How can I resize an image by selecting my own W and H and keep the same ppi?

[Kay009]

Hi everyone, I've tried to look around for an answer but so far no luck!

I've started creating digital prints in 5 ratios: 2:3, 3:4, 4:5, 11x14 and 5x7(ISO), all in 300ppi/dpi. So far, the efficient way to create multiple copies of the same art in various sizes is to start with the largest and scale down.

Starting with 2:3 (24x36in) I create that document, and go to Image> Image Size, deselect "constrain aspect ratio" and choose the next size down which would be 3:4 (18x24in). However, when I put in width at 18in, it automtically adjusts the height to 27in. I have deslected resample because I want to keep the quality at 300dpi and nothing lower. 

How can I properly choose my own width and height without changing the dpi so I scale down to 18x24, then 16x20, 11x14, 5x7?

I was hoping to avoid having to create a new document for every size each time since there will be plenty different artworks. I hope I explained this correctly, its been racking my brain. Thanks!

[Test Screen Name · Accepted solution]

You're asking the impossible. Width in pixels x ppi = width in inches. You turned off resample so the size in pixels cannot change. There's only one ppi so the aspect ratio can't change. Some apps let you have unequal horizontal and vertical ppi, but Photoshop isn't one of them. Something's got to give. 

[Kay009]

Thanks for your reply. Does this mean the only suitable workaround would be creating a new document and copying and pasting the artwork to have it fit the desired ratio? 

[Chuck Uebele]

Yea, if you want to do what you want, you will have to make individual files. When you say, "Digital prints," are you talking about actually printing hard copy prints? If so, I don't think it really matters if your ppi changes. 

[PECourtejoie]

Hi, instead of new doc, copy paste, you can also choose "Insert Menu Item" from the Actions panel menu and go to "Image>Duplicate"

I wonder how you intend to select the areas that will be removed from the image, with a stop of the action to reset the crop tool? Or if you intend to expand the background areas as you switch from one aspect ratio to the other.

[NB, colourmanagement]

To maintain image appearance you have to maintain image ratio. If the ratio changes then one aspect will change, distorting image appearance.

I hope this helps
neil barstow, colourmanagement net :: adobe forum volunteer:: co-author: 'getting colour right'
google me "neil barstow colourmanagement" for lots of free articles on colour management