Adobe · Platform not recorded
Change Canvas Size in Adobe Photoshop
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Choose Image > Canvas Size, enter dimensions or a relative change, set the anchor and extension color, then confirm. Reducing the canvas can crop content.
Distinguish canvas size from image size
Canvas Size changes the editable boundary around the existing pixels; Image Size resamples or changes the dimensions of the image itself. Decide whether you want added border space, a crop, or resized artwork before choosing the command.
Protect the original document
Open the document and save a copy before reducing the canvas. Hidden pixels, layers, guides, and objects can extend beyond the visible boundary, so inspect the Layers panel and note the current dimensions and units first.
Open Canvas Size
Choose Image > Canvas Size. Enter the complete Width and Height, or enable Relative and enter positive values to add space or negative values to subtract it. Select pixels, inches, or another unit that matches the deliverable.
Place the existing artwork with Anchor
Select an Anchor square to control which side stays fixed. For example, anchoring left adds or removes space on the right; the center anchor distributes the change around all sides. Recheck the preview and signs of relative values before continuing.
Choose the added-canvas appearance
When increasing a document that has a Background layer, choose the extension color. A document without a Background layer normally adds transparency. Click OK, inspect every edge, and undo immediately if content was cropped.
Create a new canvas correctly
For a new project, use File > New, choose or enter Width, Height, Resolution, Color Mode, bit depth, and background, then select Create. These creation settings are separate from changing an existing document's canvas.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the result changes pixel dimensions or quality, undo and confirm you used Canvas Size rather than Image Size. If Canvas Extension Color is unavailable, the document has no Background layer; leave the extension transparent or add a deliberate fill layer instead of flattening valuable layers.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Platform not recorded.
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