Mario22 Loc: Albany, NY

Not sure where to post this question so please direct me to the correct place I’d I’m wrong.

Using LR Classic and Photoshop CC 2019 (current up to date versions).

I moved 7 focus stack images from LR Classic into PS CC 2019 and completed the focus stack. However, trouble started when I attempted to Save the resulting image to send it back to LR. That’s where the file size maximums hit. My end image was slightly over 4 gb.

I did research PS size limits - psd (2 gb), psb (+ 2 gb), photoshop raw (+ 2 gb), tiff (+2 gb?), jpeg (+2 gb?).

So I tried psb and the 2 gb error message stopped the save. I tried the tiff format for the Save As with the same error message. Then, I did jpeg and photoshop raw format Save As and it supposedly worked and sent the result back to my folder but it’s not there in LR. Perhaps it’s on my hard drive in the photo file and needs to be imported into LR?

However, my real question is how can I get Photoshop CC 2019 to save the file as a psb and/or a tiff file format?

I have tried removing all the constraints in Preferences, File Handling, but I must have missed something. I don’t use Photoshop often so my level of expertise with it is very limited. Thanks for all help.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

That is actually an interesting and challenging question for a change, and I'd like to know the answer as well. I regularly create and save huge files from Focus Stacks and Stitched Panoramas. But I've never gone past 2.5GB as I recall and saved those in PSB format. Wow, you are going super huge! I have a 32GB RAM PC so Windows 10 should be able to take it.

It seems you know enough to set PS, Lr, Windows or MAC memory use high. One simplification for me is I don't use Lr at all. Strictly Ps CS6, ACR 9.1.1. The version probably makes little difference. I can't help much with Lr issues but here are a could Ps related points.

1. Are you trying to save your work with Layers or are you Flattening to a Single Layer before trying to Save?

2. How big were each of the 7 files you stacked? Why so huge? Are you using a Sony A7Riv (61MP) or Nikon D850 or Canon 5Ds camera?

3. How large in physical dimensions say like 4000 x 6000 pixels are you working with? You might try reducing all your working files for this project to something smaller say to give a 10x15" image at not 300 ppi or 600 ppi but less, say 150ppi.

4. After I process my huge file sized projects and am happy with it I'll save it as a JPEG. It will still be very large. Say in the case of a Pano I might end up with a 20" x 80" image. I have no need of anything that large as I typically print to fit in 11x14" Mats and Frames. So right off I'll save or crop as a 4x16", though thus far I have not printed any so extreme in elongation, more likely I end up with a 5x12" or 6x13" image.

5. Again, why do you need a TIFF or PSD or PDB? I always work from RAW but my final output only needs to match the peripheral, Printer or Monitor.

6. Or maybe your image does not show in Lr 2019 because the needed Thumbnail for your huge image is too big to be created or displayed. So many setting in Lr, so fussy. I gave up on it immediately. Do you know what you named your Stack? Look for it with your Windows or MAC O/S.

Mario22 Loc: Albany, NY

I was trying to save with layers and thought there was no limit on psb and photoshop raw format saves.

Yes, I am using the 45.7 MP Nikon Z7. I wanted as much definition and sharpness to my flower macro photos as I could get.

Thanks for responding. Hopefully we’ll get a useful solution. Otherwise, I might look at Helicon Focus and Zerene Stacker software. Not sure if they have file size limits. I also might try the built in focus stacker feature in the Z7. I shot these photos, and others before I saw that feature. Also not sure of the limits on that feature.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

If you are working through LR then LR preferences are what you want to change, not PS. LR creates the copy image. See example below. If a file does not appear when you have hit the save and close key in PS, then go to Synchronize in the Library Module after you have clicked on the folder where you put it. If it says there is an image to sync then follow the instructions. Read the online help manual that Adobe puts out, in particular the section(s) on the Library Module.

(Download)

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Oh, I see you are back on and responding. Sorry I did not notice. I hear ya, I shoot flower macros or close-ups too and sometimes stacked. Sorry I forgot about the other new Nikon, the MILC. You may be close to the point of over kill though. I use 16 and 24 MP APS-C DSLRs One has to pixel peek to see the limits of resolution even at 16MP. I'm considering a Fuji MILC, I'm rather arthritic and am having trouble handling my Pentax DSLRs. No way can I hold a Full Frame DSLR other wise I'd have a Pentax K-1 or K-1ii FF. The UHH has a dedicated Macro Section, you might ask your question there. See "All Sections" near the bottom of your page. Click on it and you can look and sign up. I am not sure what the file size limits there are with Lr and Ps, but I am going to check now.

I found the file size limit for Lr is 65,000 pixels per longest side.

See link for size issues for Lr. https://havecamerawilltravel.com/lightroom/largest-image-size-import-lightroom/

The size limits for Ps 2019 is 2GB for PSD files, and
300k pixels per side for PSB files. For TIFF and JPEG I don't know.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

a .psb file should be able to save up to 300k pixels by 300k pixels. Here is some more information from Adobe.

Mario22 Loc: Albany, NY

Thanks Mark for the link to info on LR importation file size limits.

Mario22 Loc: Albany, NY

I think this pixel size of the image might be the heart of my problem. Supposedly you can save layers and hdr images in PS so it must be this “print size” that is causing me the problem?

I’m off for more research.

Thanks!

1DProphet

We do some large items, files typically run 14625/10055 777MB flattened for 16/11 ft (crazy duplication input), currently they are working an auto for glass panels which is a 19.63GB .psb, no Lightroom in our production stream.

Mario22 Loc: Albany, NY

Interesting

So PS “saves” your 19 gb file as a psb? If it’s a image with multiple layers, do you flatten it before attempting to save it? What is the print size you tell PS to use for the image?

Thanks for responding.

Mario22 Loc: Albany, NY

Sorry I should have reread your post. You have already answered my questions. Thanks so much

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

I believe that feature produces a jpeg.

1DProphet

The .psb is just a container if you will that has extended file size capabilities, we always save non flattened projects due to client revisions, the output sizing is determined by end product or application, which would be the flattened image.