The fastest way to resize an artboard

Open the Artboard Tool from the left toolbar — it looks like a rectangle with rounded corners, or press Shift + O. Click the artboard you want to resize on your canvas. In the options bar at the top, you will see width and height fields showing the current dimensions. Type your new width and height directly into those fields and press Enter. Photoshop resizes the artboard when ready without changing the content inside it.

If you do not see the artboard in your layers panel, make sure you are working with an artboard, not a regular canvas. Artboards appear as a separate layer type with a small artboard icon next to the name. If you only have a background layer, you will need to convert it to an artboard first or create a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Select the Artboard Tool (Shift + O) and click the artboard you want to change.
  • Type new width and height values into the options bar at the top of the screen and press Enter.
  • You can also drag the corners and edges of the artboard directly on the canvas to resize it by hand.
  • Resizing an artboard does not change the size of any content inside it — only the visible canvas area.
  • Use the preset dimensions in the options bar to match common sizes like mobile screens or print formats.

Resizing by dragging corners and edges

With the Artboard Tool selected and your artboard active, you can drag the edges and corners directly on the canvas to resize. Position your cursor on any edge or corner of the artboard until it changes to a resize cursor (a double-headed arrow). Click and drag outward to make the artboard larger or inward to make it smaller.

Dragging a corner resizes both width and height at the same time. Dragging a single edge changes only that dimension. This method is faster if you want to eyeball the size rather than enter exact numbers, but it is less precise for matching specific dimensions.

Using preset dimensions for common formats

The options bar includes a dropdown menu with preset artboard sizes for common uses. Click the preset dropdown (it shows the current size or "Custom") and choose from options like iPhone, iPad, web, or print formats. Photoshop resizes your artboard to match that preset when ready.

These presets save time if you are working with standard screen sizes or print dimensions. If none of the presets match what you need, you can always type custom dimensions into the width and height fields instead.

What happens to content when you resize

Resizing an artboard changes only the visible canvas boundary — it does not scale, crop, or move any of the layers inside it. If your content extends beyond the new artboard edge, that content remains in place but falls outside the visible area. You can still see and edit it; it just will not show when you export or print the artboard.

If you want to crop content to match the new artboard size, you will need to delete or move the layers manually. If you want to scale the content along with the artboard, use the Image menu and choose Scale Image instead — but that affects the entire document, not just one artboard.

Resizing multiple artboards at once

If you have several artboards and want to change them all to the same size, select them together in the layers panel by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) and clicking each one. With multiple artboards selected, the options bar shows the shared properties. Change the width and height fields, and all selected artboards resize to those dimensions.

This is useful when you are designing a set of screens that should all be the same size, like multiple mobile mockups or a series of social media posts. Each artboard resizes independently but to the same final dimensions.

Matching artboard size to your content

If you have already placed content on the canvas and want the artboard to fit around it, select the Artboard Tool and right-click the artboard. Choose Fit to Artwork Bounds from the menu. Photoshop automatically resizes the artboard to the smallest rectangle that contains all visible layers on that artboard.

This saves time when you have drawn or placed elements and want the artboard to match their actual size rather than guessing dimensions. The artboard shrinks or grows to fit whatever is inside it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I resize an artboard without changing the content inside?

Yes. Resizing an artboard only changes the visible boundary — all layers stay exactly where they are. Content that extends beyond the new edge remains in the document but falls outside the artboard frame. You can still edit it; it just will not show when you export.

What is the difference between resizing an artboard and resizing the canvas?

An artboard is a frame within your document that defines what gets exported or printed. Resizing it does not affect the overall document size. Resizing the canvas (Image > Canvas Size) changes the entire document boundary and can add or remove space around all content.

How do I make all my artboards the same size?

Select multiple artboards in the layers panel by holding Ctrl or Command and clicking each one. With all of them selected, enter the width and height you want in the options bar. All selected artboards resize to those dimensions at once.

Why does my artboard not show the Artboard Tool options?

Make sure you have the Artboard Tool selected (Shift + O) and that you have clicked on an actual artboard, not a regular layer. If you only see a background layer, you are working with a standard canvas, not an artboard. Create a new artboard or convert your layer to one first.

Can I resize an artboard to match a specific device screen size?

Yes. Click the preset dropdown in the options bar and choose from iPhone, iPad, Android, or other device sizes. Photoshop resizes your artboard to that device's standard dimensions. You can also type custom dimensions if the device you need is not in the list.