How to Crop an Image on Mac? An Easy Guide 

Photos have a unique ability to preserve life’s moments, but occasionally, they require adjustments to highlight their true essence. By cropping an image, you can concentrate on specific details to convey the story. If you want to share on social media platforms or create presentations, cropping photos on a Mac can help you effectively. 

This detailed guide will provide you with 3 efficient methods on how to crop images on Mac, using the integrated Photos app, the versatile Preview app, and exploring third-party platforms for more advanced editing capabilities.

How to Crop an Image on Mac Using the Photos App? 

The Photos app is your one-stop shop for all of your photo editing needs on the Mac. It has an easy-to-use interface and cropping tools, making it ideal for beginners and casual editors.

Follow the step-by-step process to learn how to crop on Mac using the Photos app:

Step 1: Double-click the picture in the Photos app on your Mac, then select Edit from the toolbar.

Step 2: From the toolbar, select Crop. You can also press C while editing to quickly see the crop and straighten tools.

Step 3: Now, you can access all the cropping and straightening tools.

Step 4: Now you can crop the image in different ways, take one of the following actions:

• Select Auto to automatically crop or straighten the photo.

  

• Crop the image manually by dragging the selection rectangle around the desired area.
• Click on the desired aspect ratio in the sidebar to crop to a specific proportion. For instance, select Square if the photo is square. Choose one of the pre-set aspect ratios, like 8:10, when printing the picture. You can also select Custom to specify a photo’s aspect ratio.

  

• To flip the image horizontally, click on Flip. If you want to flip vertically, hold the Option key and then click on Flip.
• To change the angle of the photo, you can drag the Horizontal, Vertical, or Straighten sliders. You can also move the pointer outside the selection rectangle and then use the rotation arrow to change the photo’s angle.

  

Step 4: If you want to remove the current changes from the photo, you can click on the Reset button from the bottom right corner.

Step 5: Finally, if you are satisfied with the changes, click on Done to save your changes.

Remember, you always have the option to move back to the original image. You just need to click on the Revert to Original button.

Note: When you crop a photo in the Photos app, its appearance will change across all albums, slideshows, and projects. To make edits without affecting all versions, start by creating a duplicate of the photo and then edit the duplicate copy.

How to Crop an Image on Mac Using Preview?

Preview on your Mac is a useful tool for more than just viewing images. It also allows you to make basic edits like cropping. Here’s how to crop photos on Mac using Preview:

Step 1: Open the Preview app and load the image you want to edit.

Step 2: Click on the Markup button in the top toolbar. 

Step 3: Then, click on the Selection tool and drag to select the area of the image you want to keep. Adjust the selection by dragging its edges or corners. You can also flip the selection if needed.

Step 4: Click on the Crop button to finalize your selection.

Step 5: To save your cropped image, go to the File menu, choose Export, select your preferred format and location, and then click on Save.

Finally, your crop preview image will be saved to the desired location.

How to Crop a Photo on Mac Using Third-Party Tools?

The Photos and Preview apps come with good cropping features for basic editing tasks. However, if you’re looking for more advanced editing capabilities, exploring third-party photo editing software opens up a wider range of options.

These advanced tools offer precise control over cropping. You can experiment with different aspect ratios beyond what Photos provides, rotate images for unique perspectives, and use other advanced editing features. 

Here are some popular third-party options:

1. Luminar Neo: It is a professional photo editor that includes powerful AI tools for enhancing photos using your Mac’s processors.

2. Pixelmator: A user-friendly paid option with intuitive cropping tools and various other editing functionalities.

3. Adobe Photoshop: The industry standard for professional photo editing, though it requires a subscription due to its comprehensive range of features. The new Adobe Photoshop got an AI upgrade as well.

If you’re a casual user who needs basic cropping, the built-in Mac options are perfectly adequate. However, if you’re seeking more extensive editing experience, third-party software might be a valuable investment for you. You can use different third-party apps to edit videos on Mac.

Also Read: How to Delete or Remove Messages on Mac or MacBook- [6 Quick Ways]

Why Do You Need to Crop Images on Mac?

Now that you know how to crop a photo on Mac, here are some compelling reasons why cropping photos is required.

• Focus on the Subject: Photos often capture more than just what you want. Cropping lets you remove distractions or unwanted elements, directing attention to your main subject.

• Enhance Composition: Initial photo framing may not always be perfect. Cropping allows you to use the rule of thirds, which involves placing your subject along intersecting lines to create a more balanced image.

• Resize for Different Platforms: Social media and other sites have specific image size needs. Cropping ensures your photos fit these requirements without awkward cropping or black bars.

• Correct Mistakes: You can fix awkward framing or unbalanced compositions by cropping to improve the overall shot.

• Artistic Freedom: It offers an effective means of artistic expression. By exploring diverse styles, you can craft distinctive viewpoints, narrate stories, or stir emotions through your photographs.

By learning how to crop on Mac, you can control the appearance of your photos.

Also Read: How to Fix Touch Bar on MacBook Pro Using 10 Unique Methods

Best Practices for Cropping Images on Mac

While cropping an image on Mac, you should consider the following points:

• Select the main subject of the photo and focus on that. It can be a person, a beautiful landscape, or an aesthetic prop. Make sure that the final output highlights the main subject.

• You should maintain a standard aspect ratio of 4:3 or 16:9 to get a polished look. It will also easily fit into different displays.

• Always remember to save an original copy of the image as a backup, especially if you are a beginner. 

• You should also use keyboard shortcuts to improve the workflow. For example, press C in edit mode in Photos or use Command + K in Preview to access cropping tools.

These are some tips you should use and keep in mind to improve your cropping skills and get the best outcome after editing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cropping images on a Mac is a simple process. Using Preview, the Photos app, or other third-party tools, you can accomplish that with ease. Figure out your requirements and choose the suitable method to crop an image on Mac.

This editing trick helps make your photos better by focusing on what matters, fixing composition, and getting rid of distractions. Simply stick to the tips mentioned in this article and your cropped photos will look sharp and professional.

We hope you found this article useful to learn how to crop an image on Mac; please share it with your friends and family too.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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