marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

I put my 16MP files that are RAW format, and happen to also be about 15.9 to 16MB in size, into Photoshop CC every day, and I use NIK Viveza 2 on them. My files end up being about 45.9MB in size every time - while they're in Photoshop CC but not after they become a JPG file.

First, I'm not sure why a D800 file would only be 12MB unless you're shooting in JPG or at a smaller than full size resolution. Then I can't imagine why your 12MB file would grow more than 10X during post editing - even if it was a compressed JPG coming out of the camera that was uncompressed for editing.

I can grasp 3X larger, obviously, but NIK software creates layers in Photoshop to do what it does to the file and layers aren't very large in MB size.

So your photos, even if they're in RAW format shouldn't be becoming larger than 36-40MB in Photoshop CC, if the original was 12MB (and not 12MP). NIK also shouldn't be the culprit.

Next, I don't believe you can send .PSD files or .TIFF files to any printer service for printing, and you have to do a .PSD or .TIFF conversion to JPG. You didn't say what size canvas print you want to have made but you should be matching your sent photo file resolution to the size of print you are ordering.

For example, if it's going to be a 20X24 canvas print, you only need to send them a file that is no more than 6400 pixels X 7200 pixels. Or a 20X20 print needs no more than 6400X6400 pixels. This is the highest resolution you should send and the printing place may not even need all of that - depending on the printer equipment they use. These resolutions can be chosen in Photoshop CC by using "image size" just before you save your final JPG you will be sending out. Multiply the width and height of the print you want made by 300 in each direction and that tells you a reasonably accurate resolution to make the image size you will send.

With the right resolution and using JPG High or even JPG Maximum compression during the Save process, your file size shouldn't be anywhere near the file size you're coming up with. I'm thinking it should be 10-12MB or so. I've had stuff printed at Costco and 11X14s were 6MB when using the highest quality JPG compression I could use during the Save process. Forget that "Save for Web" choice because it's meant to mash the hell out of the file to use it as a web image, or to fly through cyberspace fast as a screen-level email attachment, never for printing. Use Save As instead.

Hope that helps.

saxkiwi Loc: New Zealand

You could try sending the file to your desktop and then reimport it. That usually gives you a lot less MB file size.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

When I use an on-line print shop to do an 11x14 or bigger, they all seem to limit the size to 60mb. I complete all post production, change the size to the finished size and then save them as maximum quality jpeg at 300bpi. This seems the best compromise. Since I have no intention of doing any more work on the image, the jpeg does fine for final printing and is usually only about 15-30mb.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

OK.. I went back and did this step x step... We have family dinners once a week to ten days... both our daughters come over with 4 granddaughters and 2 grandsons, that range from age 9years old down to 1 year old and both pregnant again { I guess that they have not figured out what causes that} when they are here I shot my d3200 and sometimes with my d800, when I do these family shoot I use "jpeg" and will easily will pop off couple hundred pics. every once in a while I will get a pic that that I want to process..
so here it is 10.5MB's out of camera, into PHcc for touch up. when I put it in PHcc bottom left corner states the size of photo {20"x13" respectively} and also shows the info ,"DOC:68.8/60.0m" assuming for" document "info and "MB" info... I put the photo in NIK to "analog efex pro" and put scathes and antique effect and some other tweeks. finish and go back to "PHcc " now I have a photo that is "DOC:68.8/128.85M" HERE IS WHERE I WAS HAVING A PROBLEM..... AT THIS POINT {with layers it will not save as "jpeg" so I saved it as "tiff" and was a huge file} after posting this question someone posted {thanks to you} to flatten layers..... I went back and flattened layers and got it back down to DOC:68.8/65.0M.. then when I saved as "jpeg" it went down to 40.4mb's
the biggest problem is that PScc does so much, I have taken and am still learning ALL it has to offer!! and with the help of all the hoggers {at least some} us less fortunate and under educated can learn!!!!!

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

PS... by the way I print these up to 20"x30" and smaller

Picdude Loc: Ohio

As you have found out, a) Jpeg cannot save layers, b) Tiff files are HUGE. When you save a file in jpeg you get a much smaller file but you lose the ability to go back and adjust your edits from the point where you left off. Also keep in mind, jpeg is a file compression format. Every time you save a jpeg file (NOTE - not every time you view, but every time you click SAVE) you compress the image and loose a little bit of information. Many people only save as jpeg either when they are actually going to export the picture from their computer (e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, web page, printer, etc.) or because they do not have external storage and storage space is a premium.

Another option you do have is to save your edited file as PSD rather than TIFF. PSD is an Adobe native file that saves all your edits and layers as does TIFF, but saves it in a different format that takes up about half the storage space as TIFF. The only downside to PSD is that it is not as universally recognized as TIFF. It is readable on some, but not all non-Adobe image viewing/reading programs. But for many, this is not a huge problem as, again, you only need a format other than PSD if you are exporting the file off your computer.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

interesting!!!!! I wondered why that some old photos I have from years ago are down to 1 or 2 MB's
I now have a whole new way of "saving" photos,
I think I will save a PSD file and a TIFF file, then save as JPEG when I am ready to print....as storage is not a problem.. I got back-ups for the back-ups,and for the back-up and for the back-ups again!! and maybe 1 more back-up!! any I am covered!!!!

thanks , a lot of help!!!

amehta Loc: Boston

I think you need an archive of that last backup. :lol:

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

of to the store for a box of archive's!!!!

amehta Loc: Boston

:thumbup: :lol: