Resize an image with Windows Paint

[Scott Ferguson]

A common mistake new MITAI users make is to use images that are larger than necessary in their apps.

It is not uncommon to find images on the web that are several megabytes in size.

Some phones and tablets cameras can produce large images as well.

With MITAI's limit of around 5 megabytes for stable storage per app, it is prudent to reduce the size of the images stored as assets in the Media folder when they are larger than needed.

If the image is larger than the screen of the target device, it should be reduced to fit on that screen.

> Here < is a link to a YouTube video demonstration that uses the Windows 10 Paint app to resize an earth image from a width of 500 pixels to a width of 320 pixels.

Note that Windows Paint does not support image transparency so if you need that feature, use GIMP or another image editor to resize those images such as the app's thumbnail image which should be 48x48 pixels.

See also: HOW DO I...make an icon for my app with transparency?

See also: Using Images with App Inventor 

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The script for the video:

I have an earth image that is 500 pixels wide and I want to reduce its width to 320 pixels.

If you are running Windows, you will have a Paint app that I am using in this demonstration.

For Windows 10, the easiest way to start Paint is to type paint in the Sarch Windows box on the taskbar.

Then tap the Paint icon in the popup list.

(do it)

Next, use File, Open and browse to your image file to open it.

(do it)

Choose File, Properties to see current size of the image.

(do it)

This image is 500 pixels wide.

(close dialog)

We want to save a copy of this image that has a width of 320 pixels.

So we tap Resize.

(do it)

Tap Pixels

(do it)

Tap the Horizontal TextBox and change it's value to 320

(do it)

Notice that the Vertical value also changes because the Maintian aspect ratio checkbox is checked.

You will most lkely want to use this option to prevent stretching or flattening your image.

Tap OK to save your changes.

(do it)

The image is now 320 pixels wide.

Now we want to save a copy of this jpeg image so tap File, Save As and choose JPEG picture.

Tap in the File name textbox, name your image copy and tap the Save button.

(do it)

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sf