The practical answer
Use a percentage to apply the same relative change to every image. Use a locked aspect ratio and fixed width for a consistent column width. The current batch controls do not provide an automatic longest-edge cap with a no-enlargement rule; group files or calculate individual targets for that requirement.
Start with three deliberately different files
This is an original dimensional example, not a camera or compression benchmark. A is a 3000×2000 landscape, B a 2000×3000 portrait and C a 600×400 screenshot. Assume orientation is correct and no crop is applied.
“Half the original size” describes scale. “Same pixel width in one column” describes width. “Neither edge above 1200” describes a bounding constraint. Read the recipient’s requirement with the pixel and aspect-ratio guide before choosing between them.
| Original | 50% scale | Locked ratio, width 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| A 3000×2000 | 1500×1000 | 1200×800 |
| B 2000×3000 | 1000×1500 | 1200×1800 |
| C 600×400 | 300×200 | 1200×800: enlarged |
For a relative change, set a percentage
Open Image Studio, import representative landscape, portrait and small files, and select proportional percentage scaling in the batch size controls. Set 50%, then apply the settings to all images. Confirm the synchronized state and inspect each target dimension before processing and downloading. Accept a sample first; moving the slider alone does not update the queue.
Both dimensions are halved, so the pixel count becomes one quarter. File bytes do not necessarily become one quarter: encoding, texture and quality settings also matter.
Enlargement creates more output pixels without recovering detail absent from the source. Consider retaining C at its original dimensions, especially when its small text needs careful checking. The recipient’s actual requirement should decide this exception.
For a column width, lock the ratio and inspect small files
Switch to specified dimensions, keep the ratio locked, enter 1200 for width and let height follow the source ratio. B correctly becomes 1800 pixels tall. Unlocking the ratio and forcing 1200×1200 would distort the content rather than solve a longest-edge requirement. Apply the changed batch settings to all images before checking the queue.
For a 1200-pixel maximum edge without enlargement, A should be 1200×800, B 800×1200 and C remain 600×400. Group landscape and portrait images separately and retain small ones, or enter individually calculated widths. A single batch width does not implement that rule.
Calculate the portrait target
B 2000×3000, fixed width 1200 →1200×1800
Scale=min(1,1200/3000)=0.4 →800×1200
Inspect downloaded files, rather than the preview alone
Check dimensions through file properties or by re-importing the outputs. Sample A, B and C and compare aspect ratio, text orientation, edge content and filenames. Individual settings can differ from batch values, so inspect each file’s target and its downloaded result.
The Canvas drawing reference describes scaling into a destination rectangle; it does not promise newly recovered detail. If a byte limit also applies, compress after accepting the dimensions and check small text again. Use the batch naming and export checks for the final handoff.
Sample before delivery
- Landscape and portrait outputs meet their targets
- Small files were not accidentally enlarged
- Letters and circles remain undistorted
- Downloaded names and counts match the manifest
Recognize when another workflow is needed
This workflow concerns static-image geometry. It does not provide generative detail recovery, vector reconstruction or guaranteed platform approval. Browser memory and current input limits still apply; reduce the batch and test a sample when processing fails. A failed export is not a completed file.
A uniform canvas that retains all content needs a workflow explicitly supporting padding. A filled canvas needs a deliberate crop. Neither fixed-width scaling nor percentage scaling makes that composition decision. Keep the originals instead of repeatedly modifying the previous lossy export.
Common questions
Does 50% guarantee half the upload size?
No. Scale describes geometry. Check byte limits and pixel limits separately.
Why is the portrait much taller?
Height follows the original aspect ratio at the chosen width. A maximum-edge rule requires a calculation using the larger edge.
Can one small image stay unchanged?
Inspect whether its individual setting overrides the batch value, then retain its original size or export it separately. Reopen the download to confirm.
Further reading & sources
Put the guide into practice
Open the relevant tool, preview the result and check your exported file.
