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

Explorer ,
Dec 08, 2022 Dec 08, 2022

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.]

 

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Explorer ,
Dec 08, 2022 Dec 08, 2022

(I'm trying to make them small to save them as jpgs for my websites). 

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Community Expert ,
Dec 08, 2022 Dec 08, 2022

Use File > Export > Export As... JPG

Adjust quality slider to reduce file size. Set the output height & width in pixels.  Convert to sRGB color mode.  Hit the Export button.

PS-export2x.jpg

Hope that helps.

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User, Community Expert & Moderator
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LEGEND ,
Dec 09, 2022 Dec 09, 2022

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.

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Community Expert ,
Dec 14, 2022 Dec 14, 2022

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

large.png

 

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

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New Here ,
Jul 29, 2024 Jul 29, 2024

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.

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Community Expert ,
Jul 29, 2024 Jul 29, 2024

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.

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New Here ,
Jul 15, 2025 Jul 15, 2025

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.

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Community Expert ,
Jul 15, 2025 Jul 15, 2025

@tqphoto 

 

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.

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Contributor ,
Jul 16, 2025 Jul 16, 2025

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.

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Community Expert ,
Jul 16, 2025 Jul 16, 2025
LATEST
quote

The question wasnt about transparent backgrounds but saving jpgs

 

By @M-H

 

Not the comment that I was responding to, which was:

 

quote

Make sure  to flatten the image befroe saving the png. 

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