How do you resize an image before printing from a PC ?

[Spence257]

Hi - I recently bought a HP printer and set it up with my PC. Is it possible to resize the image from my PC before printing using HP Smart ? I assume it is (basic requirement), but cannot find any "print preview" options, or the like.

[Spence257]

I cannot manage to alter the print size using HP Smart, Windows Photos, or Windows Photo Viewer. However, if I use Windows Paint, I do seem to be able to access resizing via "File", "Print", "Page Set-up", bypassing HP Smart altogether. Still hopeful someone may have a better solution 🙂

[Dragon-Fur]

@Spence257 

Welcome back to the HP Community Forum.

What you do -- and the tools you use -- depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

Resizing can be easy or more difficult.

Much depends on the original size of the image - pixel count.

For example, a low pixel count image appears increasingly "grainy" as you print that image at a larger scale.

You need to decide whether you are trying to change the image (size / formatting) or whether you simply want to print the image at a particular size on a selected paper size.

Keep it simple...

Two ways to open an Image in HP Smart and print that image in other than the "full page" on the paper:

• Select the Photo Size in the main print menu
• Select to Scan > Import your Photo File > Select Edit > Select Edit option (Crop)

General Example - HP Smart - Windows - Simple Photo Print - A4

HP_Smart_Win_Print_Photo_A4_All_4

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Scan > Edit - Image Options

HP_Smart_W10_Scan_Edit_Image_Set_11

General Example - Photos App - Print photo "at selected size"

Photos_Print_Letter-5x7_1

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), Supplies, and more

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HP ENVY 6020e All-in-One Printer 

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[Spence257]

Hi Dragon Fur. Many thanks for your rapid and considerable answer ! However I cannot seem to access any of the "menus" you have posted. Either through "scan"+"import", or via "print". For example, if I press scan and import on HP Smart, I only get the options "auto", "full" or "flatten" - there is no editing feature. What am I missing ? None of the menus look like your examples for HP Smart. Have I got the right HP Smart program for Windows - the version I have is HP Smart 141.2.441.0 ? Those menus you have posted above look really useful ! 😉

[Spence257]

Hi Dragon Fur - this is an example of the "Simple Photo Print" menu I get - sadly, not very useful at all 😞



The "more settings" option at the bottom doesn't seem to offer much joy either....

For the record, I wish to alter the size of the image printed as it is required for making cards and collage work.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Spence257 

Looks like you had added another post before I finished and posted my first answer.

True - HP Smart is not the tool for this job unless you are willing to live with the limitations granted by the application.

HP Smart - Windows

1. The Shape of the photo can be altered using Scan > Preset = Photo > Import photo > Edit > Crop > Save
2. The size of the printed photo on the paper can be adjusted using Photo Size -- this is a limited feature that allows you to preselect photo print sizes from a list.
3. Scan > Preset = Photo > Import > Edit > Crop (or other edit options) are best completed and Saved as opposed to jumping into Print after the edits.  Print is a different function from Scan > Edit -- jumping between the two can be tricky and frequently you don't end up with what you want anyway.

I might not understand what you are trying to do.

If you do not want to use Paint, consider another software.

 Irfanview is free, smart, configurable, and versatile.

Given a supported paper size and type, an image can be printed in whatever size you like on your supported paper.

Irfanview does require that the Full Feature Software (full driver printer software) is installed on your computer.

How-to install printer software Video links included at the end of this message...

Example >  Irfanview - Simple Photo Print - Custom Size Print on Letter Size Paper

Irfanview_Custom_Print_Size_3x5_1

Example -  Irfanview - Resize / Resample

Irfanview_Print_Image_Resize_Resample_2

========================================================

References / Resources

Irfanview > Brilliant Free Photo Viewing, Editing, and Print Software

 Irfanview provides an exceptional software experience that can be used for a variety of scan and print tasks, including the “Mirror” or horizontal flip function plus several other options not found elsewhere.

• Create a Restore Point (optional, recommended)
• Download the appropriate version (32bit or 64bit) of the program from the Website and install the program
• Additional information at the website, including:  FAQ

NOTES

• Both 32bit and 64bit versions for Windows are available.
• Irfanview is also available as an Windows 10 Application from the Microsoft Store

For example,

Irfanview 64bit version – Information and Download

Software and All Plugins for 64bit version:  https://www.fosshub.com/IrfanView.html

Includes Plugin for creating Multiple-page PDF files for images (Poster or large paper printing)

Includes access (where available) to Scan with HP Twain > Adjust settings > Save

How to find Help within the Irfanview software

Once installed, open the software > tab Help

========================================================

How to Install Full Feature Software / full driver printer software

Videos

HP Envy 6055 | HP Envy Pro 6455 : Download & Install HP Full solution software on Win 10 Computer

Or

HP Envy Pro 6455: How to set up printer on Win 10 PC with HP full solution software

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People who own, use, and support HP devices.

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Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[Spence257]

WOW ! Thank you so much Dragon-Fur. I really appreciate the time you have taken to absorb and respond to my problem. I will try out Irfanview as you suggest - not heard of it before, but it sounds exactly what I need. To be truthful, I did not expect this level of assistance - I can only try and convey my stunned support and gratitude for your magnificent help Dragon-Fur !

[Dragon-Fur]

@Spence257 

You are most welcome.

When / If you try the Resample option in Irfanview, take the time to open the help file on the subject.

It's an interesting feature.

Update for those reading...

My old pixel to print size calculator link was recently flagged in my security software.

OK - not worth investigating - dropped that site from my tool set.

Found and tested this easy-to-use Pixel to Print size website.

The calculator is very easy to use -- Bonus >> an easy to read explanation of the product and pixels is included.

https://www.omnicalculator.com/other/pixels-to-print-size

Side Note:  I finally pounded on the site enough (testing) that I started seeing a few ads on the site -- advertising is common practice by websites to generate income.   In so much that I am aware, the advertising is not obtrusive or harmful.  Test with your own security software to ensure the site is something you want to use.

 An oversimplified example

Pixels - how dense they are packed into your image file - are important.

Low density image files should be printed at a smaller size to reduce low quality / grainy results in the print.

High density image files tolerate being printed at larger sizes without a reduction in print quality.

Example - Band_Tails Pixel Count Test - Print Sizes

Band_Tails_Pixel_Count_Print_Size_1

Happy Printing!

Thank you for participating in the HP Community:

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[Spence257]

Thank you again Dragon-Fur ! It may not be until the new year when I try out Irfanview "in anger" ( 🙂 ), but I feel reassured now that my printer is fit for my needs. Also, thank you again about the warning re. possible security risk and the pixel to print calculator - all worthwhile additions.