Compressing images in Photoshop involves reducing their file size without significantly impacting visual quality. This is crucial for web use and efficient storage. There are several methods depending on your needs and file type.
Methods for Compressing Images in Photoshop
Method 1: Exporting as JPG
This method is ideal for photographs and images that don't require transparency.
- Open your image in Photoshop. (As mentioned in multiple sources like Adobe's guide and UW-River Falls' tutorial).
- Go to
File > Export As.... - Choose JPG as your file type.
- Adjust the Quality slider. Moving it to the left reduces file size but also lowers image quality. Find the balance you need.
- Click the "Export" button and save your compressed file.
Method 2: "Save for Web" (Legacy Method)
This method provides more control over compression and is useful for various file types.
- Open your image in Photoshop.
- Go to
File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy). (As noted in Folio's blog). - Choose your desired file format (JPG, PNG, GIF). PNG supports transparency, while JPG doesn't.
- Adjust the compression settings for each format (e.g., quality for JPG). Experiment to find the best compromise between size and quality.
- Save your compressed image.
Method 3: Reducing Image Size
This method reduces file size by lowering the image's dimensions (pixels) or resolution (DPI).
- Open your image.
- Go to
Image > Image Size. (As indicated in multiple sources, including the Adobe community threads (link 1, link 2)). - Reduce the width, height, or resolution (DPI). Lowering resolution is effective but can reduce sharpness.
- Save your image. This alone may not be sufficient, consider combining with methods 1 or 2 for better compression.
Method 4: Batch Processing (for multiple images)
For processing multiple images at once:
- Go to
File > Scripts > Image Processor. (Referred to in the Adobe Community thread here). - Set your desired compression settings and output format.
- Select your images and process them.
Choosing the Right Method
The best compression method depends on the image type and intended use:
- JPG: Best for photographs. Offers good compression with acceptable quality loss.
- PNG: Suitable for images with sharp lines, text, or transparency. Offers lossless compression but larger file sizes than JPG.
- GIF: Ideal for simple animations with limited colors.
Remember to always save a copy of your original, uncompressed image before applying any compression. Experiment to find the optimal balance between file size and image quality.
