Distortion occurs when width and height are changed independently in a way that does not match the original proportions. A person can look stretched, circles can become ovals, and logos can lose their intended shape.
Keep the aspect ratio
When one dimension changes, calculate the other from the original width-to-height ratio. The resizer on this site includes an aspect-ratio option that does this for you.
Use the right crop when a fixed shape is required
Sometimes a platform requires a square or wide image. In those cases, cropping or fitting the image on a canvas is usually better than stretching it.
Avoid excessive enlargement
Increasing pixel dimensions does not restore detail that was not present in the original. A small image enlarged too far may appear soft or pixelated.
Last reviewed: 14 November 2026. Always check the current requirements of the destination website or service before publishing or submitting an image.