Can't change format [from PNG] to JPG with "save a copy" or "save as"

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
December 9, 2022
6 replies
2386 views

Although this has been mentioned in the past, this is a new problem for me with Photoshop CC.
I have to save files as jpgs to make them small. But just after updating, I no longer have the option to save a file that was a png as a jpg!
I can save a PS file as a jpg. But I don't want to have to convert a png to a PS file and then save it as a jpg. That's crazy! Too many steps.
Can someone offer a solution- or is this a new change in Photoshop? Is this a bug? should I repost this as a bug?

[Topic edited by moderator for clarity.]

macOS

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tqphoto25879482

Participant

Make sure to flatten the image befroe saving the png. You can flatten the image by going to layer on the top menu bar and scrolling down to flatten image. I think the default short cut to do that is F6. Once the image is flattened the layers box should be named background instead of layer (1). Then when click on save as the .jpg selection will be available.

Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

@tqphoto25879482

What if a transparent background is required?

Flattening may be needed for JPEG files if legacy save as isn't enabled, however, PNG supports a single unflattened floating layer, with or without transparent content.

M

M-H

Inspiring

The question wasnt about transparent backgrounds but saving jpgs

Tiff or psd also support single unflattened layer and transparent content but thats not going to help if you need jpg specifically.

D

default6a8j8bxsto3l

Participant

Same thing just happened to me. It was working with "Save as," and then it quite working. Some kind of glitch. "Export as" still functions.

Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

Usually not a glitch. Some things like indexed colour mode or 32 bits per channel mode are not compatible with Save a Copy to JPEG, however, Export As has been designed to streamline the process.

NB, colourmanagement

Community Expert

If the previous tips havent solved the issue - could this be connected with the "save as" option setting?

"save as" is a switchable option in Photoshop's preferences.

You'll want the legacy "Save As" file handling Preference

aI hope this helps
neil barstow, colourmanagement net :: adobe forum volunteer:: co-author: 'getting colour right'
google me "neil barstow colourmanagement" for lots of free articles on colour management

T

Test Screen Name

Legend

The screen shots seem to suggest this is an indexed colour image, which can exist in PNG (and is the only thing that can exist in GIF) but cannot exist in JPEG. You can change the colour mode. But DON'T. JPEG is made for photos, and you will neither see a good compression nor a good quality on this image (assuming the other image is what you want to save). You could, however, try resaving as PNG and choose smallest file. Worth a try.