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tlmurray23
tlmurray23
Inspiring
July 8, 2025
Answered

Selecting "Relative" canvas size forces zeros

  • July 8, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 392 views

I'm not making this a bug . . .  yet. Is this how PS always worked? I have not used Photoshop (now at 26.8.1) in a long time, so maybe my memory is simply flawed.

 

On any file, select Image > Canvas Size. It starts with values in the width and height fields. The "Relative" option should be off (at least, it is on my Mac). Finally, enable "Relative".


PROBLEM: The Width and Height fields change to zero.


At least I THINK that is a problem. What I mean by that is I could swear by my left lung that the numbers did not become zero. All that option would do is keep the size ratio the same by making the adjustment of one field automatically adjust the other field. 

Correct answer davescm

It is correct when selecting relative. The zeros simply mean add 0 to height and 0 to width. You then change the numbers to the addition (or subtraction with a negative number) that you require.
Dave

4 replies

MahaB82A
MahaB82A
August 15, 2025

"A picture is worth a thousand words". Simplifying the question is helpful to search previous records. This is the question. 

 

When Relative is ckeck marked why Width & Height is zero.

 

 

 

 

davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity Expert
Community Expert
August 15, 2025

As explained in the answer above, it means add nothing and take nothing away - so, as initially set, no change.

 

Dave

    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 9, 2025

    @tlmurray23 

     

    if you need a quick review, watch this short video from Julianne Kost

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvnFRXjYyDU

     

    Jane

      Bojan Živković11378569
      Community Expert
      Bojan Živković11378569Community Expert
      Community Expert
      July 9, 2025

      " Is this how PS always worked? "

      Yes, as far as I can remember that dialogue.

      davescm
      Community Expert
      davescmCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      July 8, 2025

      It is correct when selecting relative. The zeros simply mean add 0 to height and 0 to width. You then change the numbers to the addition (or subtraction with a negative number) that you require.
      Dave

        tlmurray23
        tlmurray23Author
        Inspiring
        July 9, 2025

        My bad: I was thinking of the little chain or link icon on the Image SIze!

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