How To Resize A Layer In Photoshop – 9 Best Ways

One of the reasons why Photoshop is so popular is because of its ability to let users edit images in layers. And because of this, Photoshop offers a non-destructive way to edit not just images, but texts and logos as well.

However, dealing with high-quality images comes with a catch!  Some of them are not suitable for being used everywhere. If you upload a high-quality and bigger size image on websites or social media, it will take so much time to upload and even to load when someone clicks it.

That is why, in such cases, resizing the layers becomes essential. It helps you change the image size without altering the image quality along with many other benefits. That is why I will be discussing how to resize a layer in Photoshop in multiple ways in today’s article.

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How To Resize A Layer In Photoshop: What Are The Ways?

The images you upload on websites or social media platforms should be compatible and easy to view. So if you are using high-quality or large files, it is necessary to resize them and make them more accessible to the audience. But are you cognizant of the ways of resizing a layer in Photoshop to create such images?

There are various ways we can do that and in the next parts of the article, I have provided various step-by-step guides on how you can resize layers to improve the images.

1. How To Resize A Layer Using The Free Transform Tool
2. How To Resize A Layer Using Transform Tool
3. How To Resize A Layer Without Distorting It
4. How To Resize A Layer To Specific Dimensions 
5. How To Resize A Layer To Exact Pixels 
6. How To Resize A Layer To Exact Inches
7. How To Resize A Layer Without Losing Quality
8. How To Resize Layer With Content-Aware Tool
9. How To Resize Multiple Layers 

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Method 1: How To Resize A Layer Using The Free Transform Tool

When learning how to resize a layer in Photoshop, the most common method is using the Free Transform Tool. This tool allows you to resize the layer more freely and without a specific boundary.  And here is the step-by-step tutorial to help you do that.

Step 1: Open The Image

If you already have an image opened on Photoshop, you can start from there. However, if it is your first time editing images in Photoshop, you can use the following methods to select and open your image.

All you need to do is first open the Photoshop application on your device and go to the File panel from the top menu bar. When you have finished selecting the menu, it will open a drop-down menu with many options.  

You can spot the Open menu easily and click it to go to your device storage for choosing the image you want to edit.

Once you have selected the photo, click Open on the dialog box, and wait for the photo to upload on Photoshop workspace. From there, you can perform prior edits and make necessary changes before resizing the layer.

Step 2: Select The Layer

When it comes to resizing the layer, you need to make sure that you have selected the right layer. 

Moreover, the layer should be unlocked. So click on the layer you want to edit and see if it is locked. If so, you need to unlock it. Keep the layer selected as you move to the next steps.

Step 3: Select Free Transform

To resize the layer, you need to use the Free Transform tool. For that, you need to go back to the top menu bar and select the Edit panel. 

Scroll a bit to the middle of the drop-down menu until you find the Free Transform tool. Select the tool and move to the next step.

Step 4: Adjust Layer Size

As you select the Free Transform tool, you will notice borders around the layer. You can click and drag these borders to change the layer size as needed.

You can also rotate the layer if required and you can increase or decrease the Opacity of the layer as well.  

Step 5: Save The Image

If you are happy with how the layer turned out, press the Enter (Return on MAC) key to finalize your selection and change. Then save the image by going to the File panel and selecting Save As from the drop-down menu.

You can also press the shortcut command CTRL+S (COMMAND+S on MAC) to open the menu and save the image.

Read More: How To Resize An Image In Photoshop

Method 2: How To Resize A Layer Using Transform Tool

Other than resizing layers with the Free Transform tool, there are a few more ways. And one of them is the use of the Transform tool, which offers multiple options. So let’s take a look at how to resize a layer in Photoshop using the Transform option.

Step 1: Open The Image

Once again, start by opening the image first. Selecting the File panel, indicate it at the top menu bar. As soon as the drop-down menu opens, select open and then you have to select a particular image from your device storage.

You can also open the option using the keyboard shortcut command. Press CTRL+O (COMMAND+O on MAC) to open the program easily. After you select the image, give it a few seconds to upload and adjust to the Photoshop workspace.

Step 2: Select The Layer

Next, you need to unlock the layer and select it. You can do it from the right-side Layer Panel or open the layers from the top menu bar. To open it from the menu bar, go to the Windows panel and open the drop-down menu.

Then select Layers from there. Click on the layer you want to edit to select it and it will be highlighted.

Step 3: Select The Transform Tool Option

Then go to the top menu bar once more and select the Edit panel.

After that, you need to select Transform from the drop-down menu. It will be right below the Free Transform tool.

Step 4: Resize The Layer

You will get a few options there, such as Scale, Rotate, Skew, Distort, etc. 

You can select any of these options and make changes in the layer individually until you get the desired result. Then you can simply save the image.

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Method 3: How To Resize A Layer Without Distorting It

If you fail to resize the layer accurately, you may end up making it look like the layer has been squeezed into something odd. But you can resize the layer without distorting it in the following way.

Step 1: Open The Image And Select Layer

First of all, open the image for the purpose of editing it from the menu bar through selecting the File panel and at the same time selecting Open from the drop-down menu. You can open the image selection option using shortcuts by pressing CTRL+O (COMMAND+O on MAC) as well.

Then select the layer you want to edit from the Layer panel on the right side of the screen. You can also do it by selecting Layers from the drop-down menu of the Windows panel.

Step 2: Select Show Transform Control

As you select the layer, you will notice multiple tools showing up at the layer handle or perimeter. From there, you need to select the Move Tool which you can locate around the top of the handle.

And then having the tool selected, check the box right beside Show Transform Controls.

Step 3: Resize The Layer

Hold and drag the borders that showed up over the layer to resize it. With all the tools selected correctly, you can now resize the layer without distorting it.

Step 4: Check To Ensure It Works

But what if that doesn’t work? Well, in that case, go to the Link Icon that is located between the options of Height and Width. Make sure the icon is checked. 

Method 4: How To Resize A Layer To Specific Dimensions

You may not always get to resize a layer freely. Sometimes, it can be essential to change the size to a specific dimension. And you can do it by combining Methods 1 and 3 that I mentioned earlier. So let’s check out how to resize a layer in Photoshop to a specific dimension.

Step 1: Select The Layer

Following the steps I mentioned earlier in the methods stated above, choose the image that you are willing to edit. Afterward, select the layer that you want to resize from the layer panel.

Step 2: Select A Free Transform Tool

After selecting the layer you want to resize, go to the top menu bar to select the Edit panel.

And then select Free Transform from the drop-down menu. You can also do it by pressing the shortcut command CTRL+T (COMMAND+T on MAC).

Step 3: Select Show Transform Control

Select the Move Tool like before from the handle beside the layer. Then go to the Options Bar and mark Show Transform Control if it isn’t marked already.

After that, you can resize the layer in a specific dimension by moving the borders.

Method 5: How To Resize A Layer To Exact Pixels

If you want to customize the layer’s height and width, there are ways for that too. Make sure to check out the step-by-step guide below to learn how to resize a layer in Photoshop to exact pixels.

Step 1: Activate Free Transform Mode

By now you know how you can activate the Free Transform Mode to resize the layer. So follow the steps I have mentioned previously to make sure you have it activated.

Step 2: Set Your Layer Width

Then on the bar right above the workspace, you will find boxes that show the layer’s height and width. You can change the width by double-clicking on the Width box and inserting the pixels you want.

And as you type the Width, you will notice that the Height changes automatically and the layer will adjust based on that.

Step 3: Fix If Necessary

But what if you want the same height and width for the layer? In that case, click on the Link Icon between Width and Height and set your desired width. And the height will also change into the same pixels.

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Method 6: How To Resize A Layer To Exact Inches

Resizing a layer by inches is pretty much the same as resizing it by pixels. All you have to do is to change it from pixels to inches. 

Step 1: Activate Free Transform Mode

Just like before, you need to activate the Free Transformation mode first. Then select the Move Tool and mark the Show Transform Control option. As you do that, you will also see the boxes to set the layer’s height and width.

Step 2: Change Pixels To Inches

Now instead of changing the value to pixels, you can do it in inches. For that, click on the extend option in the box.

You will see options like “px” for pixels and “in” inches. Change the value to “in” and you can now resize the layer in inches.

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Method 7: How To Resize A Layer Without Losing Quality

Here is the step-by-step on how you can resize a layer in Photoshop keeping the quality secured.

Step 1: Select The Layer

First, select the layer that you need to resize. You can select it from the menu bar or from the Layer panel on the right side.

Step 2: Select Convert To Smart Object

Right-Click on the selected layer and you will get a new menu. From there, select Convert to Smart Object.

You can also do it by selecting the Layer panel, then selecting Smart Object -> Convert To Smart Object.

Step 3: Select Transform/Free Transform Tool

After that, select the Free Transform tool using the shortcut command CTRL+T (COMMAND+T on MAC). Then resize the layer the same way you have done before and save the image.

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Method 8: How To Resize Layer With Content-Aware Tool

In terms of resizing a layer using the Content-Aware tool, you can follow the step-by-step guide stated above. Certainly, you are going to find this method as well if you are reluctant to make the layer larger by running out of canvas.

Step 1: Select The Layer

First, select the layer from the layer panel on the right side of the screen. You can also do it from the Layer panel of the menu bar. 

Step 2: Select Crop Tool And Expand It

Press C from the keyboard to open the Crop tool. And it will create a border around the image layer.

Drag the borders to expand the border to make the image larger.

Step 3: Select Content Aware

With the Crop Tool expanded, go to the Options Bar on top of the workspace and check the Content-Aware box.

You will see that Photoshop has automatically filled the expanded part of the canvas.

Method 9: How To Resize Multiple Layers

And here is the final tutorial on how to resize multiple layers in Photoshop.

Step 1: Select All The Layers

First, you need to make sure you have all the necessary layers selected. If the layers are not in order, you can press and hold the CTRL or (COMMAND on MAC) key and select them one by one.

And if they are in order, press the Shift key and select the first and last layer to select them all.

Step 2: Select The Free Transform Tool And Resize

Then, as usual, you need to select the Free Transform tool from the menu bar.

By doing that, you can resize all the selected layers at once.

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Why Should You Resize Layers In Photoshop?

Some people wonder why they can’t just leave the images or layers as they are. But you should know that resizing layers comes with plenty of advantages. And here they are-

Non-Destructive Image Edit

Since Photoshop works in layers, it is easy to work on just a particular layer and resize it without changing anything on other layers. This way, you can edit the entire image in a non-destructive way. 

Improves The Image

Using the non-destructive editing method to resize layers, you get high-quality images despite making certain changes. In this way, you can make other necessary changes and improve the overall image quality and look.

Flexibility/Time-Saving

Unlike other software, you don’t need to undo all the editing steps in Photoshop to change something. You can just go to the particular layer you need to work on and do what you need to do. This process makes the work more flexible and saves your precious time.

Customization

Another perk of resizing a layer is that it allows you to customize everything depending on how you want it. If you need a certain layer aspect ratio or size for the image, you can make the necessary changes for that and then use the customized image wherever needed.

Changes File Size

Just like the customizing option, resizing is beneficial if you want to reduce the file size if needed. These smaller size images are useful for ensuring faster image load for various websites. 

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Challenges Of Resizing Layers In Photoshop

Yes, resizing the layers gives you various advantages. However, you can also face the following challenges when doing so.

Quality Loss

If you are a beginner or don’t have enough idea regarding layer resizing, you can end up losing image quality in the process. That is why it becomes essential to follow the steps properly when learning how to resize a layer in Photoshop.

Overall Loss Of Balance

You also need to pay attention to the other changes you made or elements that you added in other layers. If not, the image will lose its balance and the final result will not be satisfying.

File Size Backfiring

Another challenge with resizing layers is that it may not always help reduce the file size. If you are resizing multiple layers, chances are that the file will end up being rather larger and it can be an issue if you plan to upload the image on websites.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I resize layers in Photoshop? 

There are many ways to resize a layer or multiple layers in Photoshop. But the most common way to resize a layer is the following-

• Select the layer that you want to resize.
• Select Edit from the top menu bar.
• Then select Free Transform from the drop-down menu. It will show a resize bar over the layer.
• You can use the Click+Drag method to get the desired size.
• After that, press Enter to resize the layer.

Q. What is the shortcut command to resize a layer in Photoshop?

You should know that you cannot resize a layer with a single or few clicks of the keyboard. However, there are shortcuts that you can follow to make the job quick and easy. For example, you can press CTRL+T to open the Free Transform tool. But after that, you have to do everything else manually.

Q. How to move and resize objects in Photoshop?

If you know how to resize a layer in Photoshop, you can easily move and resize an object. But to do that, make sure you select the object first, then select the Free Transform tool from the top menu bar or use shortcuts to move and resize the object.

Q. How can I make a layer smaller?

You can make the layer smaller in the following way- 

• Select the layer.
• Select the Edit panel from the top menu bar.
• After that, select the Transform menu from the drop-down menu. It will open an extended menu.
• From there select Scale and it will show a panel from where you can adjust the value and make the layer smaller. 

In Conclusion

Isn’t it amazing how one can learn how to resize a layer in Photoshop in so many ways? Though the basic way to do it is to select the layer and use the Free Transform tool to do that, using other methods can also help you achieve various results.

So the next time you need to resize single or multiple layers in Photoshop, you can use any of these suitable methods. And don’t worry if the result does not seem perfect at the beginning. You can always practice to perfect it!