There are two main methods to turn a portrait photo into a landscape using Adobe Photoshop. With your picture opened, follow this guide.
Method #1: Using the Crop Tool
This method works great on pictures with no complex background (e.g., a solid color).
- Click on the Crop tool.
Click on the Crop tool. - Click on Content-Aware.
Click on Content-Aware - Click and drag the edges of the photo until you get the size you are happy with.
Click on the photo’s edges, and drag until you are happy with the size. - To apply the changes, click on the checkmark.
Click on the checkmark. This should automatically extend the background of the picture.
Final result.
Method #2: Using a combination of Content-Aware Scale and Crop Tool
If your image has a complex background, use this method instead.
- Click on the Crop tool, but make sure the Content-Aware is not checked this time.
Click on the Crop tool, but turn off Content-Aware. - Click on the picture’s edges, and drag them slightly on both sides. You do not have to be precise.
Click and drag the edges to extend the background on both sides. - Click the checkmark on the top to apply the crop.
Click on the checkmark. - Go to Edit > Content-Aware Scale.
Go to Edit > Content-Aware Scale. - While holding Shift, click and drag the tiny square on the side of the photo.
Holding Shift, click and drag the tiny square on the edge of the photo. - This will extend the background. Sometimes, it can affect the main subject/object of the photo. In this case, the girl. This needs some finesse – we will stop stretching the image once it starts affecting the girl.
Stop extending when the main subject/object of your photo is being altered. - Click on the checkmark at the top to apply the changes.
Click on the checkmark to apply the changes. - Finally, use the Crop tool to cut off the transparent edges. Then, click on the checkmark to apply the changes.
Click on the Crop tool, and cut off the transparent edges. Finally, click on the checkmark to apply the changes. - Click on the Crop tool again, and drag the edges until you are happy with the picture’s size. This time, ensure the Content-Aware is checked and click on the checkmark to apply the changes.
Use the Crop tool again to extend the edges, but ensure that Content-Aware is selected. - You are done!
Final result with a complex extended background.
