Distortion happens when width and height are changed by different proportions. The cure is to preserve the source aspect ratio, or deliberately crop or pad the image when the destination uses a different shape.
Four ways to fit a new frame
| Method | Shape preserved? | What changes? |
|---|---|---|
| Proportional resize | Yes | One dimension determines the other |
| Crop to fill | Yes | Edges outside the target frame are removed |
| Fit with padding | Yes | Empty space is added around the image |
| Stretch | No | The subject is widened or narrowed |
Choose the method from the destination rule
If only a maximum width is specified, proportional resizing is usually enough. If exact width and height are required, compare the source and target ratios. Use crop-to-fill when losing some edge content is acceptable, or padding when the entire image must remain visible.
Why faces and circles reveal errors quickly
People notice changed facial proportions and oval circles immediately. Logos, signatures, QR codes, and document scans can also become unreliable when stretched. An aspect-ratio lock prevents accidental distortion while you enter a new width or height.
Upscaling has a separate limitation
Proportional enlargement preserves shape, but it cannot recreate detail missing from the source. A small image may still look soft or pixelated after a mathematically correct resize. Use the highest-quality original available and judge the result at the size where it will be used.
Check the exported result
- Confirm the final width and height.
- Compare faces, text, and circular objects with the original.
- Check whether cropping removed important content.
- Inspect the format and transparency.
- Compress only after the geometry is correct.