Resizing Graphics

Once you have placed your image into Keynote, you will usually have to resize it in some way. That can mean scaling it (making it bigger or smaller) or cropping it (trimming the image to only the part you want). You can scale images in Keynote, but Keynote doesn't have the ability to crop an image. It does, however, have something even better, called masking.

Scaling graphics

You can scale graphics in one of two ways: you can drag the graphic object's selection handles, or you can use the Metrics Inspector ( Figure 5.8 ). The Inspector gives you more precise control, plus it gives you the ability to return the image to its original size with just one click if you made a mistake and want to try again.

Figure 5.8. You'll use the Metrics Inspector to change the size and position of your images.

To resize objects using selection handles

1.	Select the image on your slide. Selection handles appear around the image ( Figure 5.9 ). Figure 5.9. Drag the selection handles at the edges of an image to resize it.
2.	Click and drag one of the handles to resize the object.
3.	After you resize the object to your liking, it will probably not be in the correct position on the slide. Drag it to a position more to your liking.

Tip

• If you want to change the proportions of the object as you drag the handles, uncheck the "Constrain proportions " check box in the Metrics Inspector.

To resize objects with the Metrics Inspector

1.	Select the image on your slide.
2.	Use the controls in the Size portion of the Metrics Inspector to enter a new size ( Figure 5.10 ). Figure 5.10. You can also use the Metrics Inspector to resize objects in more precise increments than you can do by dragging selection handles. You can type a figure into the Width or Height box, or you can use the arrow buttons to make small changes.
3.	(Optional) If you are unhappy with the resized graphic, click the Original Size button to undo your changes.

Tips

• It's not uncommon to import a graphic into Keynote, then forget its original name . This is frustrating, especially if you want to further modify the original file. You'll find the file's name, which can be copied , in the File Info field in the Metrics Inspector. You can then paste the name into the Finder's Find dialog to locate the file on your hard disk.

• You can also use the Position section of the Metrics Inspector to precisely position an object on the slide.