How to Easily Crop and Export Images in Circles in Photoshop

Photoshop Post-Processing

When you want to crop an image into a circular shape in Photoshop and save it as a PNG on your computer for use in your designs, you usually make a circular selection, then invert it, delete the selection, resize the file, and only then export it as a PNG. Alternatively, you can create a layer mask, crop to size, and then export it. However, these two methods could take a bit more time to position the image (or the selection) exactly where you want it. So today, I will show you a very simple way to crop and export your image in a circular shape in less than 2 minutes, with the advantage of being able to reposition and resize your image with the selection already made.

Step 1

Open your image in Photoshop.

Step 2

In the Layers Panel, click on the padlock icon to unlock the background layer.

Step 3

Select the Frame Tool (K) and in the top toolbar select the Elliptical Frame.

Step 4

While holding the Shift key on your keyboard, click and drag to make a circle at any size you want.

Step 5

If the image is not in the position you want (like in this case), be sure to have the "picture thumbnail" selected in the Layers Panel and then drag the image in the artboard to the position you want.

Step 6

If you want to change the image size, press Ctrl+T on your keyboard, change the size and position as you like and then hit the Enter key to commit the changes.

Step 7

To export the image, select the Frame Thumbnail in the Layers Panel.

Step 8

Lastly, right click over the Frame Thumbnail and from the dropdown list select "Quick Export as PNG". Name your file, and save it to any location you want.