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Iryl26149409z82p
Participant
May 15, 2023
Answered

Edited in 16 bit but wants to print in 8bit

  • May 15, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 1278 views

Hello everyone, 

 

I have finished editing a Raw file in 16 bit for my project however, I was told after I had edited the images that it can only be printed in 8 bit as my uni printer only prints out 8 bit. 

Do I have to redit the raw file from the start in 8 bit, or is it okay for me to change the mode on the edited file from 16bit to 8bit and print it off just like that? Surely its not that simple? Would it affect the quality of the image? Also, I only did cloning on my images to clean it up. 

 

Please, help me with step by step of what I need to do in order for my image to be printed in 8 bit without affecting quality.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer NB, colourmanagement

@Iryl26149409z82p "I only have my background layer and another layer where I did my cloning, should I still flatten the image?"

yes, I would because a mode change to an unflattened image may affect appearance. you'll need to flatten before printing anyway - and this is just an 8 bit "print copy"

you'll still have the 16 bit layered archived original in case of subsequent alterations 

 

you may like to sharpen the image once you have adjusted it to print size, learn a bit about unsharp masking, it can work wonders. some feel its unwanted enhancement, but since the digital process reduces sharpness it's just putting that back in many cases. 

 

I 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

3 replies

TheDigitalDog
TheDigitalDog
Inspiring
May 15, 2023

Virtually every print driver will end up sending 8-bits per color to the printer even if it accepts the high bit data so you gain nothing. The few drivers that have a “16-bit” option I've tried (a few Epsons using Mac drivers): zero difference in the output when they don't hit a bug. Bottom line; it's not a viable print path in any scenario.

Author “Color Management for Photographers" & "Photoshop CC Color Management/pluralsight"
    NB, colourmanagement
    Community Expert
    NB, colourmanagementCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 15, 2023

    There's little point sending 16 bit info to a printer.  Make a copy (flatten it if it has layers) and save it then change mode to 8 bit just for printing. You don't need to redo your edits 

     

    I 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

      I
      Iryl26149409z82pAuthor
      Participant
      May 15, 2023

      I only have my background layer and another layer where I did my cloning, should I still flatten the image?

      NB, colourmanagement
      Community Expert
      NB, colourmanagementCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      May 15, 2023

      @Iryl26149409z82p "I only have my background layer and another layer where I did my cloning, should I still flatten the image?"

      yes, I would because a mode change to an unflattened image may affect appearance. you'll need to flatten before printing anyway - and this is just an 8 bit "print copy"

      you'll still have the 16 bit layered archived original in case of subsequent alterations 

       

      you may like to sharpen the image once you have adjusted it to print size, learn a bit about unsharp masking, it can work wonders. some feel its unwanted enhancement, but since the digital process reduces sharpness it's just putting that back in many cases. 

       

      I 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
      May 15, 2023

      This is absolutely normal. Most workflows need an 8-bit deliverable. Convert to 8-bit at the LATEST possible time for best quality (yes, it's as simple as you say). Always keep the 16-bit version separately.

        I
        Iryl26149409z82pAuthor
        Participant
        May 15, 2023

        Thank you! I made a copy of the 16 bit file and saved that as 8bit. 

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