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Oscar33434404nwwi
Participating Frequently
June 24, 2025
Question

Need to print photoshop file around 10Gb

  • June 24, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 863 views

What is the best way to do this? It will not let me save as a TIFF or a JPG due to the file being over 4gb, is there any way around this without losing the quality of it?

    3 replies

    F
    fzmuhammad
    Participating Frequently
    June 24, 2025

    You're hitting the 4GB limit of TIFF and JPEG formats — they can't handle files that large.

    Best workaround: Save as a PSB (Large Document Format) in Photoshop. It supports huge files without quality loss and keeps all your layers.

    If you just need a flat version, try flattening the image first to reduce size, or export in tiles. But for full quality and editability, PSB is the way to go.

    O
    Oscar33434404nwwiAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    June 25, 2025

    I've just flattened and saved the file as a TIFF and when I view the file it comes up with the images mixed up and a large black bar going through the centre. The size of the image did decrease significantly although. 

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 26, 2025

    I cant save as a TIFF file without having to compress or lower the bit depth which then causes the corruption of the file? I've managed to flatten eveything but it hasn't made much of a difference in size.


    I didn't review your previous screenshots, sorry! There should be no practical reason to work in 32 BPC for non HDR work, especially for a print project. Convert the layered version to 16 BPC (HDR toning: Exposure 0, Gamma 1 unless you prefer a different rendering) and the flattened version to 8 BPC.

     

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 24, 2025

    @Oscar33434404nwwi 

     

    Duplicate the original, flatten all layers, remove any alpha channels and set to 8 BPC. Where does this get you?

     

    What is the document width and height in pixels?

     

    What is the intended print size in CM/IN and PPI resolution?

     

    What is the print method (inkjet, offset press etc)?

     

    How will you output the file (OEM printer driver, 3rd party RIP, etc.)?

     

    What is the viewing distance/conditions?

      O
      Oscar33434404nwwiAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      June 25, 2025

      The document height is 34420 x 16929 pixels

      Intended size will be 143x71cm and at 240ppi

      Not sure about the print method or output of the file as im getting it printed by someone else professionally

      Viewing will be in a gallery type environment - will be mounted on a wall.

      Hope this helps thanks

      Stephen Marsh
      Community Expert
      Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      June 25, 2025
      quote

      The document height is 34420 x 16929 pixels

      Intended size will be 143x71cm and at 240ppi

      Not sure about the print method or output of the file as im getting it printed by someone else professionally

      Viewing will be in a gallery type environment - will be mounted on a wall.

      Hope this helps thanks


      By @Oscar33434404nwwi

       

      240 PPI at final print size is 2/3 of the old native Epson print resolution of 360 DPI, so is a "classic" print formula (industry myth?) cited by many, which plays things very safe with a high PPI value for unknown content.

       

      143 x 71 cm @ 240PPI = 13,512 x 6,709 px. This is a lot less than 34420 x 16929 px.

       

      You should be able to get away with 175-200 PPI for an inkjet print viewed at 1 metre. Correct sharpening will play a huge role in the perceived quality of the print.

       

       

        L
        LAMY2017
        Legend
        June 24, 2025

        File>Save As, change Format to Large Document Format. Your new file extension will be psb (photoshopBIG).

        background: adobe.com, Search for Large Document Format, or follow this link:

        https://www.adobe.com/home/search?query=Large%20Document%20Format

        "Understanding Large Document Format (PSB) in Photoshop

        The Large Document Format (PSB) in Adobe Photoshop supports documents up to 300,000 pixels in any dimension. It retains all Photoshop features, including layers, effects, and filters. However, it's important to note that with documents larger than 30,000 pixels in width or height, some plug-in filters may not be available. PSB files can also save HDR, 32-bits-per-channel images. Keep in mind that most other applications and older versions of Photoshop may not support documents with file sizes larger than 2 GB."

         

        Larry
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