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Participating Frequently
July 27, 2023
Question

Resizing to multiple sizes

  • July 27, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 1485 views

I've asked this before and I'm sure I'm doing it wrong.    If I design an art piece in 24"x36" 300dpi then want to then save it in multiple sizes so customer can choose how they want to frame, what steps would I take?

Currently I take these steps:

Design in 24x36 and create a jpg

Open templates in 24x32, 24x30, 11x14 and ISO sizes

Copy the 24x36 jpg over to each of the other 4 sizes

Transform the 24x36 layer to fit each template then save each one separately.

Am I doing it correctly or is there a better method?

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3 replies

Conrad_C
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 31, 2023

The way I do stuff like this is:

 

1. Create the 24 x 36 inch original in Photoshop or TIFF format, that’s the primary version.

2. Create the other, smaller sizes as blank documents at the correct sizes.

3. In each of the smaller size documents, choose File > Place Linked, and select the original. This imports the original into the template as a linked Smart Object.

4. As needed, compose and resize that imported original on the template. For example, for the 24 x 30 version, slide the imported copy on the smaller page to determine which two inches get cut off of the long end.

5. Repeat with the other templates.

 

I like to do it that way for several reasons having to do with quality and future flexibility. First, if I realize I need to change something about the image, all I have to do is edit the original, and save. After that, when any of the templates is opened, they update their linked Smart Object. In other words, you edit the original, and all the derivatives update automatically because they’re linked to the original.

 

Another advantage is that you can change your mind later about how the derivatives are composed. Because each contains a linked Smart Object instead of rendered pixels, there is no penalty (no quality loss) for changing the size of that layer up or down on the template as many times as you want.

 

And because you place the original instead of converting it to a JPEG first, the linked Smart Objects retain the full image quality of the original.

 

You can simplify step 3 using one quick shortcut gesture: Drag the original from the desktop and hold down the Alt key (or Option key on macOS) as you drop it on the template canvas. (Drag and drop without holding down any keys is a shortcut for File > Place Embedded, which is less flexible.)

NB, colourmanagement
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 31, 2023

@Melinda28795130vvrh I would not be resizing a JPEG but a TIFF then after resizing save as JPEG

Why?

JPEG files have compression applied, changing resolution or cropping and re-saving enhances the compression artefacts - this means that Jpeg is only really suitable for final file delivery/transfer - once size and resolution (and any sharpening) have been completed. 

 

JPEG is not OK for editing or archiving or for any file that may need to be resaved, resized or cropped down the line.

 

JPEG is the worst possible format if you want to keep high quality - you should always archive a copy of your original, with adjustment layers intact - if that’s how you work.

JPEG compression (at any setting*) really is "lossy”, irreversible and cumulative, so should ONLY be used only for final delivery AFTER resizing & cropping to the FINAL size and crop.

To explain: Any edits to size or crop, or even just re-saving a Jpeg file means further compression, potentially that’s very damaging.

The JPEG damage is not always immediately apparent, which is perhaps why it's still widely used - however, the compression will soon cause issues if you do further work and save again. That’s when you’ll see aJPEG with some real issues.

 

*don’t imagine that selecting maximum quality for your JPEG is preserving the original data, it’s still compressing a lot which discards information.

SO, don’t reuse JPEGs if any resizing or resaving is needed. Always go back to the PSD/ Tiff originals, Jpegs are essentially a 'use once and trash' file type.

 

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

Participating Frequently
July 31, 2023
Thank you! At one time, I was opening all 5 Photoshop files, creating in
the largest size then merging layers and copying that layer to the other 4
files then saving them as jpgs. I will go back to that method. So far I
haven't had any sales so I haven't had anyone giving me feedback.
Kevin Stohlmeyer
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 27, 2023

Hi @Melinda28795130vvrh Im not sure an automated way would work best as I'm assuming you are marking artistic/content decisions when resizing and cropping your images? If you aren't you could just automate to resize your canvas area to the different dimensions for the 24x32/30 and then Image Size to downsample to 11x14.

 

Participating Frequently
July 27, 2023
So should I take these steps?
Open 24x36 jpg
Go to Image
Image size
input 11x14 (or whatever size I want)
make sure the Resample Automatic is checked
Save

I want to make sure that it doesn't distort the quality as I'm selling
digital files in my Etsy store and want to make sure all the sizes are the
same quality. Not that I've ever had anyone buy one yet. LOL!
Kevin Stohlmeyer
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 27, 2023

Resample is fine when downsizing - you don't need to increase the res.

Honestly if you are selling digital files in your Etsy store - I wouldn't create multiple versions - just give one file that the end user can resize when printing.