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MarieMeyer
Inspiring
January 3, 2017
Answered

Is reducing the image size destructive?

  • January 3, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 890 views

Are any pixels lost if the image size is reduced and then the .psd file is saved?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer mytaxsite

    MarieMeyer wrote:

    Are any pixels lost if the image size is reduced and then the .psd file is saved?

    It depends:  When an image is resized without resampling, you change the number of pixels in the image so the resolution is affected.  You can resample up and this involves interpolation and Ps adds pixels to make the resolution "similar".  Me thinks so!!!

    3 replies

    mytaxsite
    mytaxsiteCorrect answer
    Inspiring
    January 3, 2017

    MarieMeyer wrote:

    Are any pixels lost if the image size is reduced and then the .psd file is saved?

    It depends:  When an image is resized without resampling, you change the number of pixels in the image so the resolution is affected.  You can resample up and this involves interpolation and Ps adds pixels to make the resolution "similar".  Me thinks so!!!

      davescm
      Community Expert
      davescmCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 3, 2017

      mytaxsite.co.uk wrote:

      It depends: .......

      Good point - In my reply I was thinking of reducing size as in changing number of pixels. If you don't resample then that is indeed non-destructive.

      Dave

      Per Berntsen
      Community Expert
      Per BerntsenCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 3, 2017

      Yes, you will lose pixels, and there is no way to get them back once the image is saved and closed.

      So always work on a copy or do a Save As if you want to reduce the size.

      If you reduce the size of a 6000 x 4000 image (24 million pixels) to 3000 x 2000 (6 million pixels), you will lose 18 million pixels.

      You may find this article useful: What is a digital image?

      davescm
      Community Expert
      davescmCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      January 3, 2017

      Yes they are lost - unless the image is inside a smart object

      Dave

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