Photoshop file is exporting way larger than size I specified

[default3t9gdtfshdam]

So I need to send print ready JPEG files to my coworkers that they can print 4"x6" at 100% scale. My image size in photoshop is set to 4"x6" at 300 dpi. If i go to print from photoshop, the image size is correct. But when I export as a JPEG at 1200x1800 pixels, the jpeg is way larger when opened to print. I just need a simple file for them that can open and print that will be the correct size. How do I fix this?!

[Per Berntsen]

Export is designed for creating files for screen viewing, where PPI is irrelevant, so the value is stripped out.

To keep the PPI value, use Save As or Save a copy.

[Per Berntsen]

I should add that the reason that the exported image pints too large is that the application used for printing may assign a PPI value on opening the file. If it's Photoshop, that value is 72.

The image will then print at 16.67 x 25 inches.

Pixel dimensions divided by PPI = Printed dimensions in inches.

[MCAGCC_VIO_1654]

But is there a fix for this? I am also trying to export a 300dpi JPEG, and the resolution always defaults to 72, while greatly increasing the print size. If Photoshop can no longer do this, what program exists to resize images to exact demensions? 

[Conrad_C]

The fix is what Per already said: Use the Save As or Save a Copy commands and select JPEG from their Format menu, because those commands have always retained resolution metadata and so those commands have always been preferred when print is the output. When resolution metadata is preserved, print dimensions are also preserved.

For your example of an image that’s 1200 x 1800 pixels:

If you export it as JPEG using a command intended for web/mobile only (such as Export As or Save for Web (Legacy) for example), the resolution you entered in Image Size is not included in the JPEG because ppi resolution is never used in web/mobile graphics. When another app opens the JPEG, it sees no ppi resolution metadata and defaults to 72 ppi. 1800 pixels divided by 72 ppi is 25 inches long, so it assumes 25 inches long which is wrong.

If you export it as Per recommended — using Save As or Save a Copy, and setting Format to JPEG — those commands are print-friendly because they preserve print-critical metadata including ppi resolution and the document color profile. So if you entered 300 ppi in Image Size and then used Save As or Save a Copy to make the JPEG, the "300 ppi" metadata is preserved in the JPEG file, so when the next app opens it, it sees the preserved "300 ppi" metadata. 1800 pixels divided by 300 ppi is 6 inches long, so you get the correct print height.

This may sound unintiuitive, and it is…and it’s not your fault. The problem is that in Photoshop it is not clear which save/export commands are best for print and non-print media.

Back in the early years of Photoshop this was no problem…everybody printed, and everybody used Save As and Save a Copy, so everybody’s Photoshop graphics had resolution metadata. As the web and mobile devices took over, commands like Save for Web and Export As commands were added to support web/mobile requirements. These commands do not need resolution metadata so they’re not designed to include it, but there was no way for users to know that unless they knew in advance. That’s why so many people get confused about it today when they unknowingly export print graphics with commands not designed to support printing requirements.

For print, stick to Save As/Save a Copy.

[MCAGCC_VIO_1654]

Perfect! Yes, I was using the "Save As" function, but was still getting the image changed when reopening. But the "Save A Copy" function (something I have never even used as the name didn't make sense to me) did indeed save the exact demensions I set them as. 

Thank you for the answer, and the explanation. I've been using Photoshop since CS2, and I've never understood why they continue to add "counterintuitive" settings, as you put it. 

[Conrad_C]

Perfect! Yes, I was using the "Save As" function, but was still getting the image changed when reopening. But the "Save A Copy" function (something I have never even used as the name didn't make sense to me) did indeed save the exact demensions I set them as.

By @MCAGCC_VIO_1654

Hmm...both should have done the same thing.

The main difference between Save As and Save a Copy is which document is left open.

If you choose Save As, then the document that gets saved is the one you are working on. If you are working in File1.psd and Save As to File2.psd, then File2.psd is created and you continue working in File2.psd. File1.psd remains, but is no longer open.

If you choose Save a Copy, the document that gets saved is branched off from the one you are working on. If you are working in File1.psd and Save a Copy to File2.psd, then File2.psd is created and you continue working in File1.psd. File2.psd is not open.

Save a Copy is regarded as safer for avoiding data loss. For example, if you opened a JPEG image, edited it, and did a Save As to JPEG to the same name but lower quality settings, the lower quality recompressed version could overwrite the higher quality original. Save a Copy ensures that you are not overwriting the original, but because the saved copy is not the one that’s still open, it’s best used when you’re done editing the original and are ready to hand off a copy as a JPEG file.

[Per Berntsen]

You can change the PPI value by going to Image > Image size, and change the Resolution value.

Resample must be unchecked.

As I mentioned in a previous post, Export strips out the PPI value, because it is not needed for screen viewing.

When Photoshop opens an exported image, it has to assign a PPI value; it's needed to display rulers and type correctly.

This value could be anything, but happens to be 72.

The standard procedure for creating a file for printing is to use Save As or Save a copy, which will not touch the PPI.

You can also use Save for web, with Metadata set to All or All except camera info, which will retain the PPI value.

[Stephen Marsh]

While on the general topic... If one doesn't wish to resave the files, I created some scripts to inject print PPI resolution metadata into JPEG files, as best practice is not to re-open and re-save lossy compressed images:

Photoshop versions:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/photoshop-script-to-add-missing-resol...

Bridge version:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/bridge-discussions/bridge-script-to-add-missing-resolution-metadata-t...

On a related note, Export As now includes print PPI resolution information in PNG files, however, it doesn't do the same for JPEG. Adobe has mentioned that they will be adding this for JPEG as well. This is a change to long-standing behaviour. Adobe wishes to make things consistent for users by placing images as smart objects where resolution metadata is important for sizing (even if it is irrelevant to web/device viewing).