Explore this comprehensive Photoshop tutorial covering key topics such as viewing and setting image size, understanding the pros and cons of resampling, and saving images in PSD and TIFF formats.
This exercise is excerpted from Noble Desktop’s Adobe Photoshop training materials and is compatible with Photoshop updates through 2023. To learn current skills in Photoshop with hands-on training, check out our Photoshop Bootcamp, Graphic Design Certificate, and graphic design classes in-person and live online.
Note: These materials are provided to give prospective students a sense of how we structure our class exercises and supplementary materials. During the course, you will get access to the accompanying class files, live instructor demonstrations, and hands-on instruction.
Topics covered in this Photoshop tutorial:
Viewing/setting image size, Resampling pros & cons, Saving as PSD, Saving as TIFF
Exercise Preview
Photo Copyright © Dan Rodney, danrodney.com
Exercise Overview
A standard print image is CMYK and has a resolution of 300 ppi (pixels per inch). Digital camera images are RGB and often come in as 72 ppi or higher. We will modify an image taken with a digital camera and properly prepare it for print.
From the Photoshop Class folder, open the file 2E Koala facing camera.jpg.
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Go to Image > Mode > CMYK Color.
If you get a message about using a profile, click OK.
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Go to Image > Image Size. Do NOT click OK until we say!
To the right of Width change the menu to Inches.
Notice that the Resolution for this file is 72 but the Document Size is 32.444 by 48.667 inches. This means you’d get a large print, but low quality.
At the bottom, uncheck Resample.
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For Resolution, type 300. You’ll see that the Document Size reduces to 7.787 by 11.68 inches. This means you’d get a smaller print, but high quality.
That’s the largest size this can be printed at full quality. It’s important to uncheck Resample (which means to add, remove, or recalculate pixels). We don’t want to add/remove pixels. Instead we’re shrinking the pixels. At 300 ppi, pixels are too small to be seen. Refer to the sidebar at the end of the exercise for more info.
Click OK.
Go to File > Save As.
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Use the steps below to save as a PSD or TIFF. PSD works great with other Adobe apps. TIFFs are more widely accepted in non-Adobe programs and have slightly smaller file sizes if LZW compressed. Both maintain full image quality.
Save As PSD (Photoshop Document)
Under Format (Mac) or Save as type (Windows), choose Photoshop.
Name it yourname-koala.psd and click Save.
If asked to maximize compatibility, keep it checked on and click OK.
Save As TIFF (Tag Image File Format)
Under Format (Mac) or Save as type (Windows), choose TIFF.
Name it yourname-koala.tif and click Save.
Set Image Compression to LZW then click OK. LZW is a lossless compression that shrinks file size while maintaining full image quality. It’s widely accepted, but may not be compatible with all applications.
Changing Size & Resolution
Resampling OFF: As shown below, turn off resampling to change the size of pixels, instead of adding or removing them. Small pixels = clean, crisp prints.
Resampling ON: Turn on resampling to add or remove pixels. Fewer pixels = smaller file size (good for web graphics).
