How to use the Crop Image tool
- Select an image or drop it onto the box. JPG, PNG, WebP and iPhone HEIC photos all work.
- Pick an aspect ratio such as 1:1 for a square, or Free to crop any shape.
- Drag the box to choose the area to keep. Drag a corner to make it bigger or smaller.
- Choose the format to save as, click Crop image, then Download.
Why crop an image?
Cropping removes the parts of a picture you do not want and changes its shape. It is the quickest way to improve a photo:
- Remove distractions at the edges, like a stranger, a bin, or your finger over the lens.
- Put the subject centre stage, so the eye goes straight to what matters.
- Fit a required shape: square profile pictures, 16:9 video thumbnails, 4:5 portrait posts.
- Cut out part of a screenshot to share just the relevant bit.
Aspect ratios explained
| Ratio | Shape | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | Square | Profile pictures, Instagram posts, product photos |
| 4:5 | Tall rectangle | Instagram and Facebook portrait posts |
| 3:2 | Classic photo | Prints (4×6 in), camera photos |
| 16:9 | Widescreen | YouTube thumbnails, presentations, desktop wallpapers |
| 9:16 | Vertical full-screen | Stories, Reels, TikTok, phone wallpapers |
Composition tip: the rule of thirds
The grid inside the crop box divides the image into thirds. Photos usually look more balanced when the main subject sits on one of the grid lines or where two lines cross, rather than dead centre. For portraits, place the eyes near the top third line.
After cropping
- Need exact pixel dimensions? Use Resize Image.
- Need a smaller file for a form? Use Compress Image to 20KB.
- Making a photo for an official document? The Passport Photo Maker crops to the official sizes with a face guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does cropping reduce quality?
No. Cropping only removes the parts outside the box. The area you keep stays at its original resolution, and it is saved at high quality.
How do I crop a photo to a square?
Choose the 1:1 ratio. The box becomes a square you can move and resize, and the result will be a perfect square, ideal for profile pictures.
What aspect ratio should I use for Instagram?
Use 1:1 for square posts, 4:5 for portrait posts (they take up the most space in the feed) and 9:16 for Stories and Reels.
How do I crop to an exact pixel size, like 1080×1080?
Crop to the right shape here (1:1 for 1080×1080), then use the Resize Image tool to set the exact pixel dimensions.
Can I crop on my phone?
Yes. Drag the box and its corners with your finger. The editor works on iPhone and Android.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The image is cropped in your browser and never leaves your device.
Guide by the ToolsYes team · Last updated