Cropping images is an essential skill when working with images in Google Docs. Properly cropping images helps improve the overall composition and draws attention to the key subject matter. This guide will cover the basics of cropping in Google Docs.
Accessing the Crop Tool
Cropping an image in Google Docs is simple:
- Click on the image you want to crop to select it
- Click on the Crop icon in the toolbar above the document
- The crop icon looks like a small knife over a picture frame
- A border with handles on the corners and edges will appear around the image
You can now adjust the crop area by clicking and dragging any of the border handles.
Cropping an Image
To crop the image:
- Click and drag the corner or edge handles to remove any unwanted outer areas
- Adjust the handles until only the area you want to keep is inside the crop box
- Press Enter or click outside the image to complete the crop
The area outside the crop box will be removed, leaving only the area you selected visible in the document.
Aspect Ratio
By default, Google Docs will maintain the original aspect ratio of the image as you crop. This means the relative width and height will stay the same.
You can crop to a specific aspect ratio using the Aspect Ratio menu in the toolbar. Common options include:
- Square (1:1 ratio)
- Landscape (Wide)
- Portrait (Tall)
Choosing an aspect ratio will lock the crop box to those relative dimensions as you drag the handles.
Image Options
Google Docs also provides additional options for working with images under the Image Options menu:
Resetting Images
After cropping or making other edits, you can reset the image back to its original state using the Reset Image option.
Rotating Images
You can rotate images 90 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise using the rotation options.
Borders and Styles
Add colored borders or styles to images like drop shadows and rounded corners. Adjust border thickness as well.
Size and Transparency
Fine tune image size and transparency with additional options here.
Tips for Cropping Images
Here are some best practices to follow when cropping images:
- Crop images to highlight key subjects and remove distracting background elements
- Be mindful of aspect ratio changes and how they may distort the image
- Use the zoom slider to view the image closely as you crop if needed
- Try different crop areas until you find the ideal framing
- Save cropped images separately to preserve the original if needed
Focus Attention
Cropping images helps focus a viewer’s attention. Removing unnecessary areas around the edges brings the most important part of the photo front and center.
Improve Composition
Adjusting the crop area also gives you an opportunity to improve the overall visual composition. Changes to the framing, angle of view, and layout can dramatically improve poorly composed images.
Enlarge Subjects
In addition to improving focus and layout, cropping has the added effect of enlarging subjects in a photo by isolating them and removing surrounding areas. This is very useful for featuring key details.
Cropping Shapes
In addition to rectangular image crops, Google Docs supports cropping images into shapes:
- Select the image
- Click the crop icon
- Choose a shape crop under the Crop To Shape menu
- Adjust and move the shape overlay to fit over the part of the image you want to keep
- The area outside the shape will be removed
Common shapes like ovals, circles, triangles, speech bubbles, and more can overlay the image. This allows you to crop the image to fit that shape.
Saving Cropped Images
Cropped images in Google Docs will remain cropped in the document they are edited in. However, if you copy and paste the image elsewhere, the full original image may be used instead.
To save a permanently cropped version:
- Right click the image
- Choose Save image as
- Download the cropped image file to your computer
- Insert the saved image file instead of copying and pasting
This will retain the cropped version of the photo when used in other documents or publishing to the web.
Cropping on Mobile
The Google Docs app for Android and iOS provides cropped images options similar to the desktop application. However, the controls are optimized for touch screens:
- Tap an image to select it
- Tap the crop icon in the toolbar
- Pinch, zoom, and drag to adjust the crop area
- Tap Apply to complete the crop
Additionally, the mobile app allows you to draw any shape to use for cropping.
So whether on mobile or desktop, Google Docs makes cropping images quick and easy. Following these cropping best practices will take your documents to the next level.
