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Assume that I want to resize a large image (i0) into different smaller images (i1, i2, i3... where i0 > i1 > i2 > i3 ...) and keep the original ratio when doing the resize. I wonder which of the following approach will generate better result -

  1. i0 -> i1 -> i2 -> i3
  2. i0 -> i1, i0 -> i2, i0 -> i3

Any inputs are welcomed! Thanks!

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  • #2 will almost always provide better results.. but a lot depends upon what format you are saving to, what application you are using, and what the nature of the original image is.
    – Scott
    Oct 26, 2015 at 17:50
  • forgot to mention that the image is in JPG format
    – tom
    Oct 26, 2015 at 17:51

1 Answer 1

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For jpg.. there's no question that #2 is the only acceptable method. Jpg is a lossy format. Every save throws away data. Resaving a jpg as a jpg always results in a lower quality image. For this reason you should always return to the original image if you need to resave. Having an original format such as tiff, png24/32, or psd would be better. But at times jpg may be all you have.

Related: Resizing/shrinking .JPG files without losing quality?

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  • Very helpful info! Also, I am using gimp2 to do the size and I do have the PNG format of the original image as well, should I do the resize using PNG instead (and then export as jpg later on)? If go with PNG, would the 2) still be better than 1)?
    – tom
    Oct 26, 2015 at 18:00
  • #2 is almost always better. I'd use the PNG, resize, then save as JPG.
    – Scott
    Oct 26, 2015 at 18:08

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