How to Resize Multiple Images at Once Step-by-Step Guide
Importance of Batch Resizing Image Files
The ability to resize several images at once significantly alters the workflow when managing larger image collections. Instead of having to open each image individually, you can resize all images to the same size using the same operation. For web, social media, and online store images, this method allows for a large decrease in the time taken to resize these images, while also allowing for uniformity in the sizes of the images that provide a cleaner and more professional appearance to galleries and online product listings.
Business owners avoid the headaches of manually resizing each image, allowing them to spend more time on other activities. This allows for a more organized photo shoot for photographers. Bloggers avoid having to manually resize images for each blog. This method also allows for less human error since the same size and aspect ratio is used for each image. Images that are used for the web and social media have to have smaller file sizes, and this method allows for the resizing of these images while also improving the time taken for the website to load.
Mobile and dial-up users notice the website loads a lot faster due to the smaller file sizes of the images. It also allows for a larger image library, providing more room for new images while maintaining the ability to manage images and have them ready for new online image content more professionally.
Applications for Batch Resizing
There are many applications used for batch resizing that are very easy to use for any skill level. Applications like GIMP or XnConvert are desktop programs that work with hundreds of files and have the ability to create custom sizes. Online applications like ILoveIMG or Bulk Resize Photos give you the ability to upload dozens of files within your web browser. Applications like Image Size and Photo Resizer provide batch resizing for images when you are using your phone or tablet.
Limitations of a free version of an application are generally geared towards the accessible level of the user's everyday needs, however, if using the paid version, an application can provide an unlimited process of your choice and a library of presets for steps you frequently use. Choose applications that can provide the flexibility of size but can also keep the ratio of height and width intact. It is also beneficial to use applications that can provide you with a preview of the results before you decide to use that change for your entire group.
Quality applications support the major and widely used formats and can specify the choice of output folder. It is beneficial to try out a number of applications with a small grouped batch of your own images for both ease of use and speed. These batch resized images can show the value of each application. Heavier users, or those users expected to frequently resize images will prefer a desktop application, and provide the best resizing. It can be expected that the choice of application will greatly improve the value of each application, and also provide efficient batch resizing.
Steps to take to prepare images for a batch resize
There are many things to consider for batch resizing sessions. Consider putting images that you want to batch resize into a single folder since this can prevent mix-ups when uploading. Also, it can cut down on time when selecting images. Batch resizing tools apply changes to each image, so quickly scan the images and delete any that are blurry or poorly lit.
Make backups for any of the original images and store them in a separate, secure folder. Make sure to note the original dimensions of each image and how large each file was. Keeping track of the changes that are seen is helpful when upgrading to a more modern version of a technology. Consider where the images will go to later. This will help when deciding how small the images can get.
Consider making cuts in each image to help batch resizing be more effective later. Consider what type of file you want to go with. Some files types hold their quality better than others when resized. Also consider deleting other files that go along with images that add size to a file but are invisible in the image.
Along with considerations, there are a few others to think about. Prepare the images with the necessary changes that help the quality of the images back to a standard that is necessary for the batch tool to get the images to a standard for you to use.
Simplified Guide to Resizing Images in Bulk
This sequence typically works for all software that allows images to be added in blocks. Begin with your software ready to accept images.
Follow the steps:
- Get your batch tool, create a project / workspace
- Get images from a singled out directory and load all
- Select the image size option and define the value for your images
- Lock the proportions to stop distortion across multiple images
- Select the need for format and quality of your output
- Get the directory your images will be saved to after the process
- Initiate the process and check the preview for the status of the process
- Check the sample outputs for each of the images in the batch and then save.
Copying your original images will protect the source images from non-reversible editing. Distortion is eliminated by a number of factors and uniform results are guaranteed, making this method of resizing images in bulk perfect for groups of ten to hundreds of images in bulk. If the utility is good enough, a preset can be set to reuse for similar batch resizing in the future.
Advanced Techniques for Efficient Batch Resizing
When you get comfortable with the basics of batch resizing, you’ll want to add options for even greater control. Many tools allow you to create custom presets that store the precise dimensions and format for a project. Combine resizing and automatic compression to reduce the file sizes further while retaining the original quality. You can also employ folder based processing where the tool pulls the images from the subfolders for you with no manual selection.
Some platforms provide conditional resizing that automatically change the sizes for the images based on the original dimensions or the file types. You can also add ways to protect your images with batch watermarking. You want to become so advanced with batch resizing that you set it and forget it. Photos move to a designated folder on your PC and Rules and Scripts setup take over from there.
These strategies augment your efficiencies of handling your ever-increasing image databases for websites or marketing. You can also get the same results with changing products and seasons, all with no extra manual effort. Become a batch resizing expert by creating varied photo clicks to figure out which combinations work for you. The higher the level, the greater the balance can be maintained for real time, critical workflows.
Save, Test, and Implement Your Batch Resized Images
To prepare resized images for immediate use, make sure you save them in the proper directory and proper file format. When you save the images, use a naming system that incorporates the image dimensions and/or a specific date. This helps you know the specifics about the image without having to open the file. After you’ve resized the images, test a selection of them on the websites or pages you need to upload them to. Check to make sure they are displaying clearly on mobile and desktop versions. You can use a free website speed tester to see improvements in speed after you’ve uploaded the new images. Do this before removing the original images from the website or resource.
Once the resized images have been saved, the new images replaced the old images, and speed improvements have been seen; keep the original images in a safe place. Place the resized images in a location that can be accessed easily for use across social media, your website, and/or your presentations. After you have added the batch resizing to your workflow, take note of the new results and make necessary adjustments to the image dimensions and have a resized images repository for use across your website, social media and presentations.
Once you have built this resource, continue using the entire batch resizing process. You will notice improved retrieval speed and a more polished professional image across the board. This will be the result of significantly less manual editing and resource management. These results will be evident across all of your completed projects.
