How to Save Different File Formats in PhotoShop

Adobe Photoshop gives users many options for saving different file formats. Some of the more popular choices for file formats are Photoshop format, JPEG, TIFF, and GIF. Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Adobe Photoshop
• Digital image file

Instructions

1. Open an image in Adobe Photoshop by selecting "Open" from the File menu, selecting the photo and clicking the "Open" button.

2. Choose "Save As" from the File menu.

3. Click on the "Format" drop down menu and select the file format you would like to use.

4. Navigate the file system to choose the location for your file to be saved.

5. Click the "Save" button.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are manipulating an image in Photoshop and want to keep all the features of that image, Photoshop format (PSD) is a good choice. It allows you to save an image up to 2 GB in size and manipulate features like layers, masks, effects and styles without flattening the image. The disadvantage is that few other programs can read this type of files.

• The JPEG image format works well for photos on the Web. The files are compressed, giving them smaller file sizes, but the compression actually throws data away and can degrade the quality of the image. This works for display at 72 dots per inch (dpi) on a computer monitor, but not so well in print applications with higher dpi. The format, though, is widely compatible with different types of computers and applications.

• The TIFF image format is widely used in the publishing industry for high-end print production. It allows saving of highly detailed images up to 600 dpi. This file format does take up more storage space, but there is little data lost, preserving the quality of the image.

• GIF file format uses a limited color gamut, making the images smaller in size and quicker to load on websites. Though it's a good choice for graphics on the Web, these images work poorly for print applications.