To crop photos on your iPhone running iOS 17, simply open the Photos app, choose the photo you want to edit, tap ‘Edit’ in the top right corner, then select the ‘Crop’ icon at the bottom of the screen. Adjust the frame to your liking, and tap ‘Done’ to save your changes.
After you complete the action, the photo you edited will be saved in your Photos library with the new cropped dimensions. You can revert to the original photo at any time by editing the photo again and selecting ‘Revert’.
You can also check out this video about how to crop photos on iPhone for more information.
Introduction
Cropping photos is a fundamental skill in the world of digital photography. It’s the process of trimming away the edges of a picture to focus on a subject, improve composition, or remove unwanted elements. With every update, the iOS platform makes this task easier and more intuitive for iPhone users, and iOS 17 is no exception. Whether you’re a professional photographer, an avid social media user, or just someone who likes to keep their photo library neat and tidy, knowing how to crop photos on your iPhone is an essential skill.
Cropping can transform a good photo into a great one by altering the focus and composition to highlight what’s important. It’s particularly relevant in an age where images are a primary form of communication. With the right crop, you can convey a story, evoke emotion, or simply make your photos more appealing. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want their Instagram feed to look like it’s curated by a pro?
Related: How to Hide Photos on iPhone 13
Step by Step Tutorial: Cropping Photos on iOS 17
Before we dive into the steps, understand that following this tutorial will help you master the art of cropping photos on your iPhone. It’s a simple process that can have a big impact on your photos.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
Open the Photos app on your iPhone to get started.
Once you’ve opened the Photos app, navigate through your library to find the photo you wish to crop. Remember, you can crop any photo saved on your device, whether it’s one you’ve taken with your camera or an image you’ve downloaded.
Step 2: Select the Photo to Crop
Choose the photo you want to crop by tapping on it.
After selecting the photo, you’ll be able to view it in full size. Take a moment to decide which parts of the photo you want to keep and which parts you’re okay with cutting out.
Step 3: Tap ‘Edit’ in the Top Right Corner
Tap the ‘Edit’ button located in the upper right corner of your screen.
The ‘Edit’ feature is where all the magic happens. It’s the gateway to a suite of editing tools including cropping, filters, and adjustments for light and color.
Step 4: Select the ‘Crop’ Icon
Tap on the ‘Crop’ icon at the bottom of the screen to begin cropping your photo.
The ‘Crop’ icon is usually represented by two intersecting right angles, resembling a frame. Once you tap it, you’ll see the cropping grid overlay on your photo, indicating the current crop area.
Step 5: Adjust the Frame
Drag the corners or sides of the frame to adjust the crop.
As you drag the frame, consider the rule of thirds for a balanced composition. This technique involves dividing the image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and placing the main subjects along these lines or at their intersections.
Step 6: Tap ‘Done’
Once you’re satisfied with the crop, tap ‘Done’ to save your changes.
Tapping ‘Done’ saves the cropped version of the photo to your library. But don’t worry—if you change your mind later, you can always revert to the original.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Focus | Cropping allows you to remove distractions from the edges of a photo, thus enhancing the focus on the main subject. |
| Improved Composition | It can help you create a more balanced and visually appealing composition by following photography rules such as the rule of thirds. |
| Customizable Aspect Ratios | The cropping tool offers various aspect ratio options, which means you can easily adjust your photo for different uses, such as profile pictures or post sizes for various social media platforms. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Loss of Image Quality | Cropping a photo can sometimes result in a loss of image quality, especially if you crop significantly and then try to enlarge the photo. |
| Permanent Change | If you don’t save a copy of the original photo, the crop becomes a permanent change, and you might lose some important parts of the image. |
| Over-Cropping | There’s a risk of over-cropping, which can remove essential elements of the photo and ruin its overall impact. |
Video About Cropping Pictures
Additional Information
When cropping photos on your iPhone, there are a few additional tips that can come in handy. Firstly, the iOS 17 Photos app provides a range of preset aspect ratios. These are useful if you want to ensure your photo fits specific dimensions—for instance, for a profile image that requires a square. Secondly, don’t forget about the ‘straighten’ wheel located under the crop grid. This tool lets you adjust the angle of your photo, which is especially useful if your horizon line is slightly off.
Moreover, while cropping can improve the composition of your photo, be mindful not to crop out too much. You want to maintain the context and not compromise the story your photo tells. Lastly, if you’re planning to print your photos, remember to consider the aspect ratio of the print size. Cropping to a non-standard size could result in important parts of your photo being cut off during printing.
Summary
- Open the Photos app.
- Select the photo to crop.
- Tap ‘Edit’.
- Select the ‘Crop’ icon.
- Adjust the frame.
- Tap ‘Done’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a crop after I’ve saved it?
Yes, you can undo a crop by editing the photo again and selecting ‘Revert’ to return to the original.
Will cropping affect the quality of my photo?
Cropping can affect the quality if you crop too much and then enlarge the photo, but for minor crops, the difference is usually negligible.
Can I change the aspect ratio of my photo while cropping?
Yes, the iOS 17 Photos app provides preset aspect ratios for you to choose from when cropping.
Is there a way to straighten a photo while cropping?
Yes, you can use the straighten wheel under the crop grid to adjust the angle of your photo.
Can I crop a photo to a custom size?
While the Photos app provides several presets, you can also freely adjust the crop area to any size you wish.
Conclusion
Cropping photos on your iPhone using iOS 17 is a breeze. This simple yet powerful tool can elevate the quality of your images, ensuring they capture exactly what you want them to. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just looking to improve the look of your personal photos, mastering the crop tool is a step in the right direction.
Remember, a well-cropped photo can tell a story, evoke emotion, and hold the viewer’s attention in ways a hastily snapped picture might not. So next time you’re flipping through your camera roll, don’t be afraid to get a little snippy with your shots. Happy cropping!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.