File formats

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File formats

Has anyone given a thought to the different file types that are out there. The most common is jpg.
Photoshop saves in psd format.

After you complete your project How do you save your project? In pad format, jpg format, png format, or a combination.

Why is it important to save your project in the same format as the software that you are using?
By saving your project in the Photoshop format you will be able to go back and edit. Go back to layer that needs to be edited. Each time you save the project the, unless you change the quality of the image will always be the same.

Saving the project as a jpg - you can go back to edit, but you won't be able to edit the different layers. The image is now flat/all of the layers have been combined into one. You will find that after editing the image you may not have the same quality as the original.

So why save your project as a jpg? It is a great format to share with family and friends. To upload to Facebook or use on the web.

But if you want to make changes, go back to the original psd and resave it as a jpg.

Here is some information, So how are you saving your Photoshop images and why?

I have often wondered about the quality of the different formats. I share my jpg, but always save the psd and when I need to change or edit. When I have time I scan TIFF. They usually take more time to scan, but have a better quality image than the jpg.

I save and keep the psd files when using Photoshop Elements and the ufo files when using in PhotoImpact. This allows me to make changes easily, and to reuse the page as a template for future pages if I want. After I'm sure the page is finished, I also save as a high quality JPG so that I can upload it to the be printed. If I've made a poster or program, I also save as jpg first, then save that as an Adobe pdf. I found that way I don't have to worry about the printer having the same exact font files that I do.

If I'm going to upload the page to a website, I reduce the size of the image and resolution and save it as a more compressed jpg, so that it downloads quickly.

I have been taking a look at tiff file saving. I like the fact that tiffs are small file sizes, while sill maintaining the layers.

I like the tiff files best.

@Cherrie Hays - I know nothing about .tiff files How are the different and/or better than jpg or png? I don't know about giff either - is that animation? Anyone?

Tiff is better for images than png or jpg. A lossless file compression, to save and resave without any loss to pictures. Can save with layers. Can be a smaller file size than PSD. You cannot use a Tiff on the web.

jpg - is a lossy compression. There can be some loss of picture quality. You can chose the degree or amount of compression. The more you compress the less detail in the image. This format is great for sharing and for the web. Does not save layers, it is a flat image.

png - saves images, used on the web and can have animation.

giff - not used too often today. For the web, for animation and is restricted to a few basic colors.

hi i have a crazy question? i hope it is ok to post it here? i need to know if u can take a png file and change it to make a preset shape for psp9 i know it has to be a vector file before change has anyone tried this? smiley

This question is being moved to the PSP section.
https://www.digitalscrapbook.com/forums/software-specific/paintshop-pro/how-to-create-a-png-to-psp9-preset-shape

I usually save images as png with a resolution of 300 for print. But I also keep PSD files for some quick edits. Haven't tried tiff though.

@Fran I agree TIFFs can still be large as PSD and can take a bit longer to load in other programs that are equipted to handle larger image files. I do like the fact that it does preserve the layers without loss of quality.

SVG are great for cutting programs. I like to use Inkscape to convert or create SVG files.

I have always used the psd format and would save as jpg to share. Will have to compare the png and tiff formats.

I know that a jpeg will also lose quality if you open it and save it over and over again, whereas png won't lose quality if it is opened and saved over multiple times. With a jpeg, you have more control of adjusting the file size by choosing to lose some quality, too.

More and more sites are supporting png files so jpeg doesn't necessarily have to be what you chose to share a file or post a profile pic, etc. I remember when it used to be that gif and jpeg were the standards. lol.

I only go with jpeg when I am wanting to meet a specific file size (like the background image on my blogger blog), otherwise, I save in png. I like to keep a kind of workbench file in psd for every project I do so that I can tweak, re-tweak, copy, etc (because pngs do flatten my layers and lose info on layer styles and whatnot). And the tiff filetype is completely new to me.

im so new to this, but i was saving my ribbons i made as png. not knowing that the ICC profile was not tagged to it.but come to my knowledge adobe photoshop 10( what i got) already converts the color profiles so its in the gamut etc.. but now i am not sure if i should continue saving as png or psd? i don't need to go back and make changes to the file in the layers.

if I save as psd, I get the ICC color profile option and saves as sRGB with obviously the colors in gamut, if i save as png its transparant background and no ICC profile tagged to it. so i like everyone else need to know also. i need to know if i should continue saving in png or not. my adobe pse 10 converts the color profiles so even if i pick a color to add to the bow or paper its in the gamut.

smiley

I think most people would expect to get something as a .PNG

oh i know i do! ha! yeah the file format question is a good one. I guess to save space in a hard drive we can flatten the image,lord knows layouts take up lots of space!

The problem with flattening your image is you loose your layers. If you want to go back and edit your work, well the layers are no longer there, so You cannot adjust the layer information.

Try saving as a tiff file with layers or png with layers. both will let you go back and edit. compare the sizes to see which is smaller.

Always remember to delete any hidden files that are no longer used. Another option is to combine like layers. This will also reduce the file size.

Otherwise invest in an external drive and be able to save any file size and as many files as you like up to the size of the drive. This will also serve as a good backup.