Sizing different pics for a composite

I have never really done any compositing in the past but have been dabbling a bit in it recently. One thing I'm confused about is how exactly you should resize different images that are going to be copied into the composite image. Sometimes I copy/paste them in and convert to a smart object. Then I do free transform but if the image is much bigger than what it's being added to then I go through this very long and clumsy process of shift-dragging the image a little bit, then moving so I can get to the corner anchor point, then dragging a little, then moving, then dragging and so on. It feels sloppy and tedious.

Is there a better way? I could do image>resize/resample but then I would have to guess at what size I want it, then keep doing it over again until it's right.

Also, is there a big quality difference in doing a free transform to resize versus going through the image resize/resample dialogue?

Give File/Place a try. It will place the new file as a Smart Object which should react to the transformation better.

Once you have selected the Transform tool - look at the tool bar for the W(idth) & H(eight), click the chain between them and use it to resize when it is a lot bigger.

Thanks Dennis--do you happen to know the answer to the question about quality difference between that vs. the image size dialogue?

Sorry, can't say for sure. I have read that it is better to only use Transform once, meaning get it how you want before hitting enter to accept. The article hinted that accepting, then applying another Transform may affect quality.

I don't do a lot of composites so hopefully someone who does will chime in. When I do I either use the File/Place or with the second image open I'll right click and then choose Duplicate Layer and choose the other file in the Destination box. The File/Place may be better if you're putting a smaller image into a larger one.

RandMan wrote in post #15047318
Also, is there a big quality difference in doing a free transform to resize versus going through the image resize/resample dialogue?

None whatsoever, but the transform will use the default re-sampling set in the PS prefs, while the "Image Size" will let you choose every time.
Smart objects are preferrable if you're not sure about the transform, since you can alter it without losing IQ.

http://www.photoshopla​b.com …marter-smart-objects.html

René Damkot wrote in post #15051241
None whatsoever, but the transform will use the default re-sampling set in the PS prefs, while the "Image Size" will let you choose every time.
http://www.photoshopla​b.com …marter-smart-objects.html

Bingo! This thread is officially closed for business--Rene I'm not sure what you do all day night but you seem to answer every single post I've ever made on this site and I thank you tremendously for that. And Dennis--thank you very much as well.

-Randy

RandMan wrote in post #15054936
Rene I'm not sure what you do all day night

I'm an assistant and image editor mainly. Which involves some idle time behind a Mac

RandMan wrote in post #15054936
but you seem to answer every single post I've ever made on this site and I thank you tremendously for that.

You're welcome