How to reduce a photo?

[Green Tea]

My photos are 1Mb usually, but we can submit photos of a few Kb only. How do I make them smaller with the Microsoft editor I have?

 

[Miaow]

I'm not sure on the microsoft editor - but the way I would do it (and tend to usually) is to resize the pic to say 800x600 pixels and then when you save - use save as and reduce the quality of the image (usually its in a percentage) ie add some compression.

I usually use Irfanview which is free and is at www.irfanview.com

 

[Dubious Drewski]

"Microsoft Editor"? Do you mean MSPaint? Don't use that program for anything under any circumstances. Its resizing algorithm is disgusting and stupidly destructive, and its JPGs don't save that small. IrfanView is a good free solution for sure. Or if you want some real editing power for your photos for free, try the Gimp.

 

[keith204]

are you using MS Office Picture Manager? If so...

Look for Export...possibly along the right side of the screen. Then you just set the custom settings like you want them. As mentioned previously, definitely reduce the size for something viewable on a monitor (usually no bigger than 800x600 for web, forums, emails, etc (forums...really a bit smaller)

Then you can set your JPEG quality. Setting it lower will compress the image (filesize) smaller, but not necessarily a better quality. Also, setting the JPEG quality lower will NOT make the viewable size any smaller. In MS Picture Manager, I have found that 80 or above is usually "decent", while at 90 the blemishes are barely noticeable. Of course, this depends on your photo...just give it a try, and make sure not to overwrite your originals!

 

[passerby]

I usually use Irfanview which is free and is at www.irfanview.com

Thanks I have installed it and I will give it a go tonight. I have just run it for few minutes to see it quickly, I think this is the right one I've been asking all along.

 

[Miaow]

Thanks I have installed it and I will give it a go tonight. I have just run it for few minutes to see it quickly, I think this is the right one I've been asking all along.

Make sure you get the plugin also which expands what it can do a bit more

I find it a pretty handy program - i especially like the custom rotation option on it. It's also really good for slideshows

 

[Green Tea]

thank you all! I've installed Gimp, it looks like fun to play with !!