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Photoshop Processing

How to Change the Canvas Size in Photoshop

Szilard Kovacs
by Szilard Kovacs
Last updated: 21/10/2024-4 min read
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Struggling to change the canvas size in Photoshop? Mastering this process can simplify your design workflow and enhance your creative flexibility. Our step-by-step guide will help you navigate this task with ease.

Step 1. Navigate to the Image Menu

Begin by opening your Photoshop program. Once it’s open, locate the Image menu at the top of the screen. Click on it to reveal a dropdown list of options. In the dropdown list, look for the option labeled “Canvas Size”. Click on this to open the Canvas Size dialog box. 

A photo editing program with various tools visible, including brushes and text.

Step 2. Understanding the Canvas Size Dialog Box

This dialog box is where you can adjust the size of your canvas. It contains several options that allow you to customize the canvas to your liking.

Step 2.1. Width and Height Options

These options let you manually input the dimensions of your canvas. They are measured in pixels, but you can change the unit of measurement if needed.

A dialog box for adding a camera to a composition in Adobe Photoshop, with the camera layer name layer 2 highlighted and set at 100%.

Step 2.2. Canvas Extension Color

This option lets you choose the color that fills in any extra space when you increase the canvas size. You can choose from default colors or pick a custom color.

Several open windows, showing various graphic design software interfaces.

Step 2.3. Anchor Points

The grid of squares is your anchor point selector. It lets you choose where to “anchor” your canvas when you change its size.

A dialog box with options for adjusting the canvas size in Adobe Photoshop.

Step 3. Adjusting the Canvas Size

Now that you understand the dialog box, you can adjust your canvas size.

Step 3.1. Increasing the Canvas Size

To increase the size, simply type in larger numbers in the Width and Height boxes. The canvas will expand in the direction of your chosen anchor point.

An image editor open, showing the software interface and a screenshot of a picture being edited.

Step 3.2. Decreasing the Canvas Size

Similarly, to decrease the size, type in smaller numbers. The canvas will shrink towards your chosen anchor point.

A new document template named Wave with the dimensions specified at 298 x 176 pixels, showing the current zoom level at 100% and the current view settings at 298 pixels wide by 176 pixels high.

Step 4. Confirming Your Changes

Once you’re happy with the new size, click the “OK” button to confirm your changes.

Step 5. Reverting Canvas Size Changes

If you’re not happy with the new size, you can revert back to the original size by going to the Edit menu and selecting “Undo Canvas Size”.

The user interface of Adobe Photoshop, with various panels open and an arrow pointing to the Undo Carve option.

Step 6. Using the Crop Tool to Adjust Canvas Size

The Crop tool is another way to adjust your canvas size.

Step 7.1. Selecting the Crop Tool

The Crop tool is located in the toolbar on the left side of the screen. Click on it to activate it.

Adobe Photoshop application with various editing tools, panels and menus visible on the screen.

Step 7.2. Adjusting Crop Borders

Once activated, click and drag the borders of the crop box to adjust the canvas size.

Adobe Photoshop displaying a document that has been edited or manipulated.

Step 7.3. Confirming Your Crop

Press Enter to confirm your crop and adjust the canvas size.

Step 8. Using the Relative Checkbox for Adjusting Canvas Size

The Relative checkbox in the Canvas Size dialog box allows you to adjust the size relative to its current size. Check it and enter the desired increase or decrease in the Width and Height boxes.

The size of an object in pixels, with the dialog box open and the selected size indicated as 1920 x 3024.

Step 9. Saving Your Adjusted Canvas

After adjusting the canvas size, go to the File menu and select “Save” to keep your changes. If you want to keep the original untouched, choose “Save As” and give the new file a different name.

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