prints (4×6 inches).
- 2:3: Pinterest pins, portrait photos, posters.
- Free: Custom crop any area you choose.
💡 Social Media Cheat Sheet
Instagram post: 1:1 or 4:5 | Story: 9:16 | Reel cover: 3:4
Facebook cover: 16:9 | Twitter/X header: 3:1
LinkedIn banner: 4:1 | YouTube thumbnail: 16:9
Instagram post: 1:1 or 4:5 | Story: 9:16 | Reel cover: 3:4
Facebook cover: 16:9 | Twitter/X header: 3:1
LinkedIn banner: 4:1 | YouTube thumbnail: 16:9
How to Crop an Image Online
1Open the Image Crop Tool.
2Upload your image (JPG, PNG, WebP supported).
3Select a preset aspect ratio or drag to select a free crop area.
4Fine-tune the crop position by entering exact pixel values.
5Choose your output format and download the cropped image.
Pro Cropping Tips
- Rule of Thirds: Place your subject at one of the four intersection points, not the dead center.
- Avoid cropping at joints: Never crop a person at their wrists, ankles, or waist — it looks unnatural.
- Leave breathing room: Especially for portraits and moving subjects — leave space in the direction they're looking or moving.
- Crop for context, not just composition: Remove distracting backgrounds that pull attention from your subject.
FAQ
Does cropping reduce image quality?
Cropping itself doesn't affect image quality — it simply removes pixels from the edges. However, if you crop away a large portion, you'll have fewer pixels remaining, which can make the image appear lower resolution when displayed large.
Can I undo a crop?
The cropped file is a new download — your original file is unchanged. You can always re-crop from the original.