Specify content to protect when scaling

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to use an alpha channel to protect selected content when scaling an image with Content-Aware Scale in Photoshop.

Make a selection around the content you want to protect, and select Save Selection As Channel  in the Channels panel.

Choose Select > All if you’re scaling a background layer.

Choose Edit > Content-Aware Scale.

Select the channel you created from the Protect drop-down list in the Options bar.

Drag a handle on the bounding border to scale the image.

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