Skip to main content
DefiningImagery
DefiningImagery
Inspiring
June 17, 2019
Answered

Just Opening DOUBLES the file size!

  • June 17, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 759 views

What is going on with the huge file sizes? My raw images are about 30-40MB. I open in PS and immediately save as a PSD and that immediately more-than-doubles the file size. If I simply just run a Nik filter, then flatten the image and save it, I'm getting file sizes from 135-200MB! That's crazy! They're taking up 3-4 times the disk space!! What is going on? Please help!

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer D Fosse

    This is very simple and perfectly normal.

    A raw file is a single channel at 14 bit depth.

    Demosaiced and rendered into an RGB file, it is now three channels at 16 bit depth. So that in itself more than triples the file size. Even if you open as an 8 bit RGB file, it will be bigger.

    If you worry about file sizes, you're in the wrong business. It is what it is. If a drive fills up, replace it with a bigger one, or get another. That's just the reality of working with raster files. They're big, you have to accept that and work with it.

    2 replies

    D Fosse
    Community Expert
    D FosseCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    June 17, 2019

    This is very simple and perfectly normal.

    A raw file is a single channel at 14 bit depth.

    Demosaiced and rendered into an RGB file, it is now three channels at 16 bit depth. So that in itself more than triples the file size. Even if you open as an 8 bit RGB file, it will be bigger.

    If you worry about file sizes, you're in the wrong business. It is what it is. If a drive fills up, replace it with a bigger one, or get another. That's just the reality of working with raster files. They're big, you have to accept that and work with it.

      Sahil.Chawla
      Adobe Employee
      Sahil.Chawla
      Adobe Employee
      June 17, 2019

      Hi there,

      That shouldn't be happening, as the file size doubles when you save them via Photoshop, could you please let us know the version of Photoshop you're working with? You can find that out by going to Help > System Info.

      Also, please try the steps below and see how it goes.

      • Go to image/image size, what are the pixel dimensions?
      • Try save for web, under File > Export. This will allow you to resize to a specific pixel dimension and pick a compression setting.

      Check this forum thread for more info: jpg file size during "save as"

      Regards,
      Sahil

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