Photoshop Save and Export Notes

Chapter 1: Introduction

• The chapter discusses how to save and export work in Photoshop for clients and friends.
• Before saving or exporting, it is essential to review the color mode, dimensions, and resolution of the image.

Color Mode

• To check the color mode, go to Image > Color Mode.
• RGB color mode is needed for:
  • Home DeskJet printing
  • Web
  • Video
• CMYK color mode is generally used for high-end printing processes (professional grade printer or screen printing).

Dimensions and Resolution

• To check image size, use the shortcut $Ctrl + Alt + I$ or $Cmd + Alt + I$.
• Verify that the size is correct for its intended use.
• For print, the resolution should be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch).
• For web or video, a minimum of 72 DPI is needed.

Metadata

• Metadata is information embedded into a file.
• To view and edit metadata, go to File > File Info.
• You can add basic info, camera data (if applicable), origin, and more.
• Metadata ensures that creator and copyright information are embedded in the file.

Color Space

• You can set the color space of a document, mainly when a specific color space is needed for print or digital versions.
• Go to Edit > Convert to Profile.
• While knowing every profile listed isn't required, knowing how to access this area to set a profile is important.
• Example: ProPhoto RGB can be selected.

Chapter 2: Save The File

• To save the native format PSD, use the shortcut $Ctrl + S$ or $Cmd + S$.
• To do a 'Save As', use the shortcut $Ctrl + Shift + S$ or $Cmd + Shift + S$.
• This opens options for saving in different formats.
• Photoshop's native format is PSD.
• You can customize the file title.
• Check "As a Copy" to save it as a different version, useful when saving multiple versions of a file as you work.

Chapter 3: Save For Web

• Projects and clients often need files saved in formats other than PSD.
  • Print: PDF is often preferable to PSD.
  • Web: GIF, JPEG, or PNG formats are commonly used.
• When saving for the web, balance quality and file size.
• Go to File > Export > Save for Web.
• Select the file type (GIF, JPEG, PNG).
• JPEG is often the most common.
• Adjust settings to compress the photo for a target file size.
• The file size is displayed in the bottom left of the preview window.
• Adjust quality or image size to meet the target size (e.g., 300 kilobytes).
• Each file type has different settings for optimizing the image.
• The "Save As" feature can also save images for the web, but it offers fewer optimization options compared to the "Save for Web" feature.

Chapter 4: Save A File

• To save an image for print, consult with the printer about their preferred file type.
• Use "Save As" (Ctrl+Shift+S or Cmd+Shift+S).
• PNG or PDF are good choices for print with minimal compression.
• These formats maintain image quality and are compatible with printer software.
• When saving files, you'll also be asked whether to save locally or to the cloud and whether to maximize compatibility.

Saving Locally or To The Cloud

• Saving to the cloud facilitates collaboration.
• Saving locally offers more control over when files are shared for review.

Compatibility

• Maximizing compatibility enhances Photoshop files' compatibility across other Adobe apps and previous Photoshop versions.

Chapter 5: File Export

• Other aspects to consider when saving files:
  • Color space
  • Resolution and pixel dimensions
• Check pixel dimensions and resolution by going to Image > Image Size.
• Reducing the resolution to 72 DPI for print purposes will lower the picture dimensions and file size dramatically.
• Bit depth
  *Bit depth determines the amount of color information per pixel.
  *To view bit depth, go to Image > Mode.
  *An image may have a bit depth of eight bits per channel, which allows for 256 colors per channel.
  *For larger images with more color, consider a higher number of bits per channel.

Additional Export Features

*Go to File > Export.
*Export As is a simplified version of Save for Web.
*Layers to Files exports individual layers into separate files in a chosen format.
*Artboards to Files exports artboards to separate files.
*Layer Comps to Files exports layer comps to files.
*Paths to Illustrator exports vector paths for use in Illustrator.

Chapter 6: Version Of Save

• Libraries
  • Libraries are like preset assets that follow your Creative Cloud user account.
  • To use a title in a magazine, select the layer, open the library panel, click the add content button, choose graphic, and click add.
  • The item is synchronized with the Creative Cloud account.
  • This content can be accessed in other Adobe apps that support Creative Cloud libraries (e.g., InDesign, Animate).
  • Go to Window, CC Libraries to access content in other apps.

Chapter 7: Conclusion

• Additional export aspects:
  • Go to File > Export > Export As.
  • Decide whether to include metadata (copyright and contact info) with the export.
  • To export a selection (layer or group of layers), right-click the layer or group of layers, choose "Export As," and follow the export process.