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TECHNIQUE: Precise scaling of multiple images on a layout: Clipping Masks
By Shelleyrae Cusbert 2008
Aug 15, 2008, 10:57

Precise scaling of multiple images on a layout: Clipping Masks


There are several ways of resizing and arranging multiple photos on a layout so that each is exactly the same size. This tutorial shows you how to scale and then align multiple photos using clipping masks. This technique works with photos that are of differing sizes and orientations.

Open a document or your layout at the preferred size.
Select the Marquee tool from the tools palette and on the options bar select Fixed size.


It may be useful to ensure you can see your rulers (View> Rulers)
Determine the size you wish each photo to be and enter the width and height in their respective boxes.
Since my document is 12x 12 inches and I wish to have three photos across the width of my page I have entered 3.5” x 5”


To create the selection click near the middle of the document. The selection appears (highlighted in the screenshot below)


Now use the keyboard shortcut ALT+Backspace to fill with your foreground color (the actual color is immaterial) and then use CTRL+D to deselect the shape


Position this shape where desired.
Use CTRL+J to create two duplicates of the shape and position.


Align the images by selecting all three shapes in the layers palette, then select Align bottom edges in the options bar


Then select Distribute horizontal centers to space the three shapes evenly



Open the photo’s you wish to use to your workspace. The photo’s can be differing dimensions and orientation (eg horizontal or vertical), however you will need to choose photos that suit the shapes you have created.
Rotate any photo’s as required (Image> Rotate Canvas)
Select the layer with the first shape and then drag the photo you wish to place into that position onto your document.
The first photo I have chosen is a landscape orientation and is much larger than I require to resize the image accurately create the clipping mask first. Right click on the photo layer and choose Create Clipping Mask or use the shortcut CTRL+ALT+G.


Now with the move tool selected, click and hold on the photo to move it roughly into position and then resize it so the area you want is showing.
When you are happy with the move and resize, select Apply.



Now repeat these steps for further images.
My final panel is made up of one portrait and two landscape photo’s.



You can use this method to create any grouping of multiple photos at the same size. You could use circles or rounded squares for example and include as many photo’s as you can fit on the page.
The double page layout below used this method to create identically sized squares



Save the templates you create for use on other layouts.
If your photo’s are the same size and orientation then refer to the tutorial >a href="http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/a-tuts/publish/article_759.shtml">Precise scaling of multiple images on a layout: Free Transform Tool



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