Collage in PS: Two Problems
Oct 22, 2017 13:10:20 #
I tried making my first collage in PS and am experiencing two issues. The total size of all the images in the collage is 21 mb. When I tried to save it as tiff, PS spun and spun and finally told me it couldn't save because the filesize exceeded FOUR GIGABYTES! How do 21 mb on a canvas become so giant? I then saved as a png, which also took a long while and ended up being over 1 GIG. So finally I tried just exporting as a jpeg. This worked, however the edges of the image have been croped. I've never had PS export an image with a different crop than the onscreen computer view before. So two questions:
1. Is it possible to save a collage in a format that retains the layers so changes can be made later? If so, how to get the file size down?
2. Why is PS cropping my image? All I'm doing is selecting export as jpeg.
The first image below is a screenshot of the collage as created, the second is a screenshot of the clipped edge export by PS.
1. Is it possible to save a collage in a format that retains the layers so changes can be made later? If so, how to get the file size down?
2. Why is PS cropping my image? All I'm doing is selecting export as jpeg.
The first image below is a screenshot of the collage as created, the second is a screenshot of the clipped edge export by PS.
Oct 23, 2017 07:12:28 #
LiamRowan wrote:
I tried making my first collage in PS and am exper... (show quote)
We had a similar question about TIFF size recently. That's just the way it is. TIFFs are big.
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/jpeg-or-tiff-for-the-best-quality-prints--28996
http://www.reedphoto.com/tiff-versus-jpeg-is-bigger-always-better/
http://www.smartimage.com/whats-the-difference-between-gif-png-jpeg-and-tiff/
http://kenrockwell.com/tech/jpg-or-tiff.htm
An alternative is to save in a different format. I've used PhotoSpills (free) for making collages.
http://www.photospills.com/
Oct 23, 2017 07:45:28 #
Thanks, Jerry. I use TIFFs quite a bit, and always when I generate a tiff with a raw file (27mb or so) it will be exactly 114mb before any cropping. It's puzzling how a 25mb file will become 114mb, but a group of files only 21mb in total becomes larger than 4 gigs. Where's the logic in that?!
You have a knack for posting the most useful and interesting link--I'll check these out. Especially photospills.
You have a knack for posting the most useful and interesting link--I'll check these out. Especially photospills.
Oct 23, 2017 07:59:03 #
russjc001
Loc: South Carolina
Not an expert by any means and have never done such a collage, but once the image is completed to your satisfaction, could you flatten the layers before saving to Tiff?
Oct 23, 2017 08:45:28 #
russjc001 wrote:
Not an expert by any means and have never done such a collage, but once the image is completed to your satisfaction, could you flatten the layers before saving to Tiff?
Yes, and I did end up flattening it and it exported successfully without the strange crop. The jpeg file size was 40mb. I had wanted to save the layered version in the event I wanted to make changes later.
Oct 23, 2017 08:51:21 #
Oct 23, 2017 08:59:22 #
TheDman
Loc: USA
Did you convert each photo to a smart object? Do you have a bunch of alpha channels that you no longer need? These things can all add to file size.
Oct 23, 2017 16:03:27 #
Oct 23, 2017 19:21:19 #
TheDman wrote:
Did you convert each photo to a smart object? Do you have a bunch of alpha channels that you no longer need? These things can all add to file size.
I did not. I do convert layers to smart objects but did not in this case. I have no idea what alpha channels are, but will google. I figured there is some factor beyond my limited experience causing these issues.
Oct 23, 2017 19:22:07 #
DeanS wrote:
Save as a .psd, the resave as .jpg.
Thanks, Dean. I already flattened the file and exported, which worked. I didn't really want to flatten it as I wanted to edit later. I'll try the .psd suggestion next time.
Oct 23, 2017 19:33:39 #
LiamRowan wrote:
Thanks, Dean. I already flattened the file and exported, which worked. I didn't really want to flatten it as I wanted to edit later. I'll try the .psd suggestion next time.
Keep both. The .psd will remain in layers, which are open to change as you like. Then save again as a . Jpg. Endless cycles!
Oct 23, 2017 20:08:20 #
DeanS wrote:
Keep both. The .psd will remain in layers, which are open to change as you like. Then save again as a . Jpg. Endless cycles!
That's what I had wanted in the first place by saving as a tiff. I don't typically think about saving psd. Will try soon.
Oct 24, 2017 19:37:27 #
LiamRowan wrote:
I tried making my first collage in PS and am exper... (show quote)
One should always save a "mother/work"-file, containing all layers and edits, before creating a jpeg copy, so one can come back at any time and do changes to (whatever stage) is required/wanted! This can be a Tiff,or any appropriate file you chose!
Oct 24, 2017 19:50:17 #
LiamRowan wrote:
I tried making my first collage in PS
What was the initial canvas size and resolution that you started with in Photoshop ?
Oct 24, 2017 19:52:42 #
dannac wrote:
What was the initial canvas size and resolution that you started with in Photoshop ?
yes
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