Resize an image

You can resize an image to better fit your site’s design. This guide covers multiple ways to resize an image.

You can resize an image using the free form handles that appear to the right and bottom of an Image block. Follow these steps to resize an image: 

1. Start at your WordPress.com dashboard.
2. Edit the page, post, or template where you added the image. 
3. Click on the image you want to resize.
4. The image should have a circular handle to the right and the bottom of the image itself. 
5. Click and drag the handle to adjust the image’s width or height.

Resizing an image with these drag handles is not available if the image is inside of a Row or Stack block.

Alternatively, if you want to get precise with the image’s dimensions, you can adjust the settings in the block’s sidebar. 

1. Go to your site’s dashboard.
2. Open the page, post, or template where the image is located.
3. Click the image you want to resize.
4. Open the sidebar settings by clicking the “Settings” icon in the top toolbar.
5. In the sidebar, find the Width and Height fields. Enter the desired dimensions in pixels.
6. After setting custom dimensions, choose a Scale option:
   • Cover: Fills the entire container while maintaining aspect ratio. Some cropping may occur. Best for hero images.
   • Contain: Scales the image to fit the block without cropping. Best for logos.

Resizing an image with these drag handles is not available if the image is inside of a Row or Stack block.

Follow these steps to change an image’s aspect ratio:

1. Start at your WordPress.com dashboard.
2. Edit the page, post, or template where you added the image. 
3. Click on the image you want to adjust.
4. Open the sidebar settings by clicking the Settings icon in the top toolbar.

5. Locate the “Aspect Ratio” drop-down and select from one of the following options:
   • Original: The same aspect ratio as when you uploaded the image.
   • Square – 1:1
   • Standard – 4:3
   • Portrait – 3:4
   • Classic – 3:2
   • Classic Portrait – 2:3
   • Wide – 16:9
   • Tall – 9:16
6. When an aspect ratio other than the original is selected, the “Scale” option will be available. Scale refers to how your image fits within your selected aspect ratio with the following options:
   • Cover: Your image will scale larger within the space to fill it completely. You will lose content from the image.
   • Contain: Your image will scale to ensure the entire content of the image is displayed within the space. The image will resize smaller in order to fit.

Image settings include ALT Text, Aspect Ratio, image width/height, and image resolution.

To reset a setting for an image, follow these steps:

1. Start at your site’s dashboard.
2. Edit the page, post, or template where you added the image. 
3. Click on the image you want to edit.
4. Open the sidebar settings by clicking the “Settings” icon in the top toolbar.

5. Open the “Settings options” menu by clicking the three dots to the right of the “Settings” header.
6. Click the “Reset” option next to each setting you want to reset. To reset all settings, click “Reset all”.
   • If “Reset” is not available, no customizations have been applied.

Resizing images affects their quality. Enlarging an image beyond its original dimensions can make it appear blurry or pixelated because images are made of tiny squares called pixels. When stretched, these pixels become more visible, reducing sharpness.

For the best quality, start with a high-resolution image. If you need a larger version, upload a higher-quality file instead of enlarging an existing one. Reducing an image’s size doesn’t usually impact quality and can improve loading speed. To ensure the right size, check the image dimensions before uploading or use an image editing tool to resize it before adding it to your site.