JPEG file size shrinks after edits in Photoshop elements

[Max211]

It is a recent development that has not happened to me before.

When using any of the editors in elements 2018, after doing a crop (any size crop even just taking a sliver off the edges) the file size will shrink from about 20MB to just over 1MB. And I am aware of the pop up box for "JPEG Options" that I set for Quality 12 - Maximum.

The only work around that I found is to use the Instant editor to crop and then go to the other editors and work on any other tweeks.

I looked at all the settings and prefences and couldn't find anything that would shrink the file so drastically.

Please help...

[Guest]

Moving to the Photoshop Elements forum from Photoshop

[hatstead]

This is probably related to JPEG compression. Was the original file in JPEG format? What is the resolution of the original file and of the file produced after your intervention? What happens when you activate the rectangular marquee tool,  position the outline to embrace what you wish to retain, then go to Image menu>Crop?

[Max211]

Yes the original files are in JPEG format. The files I move from the camera are anywhere from 15MB to 21MB, after edits they shrink to just a bit over 1MB. Just tried using the Select Marquee Tool, Image, Crop and the saved file was 14MB, just like it should be. Then tried using Modify Crop Tool and the saved file was 780 KB for approximately the same size crop.

[hatstead · Accepted solution]

You did not state the resolution (PX/IN) of the files pre and post crop with the crop tool. On the crop tool's option bar, is there a value in the resolution field? As an experiment, open an image not obtained via your camera, and crop it. What happens?

[Max211]

Resolution of the original is 300, the resolution of the crop is 233. That's it, I think you did it!! Changing the resolution of the crop back to 300 does the trick. You da bomb lol. Thanks a bunch!!!!

[hatstead]

You're welcome. Glad to help.