Introducing the Resize Pro™
Plugin series.
Taking image interpolation to the next level.

From the creation of the popular SI Pro (Stair Interpolation) plugin, Resize Pro™ has evolved. This new Photoshop plug-in series specializes in interpolating your images. The process it uses provides much better results than the current interpolation tools on the market since it is based on pixel contrast. What this does, is automatically select the pixels that are essentially responsible for the appearance of detail in your image, and gives them a special treatment during the interpolation process. This treatment results in a more detailed, natural looking image at any selected print size.

After running this plugin, your interpolated image will not suffer from any of the common side effects like artifacts or halos around high contrast areas. Another great feature is speed! Resize Pro™ can upsize your files at almost the same speed regardless of which image size you choose. When it comes to downsampling, any method requires a loss of pixel count. What Resize Pro™ can do is downsample your image while maintaining the highest quality possible. It achieves this by carefully choosing which pixels get thrown out during the process.

Resize Pro™ is an advanced tool that also provides you with the ability to save and load your own profiles.

*This plug-in will work with 8-bit and 16-bit files when using Photoshop CS or above. When using Photoshop 6, 7 or Elements, it will work with 8-bit files.

Resize Pro™ main features:

• Simple and intuitive graphical interface, with a complex code working behind the scenes.
• Ability to choose from low and high ISO settings to increase effectiveness.
• Reduce Color Noise
• Choose from 3 interpolation intensities (Low, Normal or High). They work at the same speed.
• Choose from 3 Interpolation methods: Size for Paper, Set Image Size and Size by percentage.
• Ability to control output resolution (PPI) and margins.
• Choose from 8 preset paper sizes or use your own custom sizes.
• Automatically constrains proportions to maintain the aspect ratio of your image.
• Automatically detects your image orientation. (Landscape or Portrait mode)
• Ability to save and load your own profiles.
• This plugin is scriptable, so you can create your own batch actions-- which will automatically calculate your image's aspect ratio.
• Works in 16 bit mode under Photoshop CS.
• Works with English or Metric units. (inches, cm, or mm)

 

Resize Pro™ plug-in interface:

Settings (Profiles): Resize Pro™ allows photographers to save and load their own custom settings. You will be able to create as many Resize Pro™ setting profiles as desired to ease your workflow. In the example below, you can see that we have saved several settings for different projects:

 

How to save a custom Resize Pro™ settings: (Using the 1D Mark II ResizePro as example)

In the example above, Resize Pro™ was set with the following options:

• Image Type = Low ISO file
• Interpolation Level = Level 3 (High)
• Reduce Color Noise = checked
• Sizing Method = Size by Percentage (450%)
• Units = inches

In order to save these settings for future use, I clicked on the "Save" button and created a custom setting called: "My Landscape".

If you would like to backup your custom settings, you can find them using the following path. -- Every setting you create will be added to this path automatically. Inside the FM Settings folder you will find "Saved Settings" for all FM Plugins.

For Photoshop 6.0, 7.0 or CS:
Photoshop X.X > Plug-Ins > FM Plugins > FM Settings

For Photoshop Elements:
Photoshop Elements X.X > Plug-Ins > FM Plugins > FM Settings

 

Image Type options: The Resize Pro™ plugins work with most common file extensions including 8-bit TIFF and JPEG files. Under Photoshop CS, it will work with both 8-bit and 16-bit files. Under "Image Type", you will be able to select from "Low ISO File" or "High ISO File". (Resize Pro™ also works with RAW images when converting with Adobe ARC) - Make sure to set sharpening to zero.

• Low ISO File: This option should be used with clean files. It works best with ISO 50, 100, 200 or 400 images. It is the recommend option for your landscape and studio work.
• High ISO File: This option should be used with "grainy" files. (ISO 800 and up). It is the recommended option for portrait work.

 

Interpolation level: Choose from Level 1, 2 or 3. The default interpolation level is "Normal - Level 2". For very detailed files, you may use a higher level and with less detailed files (like portraits), a lesser intensity may be selected.

Reduce color noise: Check this setting if you would like to reduce color noise (color artifacts) from your files during the interpolation process. This setting is recommended when editing High ISO files, but can be used with Low ISO files as well without any side-effects.

Original size window: This window will display your file original settings before calling the Resize Pro™ plugin. It is a great visual reference when choosing your interpolation or downsampling options. (Below displayed in "inches", but it can also be set to "cm" or "mm").

Units: The Units option is very useful for photographers using the metric system. When changing from inches to other supported units, your image "numbers" will be updated automatically.

Sizing method: This is a very powerful option. Resize Pro™ offers three distinct sizing options to ease your workflow. You may choose from:

• Size for Paper
• Set Image Size
• Size by Percentage

 

Size for Paper: This is the most common sizing method used by photographers. Choose from the available Preset Paper Size options or use your own custom sizes. This plugin will automatically correct the aspect ratio based on the original size of your image. Another essential feature is that you can enter the output resolution (PPI). -- Most inkjet printers require at least 300ppi for best results.

If you are not using a "BorderFree" printer, you have the option to add a margin for your final print. (See illustration below)

Paper Size Presets:

 

Set Image Size: Setting your final image size in pixels is the fastest way to interpolate your files. Some online printing services ask for a certain image pixel count and this option will satisfy that requirement.

 

Size by Percentage: This is a convenient way to multiply the size of your image. For example, to double your image size, choose 200%. On the other hand, to downsample your file in half use 50%.

After using Resize Pro™ you will be amazed at the real differences in your prints! These examples below are provided to illustrate the differences between Resize Pro™, Photoshop Bicubic methods and our SI Pro (Stair Interpolation)