What is the difference between cropping and resizing?

Cropping removes parts of the image to change its shape or focus. Resizing scales the whole image to different dimensions. Use crop for aspect ratio targets, resize for pixel dimension targets.

Can I choose what part of the image is kept?

The current tool performs a centre crop — it keeps the centre of the image and removes equal amounts from the sides (or top/bottom). A freehand crop selector is planned for V2.

Which ratio is best for Instagram?

1:1 (square) for standard posts, 4:5 (portrait) for maximum feed real estate, 9:16 for Stories and Reels.

How do I make a banner image?

Use the 3:1 ratio preset for a wide landscape banner format, or 4:1 for LinkedIn cover photos. Then resize to the exact pixel dimensions using the Resize tool.

Does cropping affect image quality?

No — cropping removes pixels without recompressing the remaining content. Quality is identical to the original within the cropped area.

✓ No upload — runs entirely in your browser

Crop Image Online — Perfect Ratios, No Upload

Centre-crop to any aspect ratio with one click. Presets for Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Amazon, and MLS. Your image never leaves your browser — no upload, no account, completely free.

See all 16 tools

✓ No file uploads, ever ✓ No account required ✓ 100% free ✓ Works offline

Crop images now

Crop to perfect aspect ratios — free, no upload

Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Amazon, MLS presets built in. Centre-crop in one click.

Aspect ratio guide for every platform

Platform / use case	Ratio	Preset	After crop, resize to
Instagram post (square)	1:1	1:1 preset	1080 × 1080 px
Instagram portrait post	4:5	4:5 preset	1080 × 1350 px
Instagram Story / Reel	9:16	9:16 preset	1080 × 1920 px
YouTube thumbnail	16:9	16:9 preset	1280 × 720 px
Twitter / X post	16:9	16:9 preset	1200 × 675 px
TikTok cover	9:16	9:16 preset	1080 × 1920 px
Facebook / LinkedIn post	1.91:1	16:9 (close)	1200 × 630 px
Amazon / Etsy product	1:1	1:1 preset	2000 × 2000 px
MLS real estate (landscape)	2:1 or 4:3	2:1 or 4:3 preset	2048 × 1536 px
Banner / header	3:1	3:1 preset	1500 × 500 px
Pinterest pin	2:3	Custom (4:5 is close)	1000 × 1500 px

Why crop before resizing

🎯 Correct order matters

Always crop first, then resize. Cropping changes the aspect ratio without scaling pixels. Resizing to final dimensions after cropping ensures the sharpest output at your target size.

🖼 Centre crop explained

The tool keeps the centre of the image and removes equal amounts from the top/bottom (for landscape-to-square) or left/right (for portrait-to-landscape). Works well for subjects positioned centrally — portraits, product shots, and architectural photos.

⚡ Combine with resize

After cropping to the right ratio, use the Resize tool to set the exact pixel dimensions for your platform. This two-step workflow (crop → resize) produces pixel-perfect output every time.

📷 Real estate use case

MLS portals require landscape images in 4:3 or 2:1 ratios. Crop a full-frame or portrait DSLR photo to the correct ratio before resizing to MLS submission dimensions. No Lightroom or Photoshop required.

Frequently asked questions

Can I crop to a custom aspect ratio? ▼

The tool provides 8 common presets. Custom aspect ratio input is planned for V2. For now, use the preset closest to your target and then resize to exact dimensions.

Does cropping reduce image quality? ▼

No — cropping removes pixels without recompressing the remaining content. The quality within the cropped area is identical to the original.

Can I choose which part of the image to keep? ▼

Currently the tool performs a centre crop. Freehand crop with drag-to-select is planned for V2.

What if my subject is not centred? ▼

Rotate the image first to align the subject with the centre before cropping, or use a platform like Canva for freehand crop placement. myPixelVault V2 will add freehand crop selection.