Are you having problems trying to upload images outside of required size limitations? Are your images being distorted afterwards? Many content sites, such as eHow, have set limitations for image size. eHow, as the example in this tutorial, has a size limit of 424 x 282 pixels. That means that the width cannot exceed 424 pixels and the height cannot exceed 282 pixels (13.25 x 8.81 centimeters or 5.22 x 3.47 inches). However, many digital cameras save images much larger than that (3472 x 2604 pixels, in this example). There are many choices, when it comes to image editing software. Whether you purchase a program or download freeware, it must have the capability of resizing an image while maintaining the aspect ratio. It is also a great benefit, if your program has a ‘One Step Photo Fix.’ This will automatically correct lighting, color and contrast, making your image more appealing. Most decent programs include these features.

1. Open your photo, in the image editing software of your choice. Find and select the Resize option, under either the ‘Image,’ ‘Edit’ or ‘Tools’ tab.
2. Step 2

   Select the options to Resample using Smart Size, Lock aspect ratio, and resize all layers.

3. Step 3

   In this example, the image started out at 3472 x 2604 pixels. This will not resize to 424 x 282 pixels without distortion. Knowing that I cannot exceed 424 x 282 pixels, I set the width to 424 pixels. Since I chose to lock the aspect ratio, the height will be 318 pixels. It will have to be cropped, to be within the limitations. After setting the new dimensions, click on ‘OK.’ Keep this image open and continue.

4. Step 4

   Select the crop tool. Click just inside of the upper left or right corner of the image and drag the cursor diagonally and downward until you reach the opposite side. The crop selection should already be 424 pixels wide. With your cursor, grab the edge marker and adjust the height, until the new size is correct, as indicated by the dimensions shown on the lower portion of the program window. This should look something like: (0,4)->(424,286)=(424,282)[1.504]–Image: 424 x 318 x 16 million. Once you have the image selected to crop, double click inside the box to set the new size. Check the image information, to be sure the size is correct, before saving. If you need to try again, hit the Ctrl/Z keys to undue your last action. Once the new dimensions are correct, hit save.

5. Step 5

   If you would rather not crop a portion of your image out, with the aspect ratio locked, set the height to 282 pixels first. The image will resize at the maximum height but will only be 376 pixels wide. While you may add blank margins to reach the maximum allowable width; without them, your images will still conform to the requirements.

• In my program, I can either right-click the image or scroll down under the Image tab to find the image information. Your program may vary.
• To keyword index your image, save the file using the proper keyword(s) befitting the image as it pertains to your article, before you upload it. This way, Google Images can bring you more traffic!
• You can rotate the dimensions from Landscape to Portrait (282 x 424 pixels) but do not rotate the cover image.
• If you rotate an image, it is best to have enough text to extend to the bottom (for appearances) without being excessively wordy. DO NOT do this with more than one or two images per article.
• If you do not watermark protect your own images, others may decide to use them for their own purposes. See my related article titled ‘How to Create Watermark Protected Images.’
• Never save and close image until you are satisfied with the results.