How to use the Crop Image tool
- Open your imageDrop a photo onto the box or click to choose one from your device.
- Pick an aspect ratioChoose Free for any shape, or a preset like 1:1 for a profile picture or 16:9 for a thumbnail.
- Adjust the crop boxDrag the box to move it and drag the handles to resize. For exact results, type X, Y, width and height in pixels.
- Crop and downloadClick “Crop & download”. The cropped image is saved in the same format, or the one you choose.
A simple, precise image cropper
- Aspect ratio lockKeep a perfect 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 4:5 or 9:16 shape while you resize.
- Pixel-perfectType exact coordinates and dimensions when you need a specific size.
- Full resolutionCropping uses the original image pixels, not the smaller on-screen preview.
- Touch friendlyWorks with a mouse, a touchscreen or a pen on phones and tablets.
- Keyboard supportFocus the crop box and nudge it with the arrow keys (hold Shift to move faster).
- PrivateCropping happens in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Why crop an image?
Cropping removes the parts of a picture you don’t need, so the subject stands out. It is also the easiest way to change an image’s shape: a wide landscape photo can become a square profile picture, or a tall phone photo can become a 16:9 banner. Because cropping only removes pixels, the part you keep stays exactly as sharp as the original.
Common aspect ratios
| Ratio | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 1:1 | Profile pictures, Instagram square posts, product thumbnails |
| 4:5 | Instagram portrait posts, which take up more space in the feed |
| 16:9 | YouTube thumbnails, presentations, website banners, widescreen video |
| 9:16 | Stories, Reels, TikTok and other vertical video covers |
| 4:3 | Many phone and compact camera photos, tablets, classic presentations |
| 3:2 | DSLR and mirrorless camera photos, standard 6×4 prints |
After cropping to the right ratio, use our Image Resizer if you also need exact pixel dimensions, such as 1080 × 1080.
Tips for a better crop
- Use the rule of thirds. The crop box shows a 3 × 3 grid. Placing your subject’s eyes or the horizon along one of the grid lines usually looks more natural than placing it dead center.
- Leave some breathing room. Cropping too tightly around a face or product can feel cramped, especially for profile pictures that are displayed as circles.
- Check the result size. The information line shows the final width and height in pixels. Very small crops from small photos may look soft when enlarged.
- Straighten first. If the horizon is tilted, rotate the image before cropping.
Does cropping reduce quality?
No. Cropping keeps the original pixels in the area you select. If you save as JPG, the image is re-encoded at high quality (92%), which is visually lossless for almost all photos. Choose PNG if you need a perfectly lossless result.
Frequently asked questions
Is the image cropper free?+
Yes. Crop as many images as you like for free, without sign-up or watermarks.
Is my photo uploaded?+
No. The image is opened and cropped in your browser and never leaves your device.
How do I crop an image to a square?+
Choose the 1:1 aspect ratio, drag the box over the area you want to keep and click “Crop & download”.
Can I crop to an exact pixel size?+
Yes. Type the X and Y position and the width and height in pixels in the boxes below the image.
Does it work on mobile?+
Yes. Drag the crop box and its handles with your finger on any phone or tablet.