You can resize images in a PDF, like logos or photos, using Smallpdf’s Edit PDF, Preview on Mac, or print settings to fit your layout.
Resizing is often needed when a logo appears oversized or a photo looks out of place. Sometimes you need images smaller for printing, other times larger for emphasis. With a few simple steps, you can adjust image sizes in your PDF without starting over.
How to Resize a PDF Image: Step-by-Step Guide
The fastest method for resizing images inside a PDF is with Smallpdf’s Edit PDF. It works directly in your browser and doesn’t require extra software.
Step 1: Go to Edit PDF
Open Edit PDF. You’ll see the upload area ready for your file.
Step 2: Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop your document, or import it from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
Step 3: Select the Image
Click on the image you want to resize. You’ll notice a blue outline appear around it.
Step 4: Resize the Image
Grab one of the corners of the image frame and drag inward to make it smaller, or outward to make it larger. This keeps the proportions intact.
Step 5: Save and Download
Once the image looks the way you want, click Export. You can download the updated PDF or send it back to your cloud storage.
Resize a PDF Image on Smallpdf for Free
That’s all it takes — just a few clicks to resize an image inside your PDF without losing quality.
Method 2: Resize a PDF Image Using Preview on Mac
Preview comes pre-installed on every Mac and lets you handle simple adjustments. While it doesn’t offer the same drag-and-drop editing as Smallpdf, you can scale a PDF image through page settings.
Step 1: Open the PDF in Preview
Right-click your PDF, select Open With, and choose Preview.
Step 2: Adjust the Page Scale
Go to the top menu and select Tools > Adjust Size. You can enter custom width and height values or scale the entire page by percentage.
Step 3: Save Your File
Once adjusted, save the PDF. Keep in mind this affects the whole page, not just a single image. If your goal is to resize one embedded image, Smallpdf’s Edit PDF works better.
Method 3: Resize a PDF Image for Printing on Mac
Sometimes you don’t need to permanently change the image size — you just want it to print correctly. In that case, use macOS print settings.
Step 1: Open the PDF and Choose Print
Open your file in Preview or any PDF reader, then press Command + P.
Step 2: Use the Scale Option
In the Print dialog, look for the Scale field. You can adjust by percentage, for example, setting it to 80% shrinks the image and page proportionally.
Step 3: Print or Save as PDF
After adjusting the scale, you can either print directly or choose Save as PDF to create a resized copy. This is handy when preparing files for professional printers that require specific dimensions.
Can You Resize a PDF Image on iPhone?
Yes, you can. If you’re on the go, you’ve got two options. The first is to open Safari, head to Smallpdf’s Edit PDF, upload your file, and pinch the corners of the image to resize it before saving it back to your phone.
The second option, and often the smoother one, is to use the Smallpdf mobile app. Just open your PDF in the app, tap on the image you want to adjust, and drag the handles to shrink or enlarge it.
Once you’re happy with the result, you can save it right back to your iPhone or share it straight from the app.
What Does Resizing a PDF Image Really Do?
When you resize an image in a PDF, you’re not compressing the file or lowering resolution. Instead, you’re adjusting the displayed size of the image inside the page.
If you need a smaller file size overall, consider using Compress PDF after resizing.
FAQs
1. How do I resize a PDF image on Mac?
You can use Smallpdf’s Edit PDF for direct image resizing, or Preview’s Adjust Size for page scaling. For print, adjust the Scale field in the Print dialog.
2. How do you change the scale of a PDF on a Mac?
Open the PDF in Preview, go to Print, and change the Scale percentage. This adjusts the entire document for printing or saving.
3. How to resize a PDF image for printing on Mac?
In the Print dialog, set the Scale field to the percentage you need. Then either print directly or save a new PDF version.
4. Can you resize just one image inside a PDF?
Yes. Use Smallpdf’s Edit PDF, select the image, and drag the corners to shrink or enlarge it without affecting the rest of the page.
