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Preview is a pre-installed software on Mac that allows users to view and edit various types of files. One of its features is the ability to crop an image. Cropping an image means removing the unwanted portion at the edges of the picture. This is useful if you want to focus on a specific area or object in the picture. In this blog post, we will be discussing easy and efficient methods on how to crop image on Preview Mac.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
The first thing you need is a Mac computer. Preview comes pre-installed on every Mac, which makes it an easy-to-access tool. Secondly, you need an image to crop. This could be any image you want, whether it’s a screenshot, a picture from your camera roll, or a downloaded image from the web. Lastly, you need a basic understanding of the Preview application and its toolbar options.
What Requires Your Focus?
When you decide to crop an image on Preview, the focus should be on the area and size you want the final image to be. This will help you choose the best method to crop the image and which area to select. Moreover, you should pay attention to the aspect ratio of the image. A proper aspect ratio helps maintain the same proportions as the original image, even when it’s cropped.
Different Methods to Crop Image on Preview Mac
Method 1: Crop using Rectangle Selection
This is the most basic method of cropping an image on Preview Mac. You can use the rectangle selection tool to crop the image.
7 Sentences Description:
1. Open Preview app and select an image that you want to crop.
2. Click on the "Rectangular Selection" tool in the toolbar.
3. Use your mouse to draw a rectangle around the portion of the image you want to crop.
4. Go to the "Tools" menu and click on "Crop" or press Command+K.
5. This will crop the image and remove the unselected area outside the rectangle.
6. Save the cropped image using the "Save" button from the toolbar.
7. You have successfully cropped an image using the rectangular selection tool.
Pros:
1. The rectangular selection tool is easy to use and quick to execute.
2. You can visually see the area that will be cropped before committing the change.
Cons:
1. The rectangular selection tool can only crop images in a rectangular shape.
2. You need to be careful while selecting the area as it may cut out important details from the image.
Method 2: Crop using Aspect Ratio
This method crops an image by selecting a specific aspect ratio. This is useful if you want to maintain the same proportions of the original image when cropping.
7 Sentences Description:
1. Open Preview app and select an image that you want to crop.
2. Click on the "Rectangular Selection" tool in the toolbar.
3. Hold the Shift key and drag the cursor to form a square or any other aspect ratio; it will select the image area based on the aspect ratio you desire.
4. Once satisfied with the selection, press Command+K to crop the image to the selected aspect ratio.
5. The unselected area will be removed, and you will have an image with a specific aspect ratio.
6. Save the cropped image using the "Save" button from the toolbar.
7. You have successfully cropped an image using the aspect ratio tool.
Pros:
1. The aspect ratio tool maintains the same proportions of the original image while cropping, which gives a professional look to the final image.
2. You can select the aspect ratio according to your preference and requirement.
Cons:
1. The aspect ratio tool cannot select specific shapes like hearts, circles, or triangles.
2. Limited choice of aspect ratios.
Method 3: Crop using Lasso Tool
This method is useful when selecting a complex image or an object with irregular shapes. The lasso tool allows you to draw any shape around the area you want to crop.
7 Sentences Description:
1. Open Preview app and select an image that you want to crop.
2. Click on the "Lasso" tool in the toolbar.
3. Use your mouse to select the area you want to crop by drawing a shape around it.
4. The selection can be improved upon by adjusting the points on the path of the selection.
5. Go to the "Tools" menu and click on "Crop" or press Command+K.
6. The unselected area will be removed, and you will have an image with the selected portion.
7. Save the cropped image using the "Save" button from the toolbar.
Pros:
1. The lasso tool is useful in cropping images with irregular shapes or complex objects.
2. You can refine the selection by adjusting the points on the path of the selection.
Cons:
1. The lasso tool can be time-consuming and needs more practice than the other tools.
2. Not the best method to use on a complex object.
Why can’t I Crop Image on Preview Mac?
1. I cannot select the crop feature from the Tools menu
A: This may occur if the image is not in editable format. To edit the image, go to "File" and choose "Duplicate." Then try selecting the crop feature.
2. I cannot select an area to crop.
A: This may happen if the image is locked. To unlock it, select the image and press Command+I. Uncheck the box which says "Locked."
3. I cannot crop a specific shape
A: Preview application does not have a feature to crop a specific shape. You can use the Lasso tool to draw the desired shape, and then crop it.
Implications and Recommendations
Cropping an image can help you achieve a more balanced composition in your photos. Moreover, it can give a clean and professional look to your final products. It is also advisable to maintain a proper aspect ratio while cropping to avoid any distortion of the image.
5 FAQs about How to Crop Image on Preview Mac
Q1: How do I change the size of the cropped area?
A: You can adjust the size and position of the crop area by clicking and dragging the selection’s edges.
Q2: Can I undo a crop action?
A: Yes, you can undo a crop action by selecting "Edit" from the menu bar and clicking "Undo" or by pressing Command + Z.
Q3: Can I batch crop images on Preview Mac?
A: Yes, you can batch crop images using the Automator application on Mac.
Q4: Can I crop a screenshot on Preview Mac?
A: Yes, you can crop screenshots taken on your Mac using the Preview app.
Q5: Is it better to crop images before or after editing?
A: Generally, it is always recommended to edit the image before cropping to avoid losing any important details.
In Conclusion
Preview Mac is an easy-to-use image editing tool that offers multiple cropping options. By following the methods discussed in this post, you can easily crop images and achieve a professional look in your final products. Just make sure to choose the right method and maintain the right aspect ratio to produce a high-quality image.