To export a file in Photoshop, you essentially save it in a format different from the native .PSD format, often for sharing, web use, or printing. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Open Your File:
First, make sure the image you want to export is open in Photoshop.
2. Access the Export Menu:
Navigate to the "File" menu in the top left corner of the Photoshop window. Select "Export".
3. Choose Your Export Method:
Photoshop offers several export options:
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Export As...: This is often the best choice for modern workflows. It provides a dialog box where you can control file format, quality, size, and metadata, with a real-time preview. This allows you to optimize your image for various purposes.
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Save for Web (Legacy): Although labeled "Legacy," this option is still useful for optimizing images specifically for web use. It allows fine-grained control over compression, color palettes, and other web-related settings.
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Export Preferences: Allows you to customize default settings for the "Export As..." feature. You can predefine your preferred file format, quality, and other settings.
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Quick Export As [Format]: This option uses your preset export preferences (defined in the Export Preferences dialog). It's a fast way to export if you frequently use the same export settings.
4. Using the "Export As..." Dialog:
If you choose "Export As...", a dialog box will appear. Here's what you'll typically find:
- File Format: Choose the desired file format (e.g., JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG).
- Quality: Adjust the quality setting (for JPG). Higher quality results in larger file sizes.
- Size: Modify the image dimensions (width and height). You can also lock the aspect ratio.
- Scale: Scale the image by percentage.
- Metadata: Choose whether to include metadata (copyright information, etc.).
- Color Space: Convert to sRGB (recommended for web use).
- Transparency: (For PNG and GIF) Preserve transparency.
- Export All Artboards: (If your document has artboards) Export individual artboards as separate files.
- Preview: A live preview of the exported image with the selected settings.
5. Using "Save for Web (Legacy)":
This option gives you a powerful interface for optimizing images for the web:
- Preset: Choose from a range of presets for different file types and quality levels.
- File Format: Select JPG, GIF, PNG-8, or PNG-24.
- Optimization Settings: Control compression, color palettes, and other settings.
- Image Size: Adjust image dimensions.
- 2-Up/4-Up View: Compare different optimization settings side-by-side.
6. Choose a Destination and Export:
After configuring your export settings, choose a location on your computer to save the exported file and click "Export" or "Save."
Examples of Common Export Scenarios:
- For Web (small file size): Export As... JPG with a quality setting between 60 and 80, or Save for Web (Legacy) with optimized JPG or PNG settings. sRGB color profile is recommended.
- For Print (high resolution): Export As... TIFF or high-quality JPG, preserving the original resolution and color profile.
- For Transparency (logos, etc.): Export As... PNG-24 with transparency enabled.
- For Vector Graphics (Scalable Logos, Icons): Export As... SVG (if your image is vector based in Photoshop).
In summary, the specific steps for exporting depend on your desired output, but generally involves going to File > Export, choosing an appropriate method like "Export As..." or "Save for Web (Legacy)", configuring the settings, and then saving the exported file.
