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Step 7 of 9 · Edit a RAW Photo in 5 Minutes

Straighten the horizon, then crop for composition

Straighten the horizon, then crop for composition — step 7 of 9 in Edit a RAW Photo in 5 Minutes. Use the crop tool's straighten feature — draw a line along the horizon or any known horizontal/vertical. The image rotates to align.

Straighten the horizon, then crop for composition — step 7 photo from Edit a RAW Photo in 5 Minutes

Free photography tip: Straighten the horizon, then crop for composition (step 7 of 9 from "Edit a RAW Photo in 5 Minutes").

Use the crop tool's straighten feature — draw a line along the horizon or any known horizontal/vertical. The image rotates to align. Then adjust crop edges. Keep the original aspect ratio unless you have a specific output need.

Apply rule-of-thirds thinking: place the subject on an intersection or along a third line. Crop out distracting edges — a trash can at the margin, a sliver of bright sky pulling the eye. Less is more; don't crop so tight that the subject feels trapped.

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