how can I shrink an image for an avatar ?

graypencil · March-29th-2004, 02:25 PM

No matter what I try ..I get the message "exceeds 100X100 pixels "

how do I shrink a .jpg image on my desktop ( mac )

thanks ..

the cyberdummypencil ..

Kevin Bresnahan · March-29th-2004, 09:38 PM

I open the picture in Microsoft Paint (it is in your start menu under "Accessories"). Open the picture into Paint, click on the Image menu and then click "Attributes". Make sure "Pixels" is selected and you will see how big the picture is. To shrink it, click the Image menu again and click "Stretch/Skew". Reduce both the height and width (equally or it looks like something from a House of Mirrors) by some arbitrary number like 50% and 50% (to cut the picture down in size) and keep checking the "Attributes" until you get it close to 100 x 100 pixels. BTW, when you get close, you can just type 100 and 100 into the window but be aware that it will crop the picture so try to get it close first.

Once you get it 100 x 100, save it as a .jpg file and you're all set.

Edit: Oh hell, I just saw where you said "mac". You'll have to wait for someone else on this one...

Later,
Kevin

bluenoter · March-29th-2004, 11:46 PM

Kevin--

I once tried to use Paint--for the same purpose, to shrink an image--and was bewildered. I'll try again using your instructions, but I have an amazingly elementary question: How does one save the reduced image as a .jpg file?

I had two problems:

1. I couldn't figure out how to save the reduced image rather than the original image, and

2. I couldn't figure out how to save it as a .jpg file. As I recall, I ended up saving an image with whatever extension was automatically assigned, and it was an extension that JazzCorner doesn't allow or that in practice didn't yield an image that could be viewed on JC. (I forget which extension it was.)

Thanks!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ron Thorne (if you're reading this)--

No, I haven't tried the image-manipulating program that you recommended, but I plan to, and I know exactly where I saved the URL for it. But since I already have Paint, it would be nice to learn to use it.

Ron Thorne · March-30th-2004, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluenoter

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ron Thorne (if you're reading this)--

No, I haven't tried the image-manipulating program that you recommended, but I plan to, and I know exactly where I saved the URL for it. But since I already have Paint, it would be nice to learn to use it.

bluenoter, I'm not familiar with MS Paint, but just knowing that it's a Microsoft program puts me off. Yes, it would be nice to learn to use it ... maybe. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and download and install IrfanView, which is very user-friendly and flexible ... and FREE! Trust me on this one. If you get stuck, I'll call you (at my expense) and try to walk you through it, ok?

Kevin Bresnahan · March-30th-2004, 07:16 AM

Ron, there may be things to get upset at Microsoft for, but Paint? It's just some simple bitmap tool... it's been bundled with Windows since Windows 3.1.1. I never understood this whole "I hate Microsoft" thing anyway. If Apple hadn't closed their platform in the early 80's we'd probably all be saying, "I hate Apple" now.

Bluenoter, after you get the image down the 100 x 100 pixel size, click the File menu and then "Save As". In the pulldown menu below the name, you should be able to select .jpg for the extension. It defaults to .bmp which is a bitmap. The only thing that might be a fly in the ointment is that they didn't start offering that option until after Windows ME. Sorry if I got your hopes up if you have an earlier version.

Later,
Kevin

stonemonkts · March-30th-2004, 07:49 AM

FWIW, I tried following Kevin's instructions to reduce Ron's funny picture of a guy with his head up his ass. It worked beautifully.

Rita - If you're reading this, I'm sure you will have no problems following them too.

Kevin - Nice job with the instructions!

moneyp · March-30th-2004, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Bresnahan

Ron, there may be things to get upset at Microsoft for, but Paint? It's just some simple bitmap tool... it's been bundled with Windows since Windows 3.1.1. I never understood this whole "I hate Microsoft" thing anyway. If Apple hadn't closed their platform in the early 80's we'd probably all be saying, "I hate Apple" now.

Hey, I'm still saying it! I hate Apple!

Pete C · March-30th-2004, 08:19 PM

With XP at least, "save as" in Paint defaults to the same file extension as the original image.

bluenoter · April-1st-2004, 04:24 PM

Kevin--

Indeed, I have an earlier version of Windows--98SE--but thanks anyway. One of these days I'll try out the rest of your instructions.

Stone--

Thanks.

Ron--

In fact, I have no image that I want to manipulate, nor have I had one since you recommended IrfanView. I was just jumping at the chance to learn how to use Paint to reduce images and convert the extensions, thanks to Kevin's instructions; I can't stand being made a monkey of by software that Microsoft has bundled for the average idiot to use.

If and when I actually have an image to manipulate, I'll gladly take you up on your generous offer of telephone guidance on IrfanView (if necessary), only I'll make the call on my nickel, for heaven's sake. Thank you!

bluenoter · June-30th-2004, 11:27 AM

Update:

I finally took Ron's advice and downloaded IrfanView. It's simple enough that after a little practice, I was able to manipulate images in various ways, despite knowing nothing about photography.

Meeting JC's requirements for attachments seems to be a matter of manipulating two factors:

1. size

2. "save quality"--the resolution at which the image is saved as a new file.

Of course, for an avatar, it helps to select a small pic in the first place--such as by choosing a small pic in Google's Image search.

June-30th-2004, 11:53 AM

I use Photoshop to resize the image in my Mac, but you might try a cold shower.

Kevin Bresnahan · June-30th-2004, 01:02 PM

Photoshop? Yikes! That's one expensive software package for making avatars!

BTW, it's also one of the few software packages that I've looked at that charges the same for both the PC and Mac versions.

Later,
Kevin

Phil_Meloy · July-1st-2004, 06:44 AM

I take it you have Microsoft Office on your Mac? If so check in Programs/Microsoft Office Tools. You may find you have Microsoft Photo Editor which is their image manipulation program.