Resizing Images

Program or plugin to reduce image dimensions without loss of quality

[StepOne]

Hi,

Do you have a favorite program or plug-in for resizing (downwards) photographic (.jpg) images while keeping as much image quality as possible?

I've read that the Lanczos 3 algorithm is good but don't know of a Windows plugin that uses it

I use PaintShop Pro's 'Weighted Average' but I've also got a trial version of FSoft's Resize Magic.

Is there anything better?

Thanks.

[stef25]

do you mean reducing the size of the dimensions, or of the file size?

if dimensions: use any graphics program to either crop or resize the picture specifying your px dimensions

or in file size, most graphics programs let you save jpg's by specifying a percentage in quality. 75% of the original usually does it for me

[StepOne]

Thank-you stef25 for your reply.

I mean reducing the pixel dimensions of jpg images.

There are a multitude of different algorithms that may be used to carry out this task and some produce better quality results than others. I'm trying to find out which plug-in or stand alone program can reduce the dimensions of an image with the least reduction of image quality.

[topr8]

i use photoshop >

convert to psd
convert to 4 colour (cmyk from rgb)
resize
convert back to rbg
save

then i use smart saver pro
to convert back to a jpeg

long winded but if you use actions and batch processing then pretty quick ... and excellent results.

[stef25]

just save your file as a png or psd format, change the dimensions and then save back to jpg.

you should do this because saving jpg's results in lowering its quality

I think that by saving it at 90% quality it will loose 10% each time you save.

[texasville]

I love webgraphics optimizer 4.2- it is a stand alone utility. fast. I see no discernible difference using this utility. has a 30 day free trial so can't hurt to try. Just import your jpeg or other graphic and it will give you a choice on what you want to do.

[limbo]

Are you asking this because the software you use now isn't up to scratch? Or becasue your hits are such it is causing a large drain on bandwidth?

I have always gotten great results in Fireworks - I think that has to do with the native files being PNG. Which is a boon for the design, handling and publication of webgraphics. The optimise commands in the export image box have always been comprehensive enough for me, but none of the sites I've designed for have mammouth hit frequency (yet ;)).