Adding a border around a picture can enhance its appearance, making it stand out in documents, presentations, or on websites. Preview, the default image viewer on Macs, offers a range of tools for editing and enhancing images, including the ability to add borders. In this article, we will explore how to put a border around a picture in Preview, covering the steps, tips, and tricks to achieve professional-looking results.
Understanding Preview and Its Capabilities
Before diving into the process of adding a border, it’s essential to understand what Preview is and what it can do. Preview is more than just an image viewer; it’s a powerful tool that allows users to edit and annotate images, sign documents, and even perform basic image manipulation tasks. One of the key features of Preview is its ability to add shapes, including borders, to images. This feature is straightforward to use and requires no prior experience with image editing software.
Opening and Preparing Your Image in Preview
To start adding a border to your picture, you first need to open the image in Preview. This can be done by right-clicking (or control-clicking) on the image file and selecting “Open With” > “Preview”, or by simply double-clicking the image if Preview is set as your default image viewer. Once the image is open, ensure it is in the “Edit Mode” by clicking on the “Edit” button in the top right corner of the Preview window. This mode allows you to make changes to the image, including adding borders.
Adjusting Image Size for Better Border Visibility
Before adding a border, consider the size of your image. A border may not be as noticeable on very large images, and it might overwhelm smaller images. Adjusting the image size can help in achieving the perfect balance. To resize an image in Preview, go to “Tools” > “Adjust Size”. Here, you can input your desired dimensions or scale the image by a percentage. Be cautious not to distort the image by maintaining the aspect ratio, which can usually be done by checking the “Scale proportionally” box.
Adding a Border to Your Picture
Now that your image is prepared, you can proceed to add a border. The process is relatively simple and involves using the “Shape” tools within Preview.
Using the Shape Tools
To add a border, follow these steps:
– Click on the “Shape” tool, which looks like a rectangle with a circle in the corner. This tool is located in the toolbar at the top of the Preview window.
– A dropdown menu will appear with various shapes. Since you’re looking to add a border, select the “Rectangle” shape.
– Click and drag the mouse around the entire image to draw a rectangle that encompasses it. This rectangle will serve as your border.
– To make the rectangle visible as a border around the image rather than a filled shape over it, you need to adjust its properties.
Customizing the Border Appearance
Customizing the border involves changing its color, width, and style. To do this:
– Select the border by clicking on it. You might need to click on the “Select” tool (which looks like a pointer) first to be able to select the shape.
– With the border selected, go to the “Format” sidebar. If the sidebar is not visible, you can toggle it on by going to “View” > “Show Format Sidebar”.
– In the “Format” sidebar, you can change the border color by clicking on the color wheel and selecting your desired color.
– Adjust the border width by using the “Border” slider. A thicker border will be more visible, but be careful not to overwhelm the image.
– You can also change the border style from a solid line to dashed, dotted, or other patterns by clicking on the “Border Style” dropdown menu.
Saving Your Image with the Border
After adding and customizing your border, it’s time to save your image. Preview allows you to save images in various formats, including JPEG, PNG, and more. The choice of format depends on your intended use of the image. For example, JPEG is suitable for photographs because it supports a wide range of colors, while PNG is better for images with text or graphics because it preserves sharp lines and details.
Exporting the Image
To save your image with the border:
– Go to “File” > “Export”.
– Choose your desired file format from the “Format” dropdown menu.
– Adjust the “Quality” slider if necessary. A higher quality will result in a larger file size but better image clarity.
– Click “Save” to export your image.
Conclusion
Adding a border around a picture in Preview is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance the image’s appearance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create professional-looking images with customized borders. Remember, the key to a great border is balance; it should complement the image without overwhelming it. With Preview’s intuitive interface and powerful editing tools, you have the flexibility to experiment with different border styles and effects, making your images stand out in any context. Whether you’re working on a personal project, a presentation, or a website, learning how to add a border around a picture in Preview can be a valuable skill that elevates your visual content to the next level.
What is the purpose of adding a border around a picture in Preview?
Adding a border around a picture in Preview can serve several purposes, including enhancing the visual appeal of the image, creating a professional-looking finish, and distinguishing the image from the surrounding content. A border can also help to frame the image, drawing the viewer’s attention to the subject and creating a sense of depth and dimension. By adding a border, users can customize the appearance of their images and make them more engaging and effective.
The process of adding a border in Preview is relatively straightforward, and the application provides a range of tools and options to help users achieve their desired outcome. With the ability to adjust the border’s width, color, and style, users can experiment with different combinations to find the one that best complements their image. Additionally, the border can be used to add context or information to the image, such as a caption or copyright notice, making it a useful feature for both personal and professional applications.
What are the steps to add a border around a picture in Preview?
To add a border around a picture in Preview, users can start by opening the image in the application and selecting the “Markup” tool from the toolbar. This will activate the editing mode, allowing users to access the various tools and options available. Next, users can click on the “Adjust” tab and select the “Border” option, which will display a range of border styles and settings. From here, users can choose their preferred border style, adjust the width and color, and apply the changes to the image.
Once the border has been added, users can further customize its appearance by adjusting the settings and options provided. For example, users can change the border’s color, width, and style, or add additional effects such as a drop shadow or glow. The border can also be adjusted to fit the image precisely, ensuring that it is evenly spaced and symmetrical. By following these steps and experimenting with the different options and settings, users can add a professional-looking border to their images and enhance their overall appearance.
Can I customize the border style and color in Preview?
Yes, Preview allows users to customize the border style and color to suit their preferences. The application provides a range of pre-set border styles, including solid, dashed, and dotted lines, as well as the option to create a custom border using the “Color” palette. Users can select from a variety of colors, including standard colors, gradients, and even patterns, to create a unique and personalized border. Additionally, the border’s width can be adjusted to achieve the desired thickness and appearance.
The customization options in Preview are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing users to experiment with different border styles and colors until they find the one that works best for their image. The application also provides a “Reset” option, which allows users to revert to the original image settings if they are not satisfied with the changes. By providing a range of customization options, Preview gives users the flexibility to add a border that complements their image and enhances its overall appearance.
How do I adjust the border width and thickness in Preview?
To adjust the border width and thickness in Preview, users can select the “Border” option from the “Adjust” tab and use the slider or entry field to set the desired width. The width can be adjusted in pixels, and users can choose from a range of values to achieve the desired thickness. Additionally, users can use the “Zoom” tool to enlarge the image and get a closer look at the border, ensuring that it is evenly spaced and symmetrical.
The border width and thickness can also be adjusted using the “Inspector” window, which provides a range of advanced settings and options. From here, users can adjust the border’s opacity, blur, and other effects to create a unique and customized appearance. The Inspector window also provides a “Preview” mode, which allows users to see the changes in real-time and make adjustments accordingly. By providing a range of adjustment options, Preview gives users the control they need to add a border that meets their specific needs and preferences.
Can I add multiple borders around a picture in Preview?
Yes, Preview allows users to add multiple borders around a picture, providing a range of creative possibilities and effects. To add multiple borders, users can select the “Border” option from the “Adjust” tab and apply the first border. Then, they can select the “Layer” option and duplicate the layer, applying a second border to the duplicated layer. This process can be repeated to add multiple borders, each with its own unique style and settings.
The ability to add multiple borders in Preview provides users with a range of creative options, from adding a simple double border to creating complex and intricate designs. Users can experiment with different border styles, colors, and widths to achieve the desired effect, and the application’s layer-based system makes it easy to manage and adjust the borders as needed. By providing the option to add multiple borders, Preview gives users the flexibility to add a unique and personalized touch to their images.
How do I remove a border from a picture in Preview?
To remove a border from a picture in Preview, users can select the “Markup” tool from the toolbar and click on the “Adjust” tab. From here, they can select the “Border” option and click on the “None” button, which will remove the border from the image. Alternatively, users can select the “Reset” option, which will revert the image to its original settings and remove any applied borders.
If the border is applied to a specific layer, users can select the layer and delete it to remove the border. The layer can be deleted by selecting the “Layer” option and clicking on the “Delete” button, or by using the keyboard shortcut “Command + Delete”. Once the border has been removed, users can save the image or continue editing it as needed. Preview also provides an “Undo” option, which allows users to revert to a previous version of the image if they are not satisfied with the changes.