Techterms.com defines cropping as "cutting some of the image from the left, right, top, bottom, or any combination thereof. It may also mean just cutting out a small rectangular of the image." http://www.techterms.com/definition/cropThis process can be handled with ease in the newer generation paint programs such a Adobe Photoshop CS4. Cropping photographs is an essential skill for any scrapbooker that works with digital cameras. Whether you plan to print out your photos or make an online version, you can benefit from learning how to crop photos for scrapbooks well.

To understand this how to, you only need to have a basic knowledge of the toolset available in your paint program. Photoshop CS2 and Photoshop CS4 were used to write this article. However, alternate methods, that can be used by other programs such as Paintshop Pro and Gimp, are discussed in detail. It should take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes to try out any of the techniques described in the steps below.

This tutorial demonstrates how to compose your pictures properly, use the crop tool and use the mask tool as an alternative to the crop tool. You learn how to use the rule of thirds and geometric lines to create compelling compositions. Likewise, you are taken through the process of using Photoshop's crop tool to remove unwanted areas in two clicks. However, those without access to the tool can use traditional masking techniques to accomplish the same job.

It isn't always easy to decide how much to leave in your photograph. Composing the picture is the hardest part of the process. However, you can use a few artistic techniques to help make the decision easier.

Geometric Lines and Shapes There are several lines and shapes found in nature that humans have found pleasing to the eye since the invention of art. These are the arc, diagonal, s-curve and triangle. They help guide the eye to the focal point while maintaining a dynamic flow in the composition.

• Note: It does take some planning ahead during the picture taking process to fully take advantage of line and shape.

• Arcs:

The arc is best used to frame your subject matter. The eye of the viewer will naturally zero in on the focal point then follow the line around to soak in the rest of the picture. Try take the photo at a bit of an angle so that the arc isn't perfectly centered in the frame. Keep in mind that you can find arcs in other places beyond architectural structures. Look for curved lines in mountains, cliffs and other natural formations.

• Diagonals:

Search for a strong diagonal when composing your photo. They work well in pulling the viewer in to the shot and leading them through the image to your focal point. It's a great way to connect two subjects in one photo as well. Your subject or subjects should be near the diagonal line. When cropping, try not to have too much space at the end of the diagonal as it leaves the frame. Otherwise, the viewer will leave the image without taking it in entirely. Some examples of diagonals is shore lines, train tracks or any other scenic straight line seen at an angle.

• S-Curves:

This is an amazing composition that has the best dynamic flow of all. Like the name implies, this line is in the shape of a softly curving S. It is rare to find it outside of scenic imagery such as rivers. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't scenes that can be manufactured if you use your imagination. Like anything else, don't try to frame in perfectly in the middle. It should be at least slightly off center.

• Triangles:

This shape is highly suited to making appealing photographs of groups of people or objects that have several focal points. When dealing with people, make sure that at least one person is at a greater height such as one person standing while the others sit. Also, it's important the the eyes are located at the points of the triangles.

Rule of Thirds This is a simple concept taught to photographers and visual artists. By using the rule of thirds method, you highlight your subject and create an interesting composition simultaneously. Luckily, newer models of digital cameras actually have a rule of thirds display to help the user frame their focal point while making the snapshot.

The rule of thirds states that the most compelling areas of a picture reside at the 4 intersections of a 3 x 3 grid. To apply this technique, lay out a 3 x 3 grid of guide lines in your paint application. Make sure that the lines are equidistant from each other. Then, move your focal point in the image so that it is approximately positioned at an intersection of those lines. Later, you crop it to size.

The actual process of using the crop tool in Photoshop CS2 and above is rather simple. To activate the tool, click C. Then, just draw a rectangle around the area you want to keep. Double click, and the crop is created. (You can hit Enter instead of double clicking.) Also, you can manually enter a width and height on the toolbar right after clicking the tool. After that, just use the tool to select over the entire image then double click to have it match the width and height you entered.

However, there are more customizations and presets available to you on the toolbar. Preview: One of the most useful functions is the ability to move the crop selection around so that you can preview the effect of the crop before finalizing it. To do this, make sure that you have Shield checked on the toolbar. Now, once you make the crop selection, drag the selection around the image to see various views. After you find a good spot, double click to set the crop. You can change the color and opacity of the shield on the toolbar as well.

Transforms: You can transform the selection box by scaling, rotating or adding perspective. To scale the selection, hover the cursor near a handlebar until you see a double arrow scale icon. For rotation, you do the same process except you see an arc rotation symbol. You can constrain the movement to 15 degree increments by holding Shift. If you need to fix the perspective in a photo, check Perspective on the toolbar then manipulate the handlebar nodes to match the perspective.

Presets: Under the first icon on the crop toolbar, you will find many crop presets that are in the shape of common photograph sizes and resolutions. After picking the crop tool, click the first icon on the toolbar then scroll down to pick a preset. Double click it to make it active. Now, just make a large selection over the whole picture then double click. The crop will automatically match the dimensions of the preset. If you are done with that preset, hit the Clear button on the toolbar.

Copying the Crop Dimensions From Another Image: If you want to make a group of images the same size, you can mimic size with a few clicks. First, open the image that has the size that you want then open the one that you want to change. Activate the crop tool. With the first image open, push the First Image button on the toolbar. Notice that the dimensions of that picture are transferred to the toolbar. Now, click your second image and drag the crop tool over the image then double click to apply the dimensions. Use the Clear button on the toolbar once you are done with that size.

Cancel: Press ESC to cancel the effect of the crop.

If your application doesn't have a crop tool or it has one that doesn't let you preview the crop first, it's a better idea to use the mask method. It will allow you to experiment with placement of the selection before committing to the crop. Also, if you are working on making a whole scrapbook page mock up, you can preserve several images at once. That way, if you change your mind about how much to keep in the image, you can easily just adjust the masks.

First, you need to use the rectangular marquee tool to make a selection around the area that you want to keep. The shortcut for this tool is M. Remember that you can adjust a selection by going to Select -> Transform Selection. This allows you to scale and rotate it as you see fit. For the purposes of making a crop, don't rotate it. With your selection active, click the mask icon on the layer window. It is the small icon at the bottom that looks like a circle in a square. If your layer window isn't open, go to Window -> Layers or Window -> Show Layers in old versions of Photoshop.

Now, you learn how to move the masked area around and test out various compositions. In the layer window, you see your image icon with a black and white mask icon attached. In the middle of these two icons, there is a small chain link symbol. Click this to temporarily disconnect the mask from the image. Then, click the mask picture to make it active. After you have done that, you can drag your cursor around in the image window, and the mask will follow. Once you are happy with the location, click the link icon to restore the connection.

You can leave the mask if you plan on adding other elements or doing more with the layout. Or, you can crop the photo. To do this, Ctrl click the mask image in the layer window. This will activate a selection. Go to Image -> Crop.

Read the How to Understand Layer Masks in Photoshop page to learn more about manipulating masks.

• Photoshop CS4 Users: Mask Window

With the introduction of Photoshop CS4, they have added a new Mask window. It allows you to manage many of the common masking procedures such as feathering and contracting. Beyond that, it offers some extra tools to refine mask selections such as radius, smooth and density. To open it, go to Window -> Masks. Then, click on your mask in the normal layer window. At this point, alter the parameters to suit your needs.