Choosing Output Size
Output size
Bear in mind that the image you see on screen is NOT print size - typically, in terms of real world units, the pixels you see on the screen take up about 3 times more space than printed pixels (screen resolutions vary from effectively 70 - 100 dpi, whereas printed images are usually at around 300dpi). A planned future feature is to provide a facility to view at print size.
'Output size' is defined as the number of pixels from a crop of the source (where initially the crop is the entire source) multiplied by a magnification factor (which by default is 1).
Restrictions on output size
SizeFixer has the following restrictions on output size:
- A minimum magnification of around 33%. SizeFixer isn't really intended for downsizing, since its features give no benefit over other applications. The algorithms SizeFixer uses become counter productive below this boundary.
- A minimum pixel output size of 16 pixels in either dimension.
SizeFixer SLR has the following restriction:
- A maximum output size of A1 in either dimension - that is, 891mm x 891mm at 300dpi (around 9033 pixels plus some 'breathing room'). Lowering the resolution doesn't allow you to go beyond this limit - the limit is on the number of pixels.
Cropping modes
Mode 1: Optionally crop the input, then specify the output size
This mode is aimed at users who primarily wish to change the size of a certain section of the picture. The shape and size of the crop can be adjusted, and this will alter the numbers shown in the 'Output Dimensions' and 'Output Document Size' sections. If you do not specify a crop, the entire source image will be upsized.
Clicking the button marked 'Adjust the input crop...' will display the 'Adjust crop' form. The current crop is indicated by the thick red rectangle overlaying the image. You can alter the crop's shape, size and position. See the section entitled 'Adjusting the crop' for more details.
Having adjusted the crop, you can then specify the size of the image that SizeFixer will output. See the section entitled 'Altering the output image size' for details on entering values. Any changes you make will NOT affect the crop you have chosen, and changes in width will be reflected in height (and vice versa) in order to preserve the aspect ratio determined by the crop. For example, if you double the value in the 'Width' box, the value in the 'Height' box will double as well.
Mode 2: Specify the output size, then position and scale the input crop
This mode is aimed primarily at users who wish to choose the size of the eventual output image, and then optionally decide how much of the source image to use to fill that size.
Entering values in the 'Output Dimensions' or 'Output Document Size' boxes will not affect the opposite dimension; doubling the value in the 'Width' box will not affect the 'Height' box. Instead, it will double the width of the crop in order to maintain aspect ratio. If it isn't possible to double the width of the crop, SizeFixer will instead half the height of the crop.
Once you've entered the size of image that you'd like SizeFixer to output, you can click the button titled 'Position and scale the crop'. A form will appear similar to that described in the 'Mode 1' section above. The difference is that you cannot change the shape of the crop, only its size and position. This has the effect of preserving the output image size you've already chosen.
Adjusting the crop
Depending on the current crop mode you're using (see above), altering the crop can have a number of effects.
You can resize the crop by dragging the edges or corners of the red rectangle. You can move the crop by dragging the box. The mouse cursor will change to indicate what will happen if you begin dragging at the mouse location. The crop form can be resized by grabbing the edges or corners of the form; this will allow more accuracy for adjusting the crop.
Altering the output image size
The boxes you see are essentially the same as those found in other upsizing applications. To alter a variable, type in one of the boxes. The number will be validated when you press Enter or Tab to leave the current box, or click on another control of the application.
Next to the 'Width' and 'Height' boxes there are drop down boxes that can be used to choose the display unit. These units will be saved as preferences when the program exits.
Resample image
When the 'Resample image' checkbox is checked, altering an 'Output Dimensions' value will have a corresponding affect on the 'Output Document Size' and vice versa. Altering the 'Resolution' will change the 'Output Dimensions', leaving the size in inches/cm unchanged.
When the 'Resample image' checkbox is unchecked, changes you make will have no effect on the number of pixels that SizeFixer outputs; it will only affect the print resolution.
If an entered value cannot be validated, SizeFixer will use the closest valid number.
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