Skip to main content
O
Oscar33434404nwwi
Participating Frequently
June 24, 2025
Question

Need to print photoshop file around 10Gb

  • June 24, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 864 views

What is the best way to do this? It will not let me save as a TIFF or a JPG due to the file being over 4gb, is there any way around this without losing the quality of it?

    3 replies

    F
    fzmuhammad
    Participating Frequently
    June 24, 2025

    You're hitting the 4GB limit of TIFF and JPEG formats — they can't handle files that large.

    Best workaround: Save as a PSB (Large Document Format) in Photoshop. It supports huge files without quality loss and keeps all your layers.

    If you just need a flat version, try flattening the image first to reduce size, or export in tiles. But for full quality and editability, PSB is the way to go.

    O
    Oscar33434404nwwiAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    June 25, 2025

    If I flatten the image will it reduce the quality in printing? The size of the print will be 143x71cm for reference

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 25, 2025
    quote

    If I flatten the image will it reduce the quality in printing? The size of the print will be 143x71cm for reference


    By @Oscar33434404nwwi


    No, flattened images don't reduce in quality, but as you discard the layers you should always do this in a copy to retain the ability to easily edit the master file.

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 24, 2025

    @Oscar33434404nwwi 

     

    Duplicate the original, flatten all layers, remove any alpha channels and set to 8 BPC. Where does this get you?

     

    What is the document width and height in pixels?

     

    What is the intended print size in CM/IN and PPI resolution?

     

    What is the print method (inkjet, offset press etc)?

     

    How will you output the file (OEM printer driver, 3rd party RIP, etc.)?

     

    What is the viewing distance/conditions?

      O
      Oscar33434404nwwiAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      June 25, 2025

      The document height is 34420 x 16929 pixels

      Intended size will be 143x71cm and at 240ppi

      Not sure about the print method or output of the file as im getting it printed by someone else professionally

      Viewing will be in a gallery type environment - will be mounted on a wall.

      Hope this helps thanks

      O
      Oscar33434404nwwiAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      June 26, 2025
      quote

      The document height is 34420 x 16929 pixels

      Intended size will be 143x71cm and at 240ppi

      Not sure about the print method or output of the file as im getting it printed by someone else professionally

      Viewing will be in a gallery type environment - will be mounted on a wall.

      Hope this helps thanks


      By @Oscar33434404nwwi

       

      240 PPI at final print size is 2/3 of the old native Epson print resolution of 360 DPI, so is a "classic" print formula (industry myth?) cited by many, which plays things very safe with a high PPI value for unknown content.

       

      143 x 71 cm @ 240PPI = 13,512 x 6,709 px. This is a lot less than 34420 x 16929 px.

       

      You should be able to get away with 175-200 PPI for an inkjet print viewed at 1 metre. Correct sharpening will play a huge role in the perceived quality of the print.

       

       


      How do I lower the PPI in photoshop without changing the size of the canvas/ image, when I try to it makes the size larger to around 171 x 84?

      L
      LAMY2017
      Legend
      June 24, 2025

      File>Save As, change Format to Large Document Format. Your new file extension will be psb (photoshopBIG).

      background: adobe.com, Search for Large Document Format, or follow this link:

      https://www.adobe.com/home/search?query=Large%20Document%20Format

      "Understanding Large Document Format (PSB) in Photoshop

      The Large Document Format (PSB) in Adobe Photoshop supports documents up to 300,000 pixels in any dimension. It retains all Photoshop features, including layers, effects, and filters. However, it's important to note that with documents larger than 30,000 pixels in width or height, some plug-in filters may not be available. PSB files can also save HDR, 32-bits-per-channel images. Keep in mind that most other applications and older versions of Photoshop may not support documents with file sizes larger than 2 GB."

       

      Larry
      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
      Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices