Unable to save 16-bit PNGs

[Netizen_Kane]

I am using the latest version of Photoshop (23.0.2) on MacOS (11.6.1).

If I change the mode to 16 bits per channel and export a PNG (without the option to convert to 8-bit for smaller files selected in the export menu), the exported PNG only has 8 bits of depth. If I export as TIFF, I am able to get a 16-bit TIFF file.

From the help center documentation it seems like it should be entirely possible to save 16-bit PNGs.

I have no plugins installed.

[J453 · Accepted solution]

Only File > Save As... or File > Save a Copy... support 16-bit PNG files.

[vincej29302023]

"support 16-bit PNG files"

Sorry, I don't see this as an available option is the Save As dialog.

[davescm]

@vincej29302023  In the current version (v24.6)  if your document is 16 bits/channel then using Save As and selecting png will save a 16 bit/channel png.

You will not see that png option if you have any features not supported by png (e.g layers). In that case use Save a Copy

Dave

[Per Berntsen]

There is no option for bit depth in the Save dialog.

To convert to 16-bit, go to Image > Mode > 16 Bits/Channel.

Ideally, you should work in 16-bit from the start, and export/save for web when you're done editing.

The recommended workflow is to start out with a 16-bit PSD or Tiff, and then export an 8-bit file (PNG or jpg) at the end if needed.

[jane-e]

@vincej29302023 

The reply from J456 was correct in 2021 when the OP posted, but things have changed since then. The reply from @davescm is correct in 2023. Does File > Save a Copy work for you?

Jane

[Netizen_Kane]

Thanks Jeffrey, that does work. It does seem like a bug though; why would there be an option to convert to 8-bit in the export menu if it's not possible to save as 16-bit anyway?

[J453]

Hi @Netizen_Kane Yeah, the language can be a bit confusing. With these settings it produces a 24-bit file (3 x 8-bit channels, or an RGB file). By 8-bit, we mean a single channel 8-bit file (which is a fancy way of saying 256 Index color like a GIF)

Save for Web has a similar nomenclature. 

[kate_2558]

Hi @Netizen_Kane Yeah, the language can be a bit confusing. With these settings it produces a 24-bit file (3 x 8-bit channels, or an RGB file). By 8-bit, we mean a single channel 8-bit file (which is a fancy way of saying 256 Index color like a GIF)

Save for Web has a similar nomenclature. 

By @J453

Well, I'm having this problem, and I need a grayscale, 16-bit image for use as a heightmap in Unreal, and saving as a 24-bit image is messing up my workflow hard.

How can I get Photoshop to stop cheating and save as a true 16-bit file?

[CMass]

Hey @kate_2558, 

Having an old issue resurface can definitely be frustrating. Since this is an older post, you may not hear back from the original poster and any solution may no longer relevant.

Could you please create a new post in the community detailing your specific issue and any relevant information? That way, we can better assist you, and others can more easily find and respond to your question. Thanks so much!

^CM