How to Change Canvas Size in Paint.NET

In Paint.NET, changing the canvas size allows you to expand your workspace or crop an image without stretching, scaling, or distorting the actual content. Unlike the standard resize tool, which alters the dimensions of the pixels themselves, modifying the canvas only alters the boundaries of the working area. This guide provides the exact steps to adjust your canvas dimensions independently and position your existing artwork using anchor points.

Step 1: Open the Canvas Size Dialog

  1. Open your image or project in Paint.NET.
  2. Click on the Image menu located in the top navigation bar.
  3. Select Canvas Size... from the dropdown menu, or press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + R.

Note: Do not choose "Resize" (Ctrl + R), as this will stretch or compress your existing image.

Step 2: Set Your New Dimensions

Within the Canvas Size dialog, define how large or small you want the new boundary to be:

  • Pixel Size / Print Size: Choose whether you want to measure the new dimensions in pixels, inches, or centimeters.
  • Maintain Aspect Ratio: Check this box if you want the height to scale automatically when you enter a width (or vice versa). Uncheck it if you need specific, independent width and height values.
  • Enter Values: Input your desired dimensions into the Width and Height fields.

Step 3: Choose an Anchor Direction

The Anchor grid dictates where your current image will sit inside the newly adjusted canvas:

  • Middle: Keeps your current image centered, adding or trimming space equally on all sides.
  • Edges and Corners (Arrows): Click any of the surrounding arrows to anchor your image to that specific side or corner. For example, selecting the top-left anchor expands the canvas exclusively to the right and downward.

Step 4: Apply the Changes

Click OK to apply the new dimensions.

If you expanded the canvas, the new area will appear as a transparent checkered pattern on transparent layers, or as your secondary palette color on a flattened background. If you reduced the canvas size, any image content falling outside the new borders will be clipped.