Resizing Images Using GIMP:
If you don't have Photoshop or another professional image editing software, the next best thing for performing simple and quick photo retouching, composition, and image authoring is a freeware product called GIMP. GIMP is fairly easy to use overall, although it can't leverage all the more complex filters and bells and whistles of software like Photoshop. However, GIMP is free and easy to use for the novice, and that makes it appealing to the non-designer.
These straightforward steps should get you started. If you need more complex photo editing, Mindwatering offers this service.
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Part 1:
THE STEPS TO OPEN AN IMAGE USING A MAC:
STEP ONE:
If GIMP is not already in your main toolbar or dock, open "Applications" by using Finder.
STEP TWO:
Navigate to the list of choices and choose "Gimp.app"
NOTE:
Gimp opens with multiple editing windows (layers, toolbox, main workplace window).
STEP THREE:
Locate the image you want to edit on your computer or peripheral drive/jumpstick using Finder or your Macintosh HD icon on your desktop.
STEP FOUR:
Drag the image you want to edit directly onto the Gimp (the "fox") icon on your dock. The image should now open within Gimp. You are now ready to start editing.
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Part 2:
THE BASIC STEPS TO RESCALE AND SAVE AN IMAGE:
STEP ONE:
Once you are done editing, or you wish to save in the interim, choose "Image" option from file menu/toolbar on top of GIMP window.
STEP TWO:
Choose "Scale Image" option. Now confirm that the chain that links the width and height parameters is active/turned on, so that scaling is uniform. If the chain is not active, the image will stretch disproportionately.
STEP THREE:
Enter the new width and height (or either one if you are just trying to edit your image for a specific height OR width). If you change just one of the dimensions, the other dimension will auto-size accordingly, because they're linked.
STEP FOUR:
Click "Scale" button.
OPTIONAL STEP - 4B:
If the image is blurry or you are resizing drastically, you should resharpen the image. To do this, go to the file menu and choose Filters > Enhance > Unsharp Mask
You can now change the percentages within the "Radius", "Amount", and "Threshold". Edit one/all to your liking. Use "Preview" to see your results before saving, to make sure you like what you've done. Click "OK".
STEP FIVE:
To save your new file, go to File > Save As > _____ (<-- this is your unique filename that you will give it)
NOTE:
GIMP does not give you the default file extensions. You will have to save the file by actually typing the extension name (eg., .tiff, .jpg, .gif, .png, etc.).
The interesting thing is that GIMP while recognize the type of file you want to save from the extension you type.
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