SizeSpec

How to crop a photo on Windows

Updated · 2 min read

Short answer

Open the picture in the Photos app, choose Edit and Crop, drag the handles or pick an aspect ratio, then save a copy. In Paint, use Select, drag a box, click Crop and save.

Crop in the Photos app

  1. 01Open the picture in the Photos app (right-click the file and choose Open with > Photos).
  2. 02Click Edit image, then Crop.
  3. 03Drag the handles of the frame. To use a fixed shape, open the aspect ratio menu and pick one, for example Square or 16:9.
  4. 04Click Save as copy from the save options. This keeps the original file unchanged.

Crop in Paint

  1. 01Right-click the file and choose Open with > Paint.
  2. 02Click Select and drag a rectangle over the part you want to keep.
  3. 03Click Crop in the toolbar.
  4. 04Choose File > Save as and pick JPEG picture so the original is not replaced.

Windows versions look a little different. If a button has another name on your computer, look for the same icons.

Cropping is not resizing

Paint also has a Resize command. It changes the size of the whole picture and, if you turn off the aspect ratio lock, it stretches the picture. Cropping removes the edges instead. The difference is explained in crop vs resize.

Frequently asked questions

How do I crop a picture to a specific size in pixels on Windows?
The Photos app crops by shape. To get exact pixels, crop to the right ratio, then resize in Paint. See how to crop a photo to a specific size.
Does the Photos app overwrite my original?
Only if you choose Save. Save as copy writes a new file and keeps the original.
Can I crop a photo to a specific shape like a circle on Windows?
The Photos app and Paint crop to rectangles only. For a circle or another shape, use PowerPoint's Crop to Shape, or a design app such as Canva. See how to crop a photo into a circle.

Selling online? Do a whole batch at once

SizeSpec crops and resizes a batch of product photos to the size each marketplace asks for and gives you one ZIP. It crops from the centre or pads the image on white, and it works in your browser, so your files are never uploaded. It does not offer free-hand cropping of a single picture.

Try it free

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