Why are my PSD manually created collages so large?

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
February 19, 2024
3 replies
445 views

I have created a set of simple photo collages manually (using shapes, jpgs and clipping masks). However the resulting .psd files are huge (one is over 2GB). The collages have 15-16 photos and shapes, (each photo is around 3-5MB jpg) and one simple text layer. The overall size is A4, with 300 pixels/inch resolution. Can someone explain why the collage files are so large please? I can't attach a .psd file as an example as they're so big, but here is one saved as a .jpg (size 1.9MB) to show the type of thing. The .psd I saved it from is 1.92GB.. Many thanks!

Problem or error

L

louise_2664

Participant

I have discovered that you can use the Flatten function to reduce your files to one layer and drastically reduce the file size, but you have to ensure you are finished ediitng the layers, as you can not undo this function. You can also reduce your file size by going to File>Save for Web>Choose JPEG from the menu. Optimization works great to reduce your file size but you can select Progressive and use the slider button to reduce as required. Check out the AI Beta bot in Help to answer some of your issues. I find it is difficult to get answers on the web.

Peru Bob

Community Expert

I have discovered that you can use the Flatten function to reduce your files to one layer and drastically reduce the file size, but you have to ensure you are finished ediitng the layers, as you can not undo this function.

By @louise_2664

Save the unflattened version and then save a flattened version. This way you can always go back to an unflattened version.

Glenn 8675309

Legend

You have multiple layers, you have multiple images. You're using 300ppi.-- sometimes it is that simple. Really no reason to worry about the size of files in todays world- unless you you still have dial up speeds.

L

louise_2664

Participant

There are many instances where the overly large files are too large to be used....for instance uploading into photo album software or transferring in e-mail etc. Is there a way to combine the layers into one and reduce the file size?

alisond24666469Author

Participant

Meant to say, created in PSE 2014. I now have PSE 2024 as well.

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