Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with powerful cameras that allow you to take high-resolution pictures, but often the frame requires refinement. Extra objects at the edges, a blocked horizon or the need to prepare an image for the avatar are only a small part of the reasons why the user may need to framing. Standard tools of the MIUI system and the new HyperOS provide all the necessary functions for fast and high-quality processing without installing third-party applications.
In this article, we will discuss how to crop photos on Xiaomi using the built-in gallery capabilities, you will learn not only to reduce the size of the image, but also to change the proportions, align the horizon and apply additional improvements directly in the editing process, which will save your time and free the device memory from unnecessary files.
The editing process on Redmi and Poco devices is almost identical, as it is based on a single software platform. Whether you are using the flagship Xiaomi 13 series or the budget Redmi Note, the algorithm of actions will be similar, although the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell.
Standard editor in the Xiaomi Gallery
The main tool for working with images is the built-in Gallery app, which is where all the basic functionality is concentrated, which will satisfy the needs of 95% of users. To start, you just need to open the desired image and click on the Change button, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen or in the top menu.
The editor interface is intuitive: the tool tabs are on the bottom, and the save and cancel buttons on the top. The MIUI allows you to apply changes in a non-destructive way until you save, so you can experiment with framing without risking spoiling the original. All changes are saved in the metadata or created as a copy if you turn on the appropriate option.
It is important to note that the standard editor supports the work with RAW-It's a great alternative to heavy graphics editors for fast daily work, and you can be sure that the quality of the photo will remain at a high level.
💡
Save the original photos in the cloud or on your computer before mass editing so you can roll back to the original file in case of an error.
Step-by-step: how to fraternize the image
The process of cropping photos on Xiaomi smartphones takes only a few seconds. After opening the image in the gallery and going into editing mode, you need to select the tool Frame. It is usually indicated by an icon with two intersecting right angles or a dotted square.
Once the tool is activated, a frame will appear in the image, so you can resize it by dragging corners or sides with your finger, and the area that will remain after the pruning will be illuminated, and the parts that are cut off will be darkened, so you can visually evaluate the result before you apply the changes.
☑️ Photo cropping algorithm
To position the pruning area accurately, you can use a grid that automatically superimposes over the image, which helps you follow the rule of thirds and build a harmonious composition, and move the image inside the trimming frame to choose the best angle.
When the result is satisfied, click the confirmation button (check), and then remember to save the changes to the Save or OK button. If you accidentally trimmed the excess, the Cancel function will allow you to go back a step at any time before the final save.
Working with proportions and formats
One of the key functions of the editor is to choose fixed proportions, especially when preparing photos for publication on social networks, where specific sizes are required. The framing menu often has a Ratio button or numerical icon that switches modes.
Among the options available, you'll find standard formats like 1:1 for Instagram, 16:9 for video covers, or 4:3 for classic shots. Choosing a specific aspect ratio will lock the frame, and you'll only be able to move the highlight area without breaking the preset proportions.
| Proportion | Wherever used | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | Instagram, avatars | Square image |
| 4:3 | Standard photo | Classic format of pictures |
| 16:9 | YouTube, wallpaper | Wide-format video |
| 9:16 | TikTok, Stories | Vertical video |
Using free trimming allows you to set any arbitrary sizes that are convenient for artistic processing. However, to maintain uniformity in the album, you better stick to standard values. Experiment with formats to find the perfect balance for your shot.
Horizon alignment and turn
Often, trimming requires fixing a blocked horizon or rotating the image. In the same editing menu, Xiaomi has a Turn tool that allows you to rotate photos 90 degrees clockwise. This is a basic feature available through the icon with a rounded arrow.
For more fine-tuning, the straighten tool is used (Rotate/Adjust). It's a slider with a scale of degrees, and as you move the slider, you can tilt the image to the precision. 0,1 a degree, which allows you to perfectly align the horizon line or architecture.
⚠️ Attention: When you align the horizon, the angles of the image can become transparent (empty), so automatic framing will cut these areas.
Modern AI algorithms in the HyperOS shell can offer automatic alignment. The system itself analyzes the content of the image and suggests fixing the geometry. It's a useful feature, but manual control often produces a more predictable result.
Additional tools for improvement
In addition to geometry, the Xiaomi editor offers a number of tools to improve image quality, and immediately after cropping, you often need to adjust brightness, contrast or saturation, all of which are located in adjacent tabs of the editing menu.
The filters and effects are particularly noteworthy, because they can change the mood of the photo to make it warmer, colder, or black and white, and before or after framing, it doesn't matter, because the system applies all the effects in a comprehensive manner before the final rendering.
The Magic function is also available or AI-Improvement that automatically adjusts colors and light. It's a quick way to make a photo brighter and sharper without a deep knowledge of photography. Use these tools moderately so you don't make the image unnatural.
The secret of retouching
Preservation and export of results
The final step is to save the edited photo. On Xiaomi devices, the default option is Save as a copy, which means that the original will remain unchanged in the gallery, and the cropped version will save as a new file marked "edit" or similar.
If you want to replace the original, you need to select the option to Replace or disable the creation of a copy in the gallery settings. Be careful with this feature, as it will be impossible to restore the original image after replacing it without a backup.
The quality of the file being saved depends on the source. The system tries not to compress the image again if possible, maintaining maximum bitrate and resolution. Check the result in the gallery, zooming in to make sure there are no artifacts.
⚠️ Note: When saved in format JPEG Possible loss of metadata (EXIF), such as the exact location of the shooting or settings of the camera, unless you have chosen the option to save the full information.
💡
Always use the Save as a Copy option to keep the original file unchanged in case you want to re-edit the photo in a different way.