Photoshop Sizing and Saving Explained: Free Sizing & Saving Actions
For Web Use
- Resize the Image:
- Go to
Image > Image Size
. - Set the Pixel Dimensions (e.g., width and height in pixels) to the desired size for web use.
- Ensure Resample is checked, and select an appropriate resampling method, such as Bicubic Sharper (reduction) if scaling down.
- Go to
- Sharpen the Image:
- After resizing, apply sharpening to enhance details that might have been lost during resizing.
- Use
Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask
orFilter > Camera Raw Filter
(if available). - Adjust the Amount, Radius, and Threshold sliders to achieve the desired sharpness without overdoing it.
- Set the Color Profile:
- Convert the image to the sRGB color profile, which is standard for web display.
- Go to
Edit > Convert to Profile
. - Choose sRGB IEC61966-2.1 as the destination space.
- Alternatively, use
Edit > Assign Profile
if you only need to tag the image with the sRGB profile without converting.
- Save the Image:
- Use
File > Save As >
Save As A Copy. - Choose a suitable format (JPEG, PNG, or GIF).
- Adjust quality settings (e.g., 85–100% for JPEG) to balance file size and quality.
- Use
For Print Use
- Size the Image:
- Go to
Image > Image Size
. - Set the Document Size to the required width and height (in inches, centimeters, etc.).
- Set the Resolution to at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for high-quality prints.
- Ensure Resample is unchecked if you don’t want to alter pixel data.
- Go to
- Sharpen the Image:
- Use
Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask
to enhance details for print. - Since print sharpening differs from web sharpening, preview at 50–100% zoom to assess the effect.
- Consider creating a duplicate layer and sharpening only key areas if needed.
- Use
- Set the Color Profile:
- Convert the image to the appropriate color profile for your printer or printing service.
- Go to
Edit > Convert to Profile
. - Choose the profile provided by the printer (e.g., Adobe RGB, CMYK profile like US Web Coated SWOP v2, or a custom ICC profile).
- Save the Image:
- Save in a high-quality format such as TIFF, PSD, or high-resolution JPEG.
- Embed the color profile in the saved file to ensure color accuracy during printing.
- For printing services, check their specific requirements regarding file format and color profiles.
By following these steps, you’ll optimize your image for its intended medium, ensuring it looks its best on the web or in print.