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Participating Frequently
October 18, 2025
Answered

When applying the "Distort" and "Skew"

  • October 18, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 646 views

Hello, how is it possible to apply the "Distort" and "Skew" tools on a photo without the pixels of the photo being disorganised or not in sharp lines?

Correct answer Trevor.Dennis

I expect you realize that what you see while performing the Free Transform is not the same as after you OK it?  The preview is not as sharp as the final result.  But, as Dag has mentioned, Interpolation has the most impact on image quality when changing its shape and size.

 

If you think you might be making further adjustments, then make the layer a Smart Object before using Free Transform.

2 replies

Trevor.Dennis
Community Expert
Trevor.DennisCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
October 18, 2025

I expect you realize that what you see while performing the Free Transform is not the same as after you OK it?  The preview is not as sharp as the final result.  But, as Dag has mentioned, Interpolation has the most impact on image quality when changing its shape and size.

 

If you think you might be making further adjustments, then make the layer a Smart Object before using Free Transform.

Participating Frequently
October 19, 2025

Dear Trevor

Thank you for your kind reply.
Best regards
Loay

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 18, 2025

Can you show screenshots?

 

What is the pixel size of these files, and what is the interpolation algorithm set to?

Participating Frequently
October 19, 2025

Dear D Fosse

Thank you for your kind reply. The pixel size of the file is 72 pixels/inch.
Regarding your second question, can you please clarify how to adjust and choose the correct interpolation algorithm in Photoshop?

Best regards
Loay

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 19, 2025

I meant size in pixels, how many pixels wide x high. The ppi number is actually irrelevant.

 

See my screenshot for the interpolation method.

 

Also, as Trevor points out below, the preview sometimes has less quality than the final rendered image. This is most likely dependent on the graphics processor. When you commit the transform, it snaps into proper sharpness.