Cascade Image Optimization

Use Cascade’s built-in tools to crop images directly in the CMS—no external software needed.

1. Access the Image Folder:
Navigate to the image folder where the image is stored.
2. Edit the Image:

1. In the edit window, locate the width and height properties.
2. If the image dimensions don't match your desired aspect ratio, manually enter a new width and height. For instance, you might enter 600 for width and 400 for height.

4. Enable Cropping:

If the aspect ratio doesn't automatically align, use the crop tool to adjust the dimensions manually.


5. Draw the Crop Box:

Drag the crop box to frame the portion of the image you want to retain.
Adjust the crop box to match the required dimensions (e.g., 600x400). Note that in Cascade, the crop box proportions aren't constrained automatically, so you must manually adjust to the desired size.

6. Apply the Crop:

Once satisfied with the selection, click the crop button to apply changes.

7. Preview the Cropped Image:

Use the "Preview" option to check the cropped image for accuracy.

8. Save and Submit:

Save the cropped image.
Submit the image through the Cascade workflow for further use or publication.

Notes:
Cropping large image files in Cascade can be cumbersome due to performance limitations. It's often better to crop such files in software like Photoshop before uploading.
Cascade's cropping tool doesn't provide detailed control over compression or quality settings, so using dedicated image-editing software like Photoshop is preferred for high-quality results.

1. Open the Image File:
   1. Launch Photoshop.
   2. Navigate to File > Open and select the image(s) you want to crop.
2. Check Image Dimensions (Optional):
   1. Go to Image > Image Size to view the current dimensions.
   2. If necessary, adjust the size by entering the desired width and height while maintaining the aspect ratio.
3. Select the Crop Tool:
   1. On the left toolbar, locate and select the Crop Tool (icon looks like two intersecting right angles).
   2. Alternatively, press C on your keyboard.
4. Set Crop Dimensions:
   1. In the top options bar, set the desired crop aspect ratio by selecting W x H x Resolution.
   2. Enter the specific width, height (e.g., 500 by 334), and resolution.
5. Adjust the Crop Area:
   1. A highlighted border will appear around the image.
   2. Drag the corners or edges of the crop area to adjust the size.
   3. Click and drag within the crop area to reposition the selection.
6. Crop the Image:
   1. When satisfied, click the checkmark icon in the top bar, or press Enter to confirm the crop.
7. Zoom and Verify:
   1. Press Ctrl + (Windows) or Cmd + (Mac) to zoom in and verify the quality of the cropped image.
8. Save the Cropped Image:
   1. Navigate to File > Export > Export As.
   2. Choose a file format (e.g., JPEG) and verify the file size.
   3. Save the cropped image to your preferred directory.
9. Repeat for Additional Images (Optional):
   1. If cropping multiple images, Photoshop retains the last crop settings.
   2. Repeat the steps to maintain consistent dimensions.
10. Upload to Your Platform:
    1. After cropping, you can upload the resized and consistent images to your platform or project.

1. Open the Image in Photoshop:
   1. Launch Photoshop and open the image file you want to resize.
2. Access the Image Size Menu:
   1. Navigate to Image > Image Size in the top menu.
3. Adjust the Dimensions:
   1. Check the box next to the chain icon to preserve aspect ratio.
   2. Reduce the width (e.g., to 2000 pixels for web use). The height will automatically adjust if the chain icon is active.
4. Check Image Quality:
   1. Zoom in using Ctrl + Plus (Windows) or Command + Plus (Mac) to ensure the resized image maintains acceptable quality.
5. Export the Resized Image:
   1. Go to File > Export > Export As.
   2. Choose the desired format:
      1. JPEG: Best for photographs, smaller file size.
      2. PNG: Use if transparency is required, though it generally results in larger files.
   3. Adjust quality settings as needed to further reduce file size without losing visual quality.
6. Save the File:
   1. Select a location to save the resized image and click Export.

Notes:

• Aim for file sizes in kilobytes (e.g., 50KB–300KB for web images). Avoid large megabyte-sized files for better website performance.
• Web images typically require 72–150 DPI. Avoid unnecessary high resolutions meant for print.
• Always maintain the original aspect ratio to avoid stretched or distorted images.
• JPEG files are efficient for photographs due to smaller file sizes with good quality. Reserve PNG for graphics with transparency.
• Optimizing image sizes ensures faster page load times and better user experience.
• Always keep a copy of the original image in case you need to make adjustments later.
• Test the resized image on various devices (e.g., desktop, tablet, mobile) to ensure it looks good across platforms.