In essence, stretching an image involves resizing it with or without changing the proportions. This is useful if you need to change the dimensions or size of the image. It is critical to differentiate between the various approaches because they all produce different results.
In this guide, we will talk about stretching images without distortion. You need to know some simple methods to make it convenient.
A step-by-step Guide to Stretch Images in Photoshop
Contents
Before we start, let me mention that all photographs will not function with this, but pictures with straight borders will work best. It applies to images of landscapes and plain horizons. You must first open your image in Adobe Photoshop. To open it, simply just right-click it while using Lightroom.
Step 1-Unlock the Canvas
Ensure the layer is unlocked after you have the photo in Photoshop. A little lock icon on the layer indicates this. Just double-click and select OK to unlock it.
Moreover, you should confirm that the layer isn’t a smart object. If you consider so, you can choose “Rasterize Layer” from the context menu by right-clicking the layer. Once the canvas is unlocked, proceed to the next step.
Step 2- Expand the Canvas
You will need to expand the canvas as you want the photo to be larger on the horizontal or vertical line. You can do this by selecting Image > Canvas Size.
You can expand the canvas in either dimension when the canvas size option is visible. We advise you to use a percentage meter and set the width to 120% for this instruction.
You’ll see your expanded canvas after clicking OK. You can now stretch the margins of our picture as you have an enlarged canvas.
Step 3- Use Content-Aware Scale
The exciting part now is expanding the image without distorting it. We will accomplish this by using the marquee tool to choose one of the edges. You need to execute it properly because some parts will stretch more than others. For example, the modification will be more noticeable if you choose your subject.
- You should scale the portion of the photo using content-aware scaling after choosing an edge. To do this, select Edit > Content-Aware Scale. The area will be widened by content-aware scaling to make it appear natural. While not all images will benefit, most should look fantastic after cleanup.
- Ensure the proportion is not set by deselecting the tiny “link” icon at the top after selecting Content-Aware Scale. After that, we may stretch the photo without distorting it by dragging the photo’s edge to the canvas’s edge.
- You can repeat the transformation procedure on the opposite side after clicking check to submit the change. If any visual artifacts remain when you finish that part, you can either continue to the next portion or repeat the process vertically.
Step 4 – Bring Aesthetic Visual Artifacts
Use the spot healing brush if you see any tiny spots with problems. The optimum mode to utilize it is Content-Aware, but if it doesn’t work, you should also experiment with the others. You can use the clone stamp to replace troublesome sections of the photo as well.
What Differentiates the Clone Stamp from the Healing Brush Tool?
Although they both serve the same purposes, both tools function differently. You can choose a sampling point using one of these tools. The clone stamp creates a replica of whatever you want.
The Healing Brush Tool, on the other hand, preserves the Highlights and Shadows of your picture while applying only the texture and color of your sampling area. While the Healing Brush would soften the Color and you risk having sloppy, blurred edges, the Clone Stamp is much more appropriate for areas with definite borders.
How Can I Stretch an Object in Photoshop?
There are several methods for enlarging an object in Photoshop. One method is to pull the object outwards while using the Transform tool. Another method is to rotate or scale the item while using the Free Transform tool while using the Shift key.
How Can I Stretch a JPEG Image?
You can stretch JPEG images, too, using a tool like Photoshop or GIMP. Open the photo in the selected program, then select the “Image” tab to stretch it. Choose the preferred stretching method under “Stretching” and press “Apply.”
Final Words
Stretching an image doesn’t have to be difficult or result in the image becoming distorted and of worse quality. These methods will allow you to enlarge objects in Photoshop while preserving the appropriate quality and appearance.
Hope that this tutorial on stretching photos in Photoshop without distortion opens up new doors for your creativity. This method can help give your picture new life, whether trying to suit an Instagram crop or adding extra “space” to your photos.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can you stretch and skew an image?
- In the File Explorer, right-click on the image file and choose Open With, Paint.
- Select Image, Stretch/Skew from the main menu. Select a percentage that is less than 100 for both the horizontal and vertical percentages.
- To save the scaled image, choose File >> Save As from the main menu.
How do I stretch an image in design?
The best technique to have total control is to just hold down the Ctrl (Command on a Mac) and Shift keys while grabbing and dragging the corner handle of your Adobe InDesign frame. You can now drag the image to any size you choose because the frame and the image are now attached.
How do I use stretch command?
Select the area of the object you want to stretch. Use the crossing object selection method or the cpolygon option. Once the selection is complete, press Enter. The only vertices and endpoints that are changed by STRETCH are those that are inside the crossing selection.
What is the function of stretch tool?
The stretch tool can be used to concurrently lengthen, shorten, or distort a number of 2D and 3D items.
