How do I crop 6x6 from 12x12 w/o distorting in PSE?

[woodlandstx]

This is most probably a basic question. I have only been at this for two weeks! I have been TRYING to cut a 6x6 square from a 12x12 polka dot background without success.

At first I tried just making the canvas 6x6 and pasting the design, but the pattern was enlarged. Is it going to be possible to crop this without distortion? If so, how?

Thank you,

Susan

[GinaMiller]

Try this keyboard command:

CTRL + ALT + I. That *should* bring up a re-size window where you can change the 12 inches to 6.

If not, go up to Image ~~> Image Size to bring up the same menu.

[GinaMiller]

Oh and once you have your "handles" on the outside of your object, you can go to any corner and drag the item smaller or larger. Hold down the SHIFT key while you drag and your image won't get distorted.

[woodlandstx]

I am still having trouble.

This is what I did. I opened a new file with a 6x6 canvas. I then opened the background paper. With the Marquee tool, I marked off the 6x6 area and then used the Ctrl+Alt+I command. Is that correct? However, that command compresses the entire 12x12 page into the 6x6 square and the polka dots are tiny.

I like the size of the polka dots when it is 12x12. If I were cutting it out of paper, I would just position the template over the design and cut. Is this what that command should have done and there was just user error :)

[swimmom]

Try using your rectangular marquee tool. Hold the shift key while you draw your 6x6 square. Then move the selection around until you have part of the paper you want for your new 6x6 page. Hit copy and then paste into your new page.