Save Options For Printing Out Art

[Meranda5C84]

I have run into a snag and I cannot seem to find an answer. 

I need a solution for saving files.  They have to be 300DPI, and 16bit, but the kicker is they have to be under 20MB.  

Almost every option I have tried, reduces the file down to basically nothing, or they mess around with the DPI or the bit option.  

I like the options that are under "save for web", and I have managed to figure out how to keep the DPI the same, but it still changes the bit to 8.  

Under the regular save JPG, often 12 is too much, but if I select 11, it reduces it by half.  

I own the JPG Mini Pro, which I love, but again, it reduces my files so small, that I wonder if they would be great for printing afterwards.  

I need to upload them to a website which has a maximum file range of 20, but my files need to be great for someone who wants to print them.  

What would you suggest?  

 

I have tried Baseline Optimized on its own, and it doesn't reduce it enough for me. 

The output of 12 would be full size, but 11 is too much of a file reduction.  If only they would allow 11.5 ....

Are there any plugins or scripts to remove some bloat from the files that I am missing without effecting print quality?

Gosh, I would love some advice here. 

Meranda

[Meranda5C84]

This program keeps the DPI the same, and I am pretty sure they keep the BIT the same, but there are file limits on uploading files. 

[Shangara Singh]

JPEG vanilla doesn't support 16BPC, nor transparency. So start by converting document to 8BPC, and flattening it, or choose File > Save a Copy. 

I would only choose quality level 12 if the image is going to be retouched by a world class retoucher! Quality level 7 will give you great prints, provided viewer doesn't use a magnifying glass to look! However, you can select level 10, but I wouldn't go above 10.

Saving an 8256x5504px file, bigger than yours, at quality 10 gives me a file that's less than 12MB

 

 

[Meranda5C84]

When I personally work on a document, I like it to be in Tiff or PNG....  as saving a jpg over and over, forget it.  You loose so much over time.  But, I figure, a final document, if it has to be compressed, with file limitations, perhaps an 11 or 10 might be as far as I could go.  Thank you for your advice here Shangara, I really value your time.

[davescm]

If some-one has asked for a 16-bit jpeg then go back to them as jpeg does not support 16 bit.

Using Save for web will give you the most options for file reduction to jpeg so you can see what the impact of teh slider will be as you move it BUT Save for web (and Export) will strip the ppi metadata out altogether. It does this as it was designed for screen use in which ppi is irrelevant.  This does not affect your image as such, however on opening an image with no ppi metadata the application in which it is opened will assign a value (Photoshop assigns 72ppi to such images, other applications may differ).

So, first check out the file type requirement. If it is indeed jpeg then use Save As . Have you examined 11 and 12 settings closely?  I doubt you will see a visible difference.

Dave

[Shangara Singh]

You can save all or some metadata using SFW. The PPI will not be afffected. However, there's no point if images are destined for print (the clue is in Save for Web name). I would just use Save A Copy as a JPEG and quality 7--10.

[Lumigraphics]

Save for Web will NOT strip out the PPI metadata (which is in the TIFF namespace) if you choose "All" or "All Except Camera Info" from the Metadata popup menu. I use this every day in production and have tens of thousands of files processed through SFW.

[davescm]

Good point @Lumigraphics 

Dave

[Shangara Singh]

@Lumigraphics That's what I said, 6 hours ago.  🙂

[Lumigraphics]

I was being specific as to what option to select. 🙂

[Shangara Singh]

Yes, you were. I work on the principle if a user knows something can be done, they can work out how if it's just selecting an option that's there. I only spoon feed if user "appears" to be a baby, or ask. My reply was more aimed at Dave, who I know is an advanced user but hadn't checked his facts on this occasion.

[Meranda5C84]

I haven't had to go below 11, thankfully.  I don't think there is much of a difference between 12 and 11, - I think you are right with that one.  Thank you for that advice Dave. 

[Per Berntsen]

They have to be 300DPI, and 16bit

By @Meranda5C84

16-bit printing is only possible on Macs, and only with certain printers, and you'd probably need to print from professional software, like Photoshop or Lightroom Classic. The majority of printer drivers will most likely convert to 8-bit before printing.

I'm on Windows and have never tried it, but an Internet search on the subject indicates that there is little, if any advantage to 16-bit printing, and if there is an advantage, you'd need to use a loupe to see it.

There are also reports that printing in 16-bit produces wrong colors.

If the website you're uploading to requires 16-bit, ask them to reconsider this requirement.

[Shangara Singh]

I missread files have to be in 16bit and JPEG, which is an oxymoron. I don't know any business that requires 16bit files for printing. Maybe some art repro sites but then they will probably want files in GB, not MB, nor compressed. What they ask cannot be done: JPEG and 16BPC and below 20MB from files that are over 7200px on the long side.

[Meranda5C84]

Thank you for that info Per and Singh.  Maybe I was mistaken about the 16bit.  Well, then Save for web might be the key for me then for getting the right file size if 8 bit is great for printing.  Gosh, I really appreciate your advice here.  Thank you

[Meranda5C84]

Update.....

Lightoom does all these things that I was seeking for.  It allows you to export a file size under a certain peramerter, but it also allows you to crop. 

Its saved me so much time.  Thank you for all of you who weighed in.