Start from the platform size
Social platforms often display images in fixed shapes such as square posts, portrait posts, banners, thumbnails, or story-style vertical frames.
Before resizing, decide where the image will be used. A profile banner needs a different shape from a feed post or thumbnail.
- Check the target width and height
- Keep the subject away from the edges
- Export a test image before posting
Resize and crop are different
Resizing changes the image dimensions. Cropping removes part of the image. If the shape is wrong, resizing alone may squeeze the image or leave empty areas.
Use crop when you need a specific frame, then resize the cropped image for the final output size.
Compress after resizing
After the dimensions are correct, compression can reduce file size. This is useful for faster uploads and cleaner website pages.
Compare the output visually because over-compression can make text, faces, or detailed graphics look rough.