5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Resizing Images
Resizing an image seems simple, but it's easy to make mistakes that can ruin its quality or effectiveness. I've been a web developer for a decade, and I still see people making "rookie" resizing mistakes that make their work look unprofessional.
Why Proper Resizing Matters
Resizing isn't just about changing dimensions; it's about adapting an image for a new context while preserving its integrity. Avoiding these common errors will ensure your images always look their best.
1. Ignoring the Aspect Ratio
This is the classic "stretched face" look. If you change the width without proportionally changing the height, you distort the image. Always check the "Maintain Aspect Ratio" box in your tool.
2. The "CSI Enhance" Myth (Scaling Up)
You cannot create detail that isn't there. Trying to make a small, low-resolution image larger will always result in a blurry, pixelated mess. Always start with the largest image you have and scale down.
3. Choosing the Wrong File Format
After resizing, saving in the wrong format can undo your work. Don't save a logo as a JPG (it looks fuzzy). Use JPG/WEBP for photos, and PNG/WEBP for graphics.
4. Not Compressing After Resizing
Just because an image's dimensions are smaller doesn't mean its file size is optimized. I always run a final compression pass after resizing to ensure it's lightweight.
5. Trusting Browser Resizing
Don't upload a huge image and use HTML code to display it small. The user still has to download the huge file. Resize the actual file before uploading.
Always Review Your Resizing Work
Resizing is a simple task that is easy to get wrong. By avoiding these five pitfalls—especially ignoring the aspect ratio and forgetting to compress—you will ensure your images look professional and perform efficiently, giving your visitors the high-quality experience they expect.