Cropping a photo allows you to remove unwanted areas, adjust the composition, or resize an image for a specific purpose. On a Windows PC, you can easily crop images using built-in tools like the Photos app, Paint, or third-party software like Photoshop.
This guide will walk you through three easy methods to crop a photo on Windows.
Method 1: Using the Windows Photos App
The Photos app is the default image viewer on Windows and provides simple editing features, including cropping.
Steps to Crop a Photo in the Photos App:
-
Open the Image:
- Locate the photo you want to crop and double-click it to open in the Photos app (default viewer).
-
Click Edit & Create:
- In the top menu, select "Edit & Create" and then click "Edit".
-
Select the Crop Tool:
- Click on the Crop & Rotate option in the toolbar.
-
Adjust the Crop Area:
- Drag the corners or edges of the cropping box to select the area you want to keep.
- You can also select preset aspect ratios (such as 16:9, 4:3, or square) if needed.
-
Apply and Save:
- Click "Save a Copy" to keep the original file unchanged or "Save" to overwrite the existing image.
Method 2: Using Microsoft Paint
Paint is another built-in Windows program that allows quick and easy cropping.
Steps to Crop a Photo in Paint:
-
Open Paint:
- Click the Start Menu, type "Paint", and open the app.
- Click File > Open, then select the image you want to crop.
-
Select the Crop Tool:
- Click the Select button (rectangle icon) in the toolbar.
- Drag the selection box over the area you want to keep.
-
Crop the Image:
- Click "Crop" in the toolbar to remove everything outside the selection.
-
Save the Cropped Image:
- Click File > Save As and choose your preferred format (JPEG, PNG, etc.).
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Editor (Optional)
For more advanced cropping, third-party apps like Photoshop, GIMP, or Canva offer additional features such as:
- Precise cropping with pixel dimensions
- Background removal
- Image enhancements
Using Photoshop (Basic Crop Tool)
- Open the image in Photoshop.
- Select the Crop Tool from the toolbar.
- Drag the crop handles to adjust the frame.
- Press Enter to apply the crop.
- Save the edited image (File > Save As).
Quick Notes and Tips
- Use the Photos App for quick, basic cropping.
- Use Paint if you prefer a simple, classic Windows tool.
- Use Photoshop or GIMP for professional editing with precise control.
- Save a copy before cropping to keep the original file intact.
By following these steps, you can easily crop any photo on your Windows PC in just a few clicks.