More About CroppingThere are two options to consider when Cropping in Photoshop - either a preset size and shape or "no restrictions." When you first select the tool, look at the "Aspect Ratio" options you have at the top of the frame. (It won't say "Aspect Ratio" there if you're using Photoshop CS, CS2,or CS3. It will only show you windows for height and width, resolution, and - at the far right - a "Clear" button.) Here's what that means: In PS Elements you have the choice of "No Restriction," "Use Photo Ratio," or several pre-set standard print sizes (4x6, 8x10, etc.). If you choose "No Restrictions" you may crop to any rectangular shape you desire. But if you choose one of the pre-sets, the tool locks itself in to that specific ratio. It doesn't control how large an area you select; you do that. But the exact ratio will be consistent with the ratio you have selected. (By the way, the setting you select will be remembered the next time you open an image and choose this tool. So don't get frustrated. The software is just following the last order given, and isn't at fault here.) Now, if you've been paying attention you might have noticed something: When you choose a pre-set Aspect Ratio (and specify that the resolution be 300 dpi), you've, in effect, killed two birds with one stone. Because you've accomplished both the Cropping and Image Resizing steps in one step. Cool, huh? Caveat: There is a danger here. So be careful. If, for example, you have an original image that's relatively low resolution - or if you chooses to make a pre-set 300 dpi selection from a very small portion of your image - you run the risk of creating an image that's going to look extremely pixilated - simply because the software didn't have enough data to work with. So use this option carefully.
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