Last week, we taught you how to batch convert images between formats with Image Magick. We found out that many Lifehacker readers are partial to IrfanView, so we now present a follow-up: how to batch resize images with IrfanView.
Download and Install IrfanView
IrfanView is a free download. Grab the installer from any of their download mirrors, and run it.
Locate Your Images
Start up “IrfanView Thumbails”, and browse to the folder that contains the images you wish to resize.
Once you see previews of your images in the right-hand pane, select them all by holding CTRL and pressing A. Once your images are selected, start the batch configuration dialog by clicking File → Start batch dialog with selected files…
Configure the Batch Resize
At this point, you should see the Batch Conversion dialog window. Using this screen, you will select the location in which to save the thumbnails, input the maximum size of each thumbnail, and enter the quality of the resulting images.
Under “Output directory for result files”, click on the “Browse” button and choose a folder in which to save the resized thumbails.
Under “Batch Conversion Settings”, click on the “Options” button in order to set the quality of the resized images.
Next, click the “Advanced” button. Using the resulting dialog window, input the size to which you wish to resize your images. I checked off “set long side to”, entered “600″, and chose “pixels”. These options will correctly resize a set of images regardless of whether they are oriented as portrait or landscape. I didn’t need to use any of the other options, so I hit “OK” and returned to the batch conversion dialog.
If you made it through all those input fields and check boxes, it is now time to run your batch and resize your images. Click the “Start Batch” button and watch IrfanView go to work.
7 responses
January 16th, 2008
Michael says:
Dearest Zen,
I have been an AVID IrfanView user for about 5 years now. I install it on all new computers that I own or admin at my job. It is the BEST image viewer on Windows. I have searched for a comparable Mac equivalent. But I have not found one that does basic editing AND batch functions AND that is free. Great tutorial!
January 16th, 2008
Of Zen and Computing says:
I hear you Michael. I’ve outgrown iPhoto, but have yet to find something that satisfies my needs.
January 16th, 2008
Rick Hackett says:
I have been using IrfanView for years. I love this program, and not just because it is free. This tutorial is a Godsend. I have been resizing images one at a time for ever. Thanks for the new info. You just saved me a lot of editing hours.
January 16th, 2008
Tom C says:
I used Irfanview for years but now prefer XnView for its increased options when batch processing the images.
January 16th, 2008
VictorE says:
great tip, however, on my copy of irfanview (3.99), i had to check “preserve aspect ratio (proportional)” and “use resample function (better quality)” in the advanced options to keep my photos from looking like scenes from a spaghetti western.
January 16th, 2008
Of Zen and Computing says:
Excellent point, Victor.
January 16th, 2008
dbDesigner says:
Extremely useful features. Pity IrfanView does not seem to be able to resize images where they are within sub folders. It copies them all to the destination folder, even if I tick the “Replace file” option. It then only replaces existing file names in the destination folder. PicSizer did the job spot on, even if ran a little slower.
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