Change a photo resolution in Photos app

Change a photo's resolution in Photos app

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Dec 5, 2020 10:51 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 10, 2020 11:36 PM

Do you want to save storage by downsizing the photos in the library, or do you need to create a smaller version for sharing?

You cannot change the resolution the photos in the library. Photos has been designed to preserve all photos at the best resolution. But you can export the photos from Photos at a lesser resolution.

When you export a photo, you can specify the resolution in the Export dialog.

  • Select the photo in Photos and use File > Export > Export 1 photo"
  • Click the "v" to the right of "Kind: JPEG" to reveal the advanced controls for the quality and Resolution.
  • Use the "Custom" size.


Exporting allows you to decrease the resolution, but not to increase the resolution. If you need to increase the pixel size, use a different application or the online image enlarger. It is quit good at adding pixels without blurring the photos. Online Image Enlarger

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 10, 2020 11:36 PM in response to hdeon1

Do you want to save storage by downsizing the photos in the library, or do you need to create a smaller version for sharing?

You cannot change the resolution the photos in the library. Photos has been designed to preserve all photos at the best resolution. But you can export the photos from Photos at a lesser resolution.

When you export a photo, you can specify the resolution in the Export dialog.

  • Select the photo in Photos and use File > Export > Export 1 photo"
  • Click the "v" to the right of "Kind: JPEG" to reveal the advanced controls for the quality and Resolution.
  • Use the "Custom" size.


Exporting allows you to decrease the resolution, but not to increase the resolution. If you need to increase the pixel size, use a different application or the online image enlarger. It is quit good at adding pixels without blurring the photos. Online Image Enlarger

Dec 10, 2020 6:22 PM in response to hdeon1

Hi hdeon1,


We see you have some questions about changing a photos resolution while in the Photos app on your Mac. The Photos app has some great features for editing your photos. We're glad you reached out for help.


Check out the resource below for tips on the different editing options you have available including to change the resolution.


Photos User Guide


If you have additional questions reach out to Apple Support here: Get Support


Have a good day!

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Change a photo resolution in Photos app

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