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Resampling >

3 - Downsampling - Subtracting Pixels

If you have a file with the pixel dimensions of 3008 x 2000, you have six million pixels.

That's too many pixels for a web page or for sending the file in an e-mail.

You need to downsample—subtract pixels.

Be sure to check off as you go along.

Preparation

1) Preserve your original file.

If you haven't already done so, go to Preserve Your Original File.

2) Create a Background copy layer.

If you haven't already done so, go to Create a Background Copy Layer.

Postage Stamp Example

Let's say you created a postage stamp using Photoshop Elements.

The stamp is one inch square.

You're going to print it, and paste it on an envelope in a doll house that's 1/4 life size.

The postage stamp file has the pixel dimensions of 6 x 6.

It contains 36 pixels, at a resolution of 6 pixels per inch (ppi).

Of course, a file of a photograph of a postage stamp would be much larger, and no one ever uses a resolution of 6 ppi.

Downsampling

Go to Image > Resize > Image Size.

Change the Document Size to .25 inches from one inch.

The stamp is one inch, and the doll house is 1/4 life size.

So, we need to make the stamp .25 inches.

Make sure the three check boxes in the bottom left of the window are checked.

In the Resample Image box, select Select Bicubic Sharper instead of Bicubic.

We'll look at the different resampling methods below.

Click Ok.

Resampling Methods

In the Image Size Window

You used Bicubic Sharper above.

That's the best method for downsampling.

When you upsample, use Bicubic Smoother.

Upsampling	Bicubic Smoother
Downsampling	Bicubic Sharper

Software

As described above, you can use Photoshop Elements for resampling.

You can also use other resampling software as plug-ins with Photoshop Elements.

Check to make sure the resampling plug-ins work with the version of Photoshop Elements that you're using.

Go to Plug-ins.

There is also software just for resampling.

Blow Up

Perfect Resize Formerly Genuine Fractals

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