Cropping Photos on a Windows / PC Computer

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:

1. Open the Image:

   • Locate the photo you want to crop and double-click it to open in the Photos app (default viewer).

2. Click Edit & Create:

   • In the top menu, select "Edit & Create" and then click "Edit".

3. Select the Crop Tool:

   • Click on the Crop & Rotate option in the toolbar.

4. 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.

5. 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:

1. Open Paint:

   • Click the Start Menu, type "Paint", and open the app.
   • Click File > Open, then select the image you want to crop.

2. Select the Crop Tool:

   • Click the Select button (rectangle icon) in the toolbar.
   • Drag the selection box over the area you want to keep.

3. Crop the Image:

   • Click "Crop" in the toolbar to remove everything outside the selection.

4. 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)

1. Open the image in Photoshop.
2. Select the Crop Tool from the toolbar.
3. Drag the crop handles to adjust the frame.
4. Press Enter to apply the crop.
5. 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.