countrydan1 wrote:
This really drives me nuts. I have always lost quality in Photoshop Elements when I downsize an image. I have been told to do it in increments, but don't know the actual workflow to do this correctly . Sure could use some advice. I usually shoot in JPG 16MB and the file sizes are huge. Thanks.
countrydan1,
Shooting in .jpg is Okay for today's modern cameras, their jpg compression programs are very advanced and perform well.
Years ago I heard that old wives tale about downsizing in increments, too. That is all it is, old.
For your own piece of mind make a copy of the original image, and perform all editing on the copy. The copied file should be saved as a non-compression file type, a .tif is usually a non compressed file type, and your image editing software may provide its own non compression type.
The reason for using a non compression file type is to prevent degradation of image quality caused by the compression program. Even .jpg will cause degradation after a few saves, and re-saves.
Now to the main part of your question.
Once you have created a final product, save that product file in another non-compressed file type, choose a slightly different name.
Now you can begin the downsizing process.
You need to know ahead of time what you will be doing with this image; printing a large format print, posting to FaceBook, and sending in E-Mail (or web site) are different and may require different file and physical size differences. Once you know the use and destination create folder for this purpose.
For printing on large format (16 x 24 inches) contact printer for exact specifications.
For 8 x 10 inch to 11 x 14 inch, set the re-sizing values to the physical size and the print resolution to 300dpi. Save the file to the appropriate folder with minimum jpg compression.
For 4 x 6, and 5 x 7 inch, set the re-sizing values to the physical size and the print resolution to 300dpi.
For e-mail and web sites set the physical print size in inches and the printing resolutions to 72dpi.
Important! after each re-sizing use your editing program "Unsharp Mask" to sharpen the overall image. Use the minimum value possible, and yet be able to see an improvement in the preview window.
Michael G