Resizing Still Images - Instructions

What is a Still Image?

Still Images are one of the 6 .jpeg images that you can upload on the Item Submission Form. The Still Images are different from the .svs files for virtual microscopy (VM) submission sent via mailed or thumb drive.

Size Restrictions for Still Images:

File Dimensions. Up to 5,000 pixels wide and up to 5,000 pixels high. (See note below.)
On Windows: You can see the file dimension by right clicking a file, select Properties > Details.
On MacBooks: Press Ctrl > Select the file you wish to view its dimensions > Get Info > Size > More Info > Pixels in "Dimensions".
File Memory Size. 1.5MB
On Windows: Display in the Windows File Explorer in KB, so your file size should be no greater than 1,500KB
On MacBooks: Press Ctrl > Select the file you wish to view its dimensions > Get Info > Size > Memory size is listed in the upper right-hand corner, using MB measurements.

Note:

Pixel dimensions listed above are for the best quality image. When the image is shown on a large computer screen during an exam, image quality is maintained at this pixelation level. With that being said; images with lesser details can still be submitted with lower pixel dimensions. Images of symbols, for example, have been submitted with lower pixel dimensions and still maintain their image quality once shown on the screen. Images of specimen displayed on large computer screens during an exam however look much better when larger than 1,500 pixels.

Typically, you can reduce your images as much as you want as long as you can maintain about 900 pixels. 5,000 is the goal, but not a strict necessity. Images do not have to be square but when resizing an image the user should pay attention to the ratio so that the width and height ratio of the image is maintained and the image does not become skewed. For example, if the original image size was 5000 x 6000 and it is being re-sized, then the new size could become 1000 x 1200 pixels, to maintain the same ratio as the original image.

File Size Too Large?

Cropping.
Cropping your image first may be all you need to do to reduce the file size. Take out any unnecessary sections along the border of your image. Cropping it first may help lower its memory footprint by eliminating some dark colors on the edges.
Adjust the pixel sizes.
Reducing the pixels will reduce your file size. Slowly reduce the pixel dimensions, keeping the Width x Height ratio equal, until your file size is within the maximum allotted size requirement. (Keep in mind: The lower you go in pixel dimension, a lesser quality may result once the image is shown on a larger screen.)

Tools to Use When Resizing Your Image:

Windows
- Cropping: Utilize the "Paint" tool, which comes pre-installed on all Windows devices.
- Changing the Dimensions / Resizing: In Paint, click on the "Resize and skew" icon The "Resize and Skew" pop up window will appear. Select "Pixels". Be sure this button is selected to maintain the intended pixel ratio of your image. This will help you keep the aspect ratio the same as the original image.
MacBook
- Cropping: In the Photos app on your Mac, double-click the photo, click Edit > Crop in the toolbar.
- Changing the Dimensions / Resizing: In the Preview app on your Mac, open the file you want to change, choose Tools > Adjust > Size > "Resample Image". Enter a smaller value in the Resolution field. The new size is shown at the bottom.

Why is this so important?

Our goal is to avoid having to enlarge any picture because it may no longer represent what the author intended.

We have received images in the past where images were so small that it was difficult to see what it represented on a large screen.

We try to avoid images that look like thumbnails at full size, then would become pixelated and fuzzy when enlarged.

If you run into any difficulties, or have any questions, we are always here to help

Thank you for your participation in the Test Development and Advisory Commitee.