Export Your Images Perfectly in Photoshop 2025
Learning Objectives
- Understand the optimal file formats for print, web, and social media
- Master the settings for exporting images with the right resolution
- Apply effective file naming conventions to organise your projects
Introduction
When you've finished editing your image in Photoshop 2025, you need to export it correctly for its intended use. Whether you're printing a poster, updating your website, or posting on social media, each destination has specific requirements. This chapter shows you how to choose the right file formats, set proper resolution, and keep your files organised with smart naming conventions.
Lessons
Choosing the Right Format for Your Needs
Each platform works best with specific file formats. Here's what works where:
For Print:
Use TIFF or PDF formats. These preserve all the detail and colour information your printer needs for crisp, professional results.
For Web:
JPG is your go-to format. It balances quality with file size, which means your pages load quickly without sacrificing too much image quality.
For Social Media:
PNG works brilliantly here, especially when your image has transparent areas or you need to preserve fine details.
Step 1: Open your completed image in Photoshop 2025.
Step 2: Navigate to File > Export.
Step 3: Select your preferred format from the dropdown menu.
This is the bit most people miss: always check the platform's recommended specifications before you export. It saves you from having to re-export later.
Setting the Right Resolution
Resolution determines how sharp your image looks. Getting this wrong means either blurry prints or unnecessarily large web files.
For Print:
Set your resolution to 300 DPI. This gives you the detail needed for sharp, professional prints at any reasonable size.
For Web and Social Media:
72 DPI is plenty. Going higher just creates larger files that take longer to load without any visible benefit on screens.
Step 1: Go to Image > Image Size.
Step 2: Enter your target DPI in the Resolution field.
Step 3: Check that 'Resample' is ticked if you want to change the pixel dimensions too.
Here's the quick version: 300 DPI for print, 72 DPI for screens. Photoshop 2025 includes presets for common export tasks, which saves you time once you know where to find them.
Effective File Naming Conventions
Good file names save you hours of searching later. A systematic approach prevents the dreaded "final_final_v2_ACTUAL.jpg" situation.
Create a consistent pattern:
- Project name first
- Date (YYYY-MM-DD format works well)
- Brief description
- Version number if needed
Example: "Website_Header_2025-01-15_Homepage_v1.jpg"
Step 1: When the save dialogue appears, delete the default filename.
Step 2: Type your new filename following your chosen convention.
Step 3: Double-check before clicking save.
Use underscores or hyphens instead of spaces. Some systems don't handle spaces in filenames gracefully, and you'll thank yourself later for avoiding the hassle.
Practice
Export the same image three times using different settings:
- As a JPG at 72 DPI for web use
- As a PNG at 72 DPI (compare file sizes with the JPG)
- As a TIFF at 300 DPI for print
Notice how file sizes change with different formats and resolutions. Try opening each file and comparing the quality at 100% zoom. This hands-on comparison helps you understand when to use each format.
FAQs
What's the best format for images that need transparency?
PNG handles transparency perfectly. JPG doesn't support transparency at all, so PNG is your only choice for logos, graphics, and images where you need the background to be see-through.
Why do my printed images look pixelated even though they look fine on screen?
Your resolution is probably too low. Screens display at 72-96 DPI, but printers need 300 DPI for sharp results. Always check your resolution before printing.
Should I keep my original PSD files?
Absolutely. PSD files preserve all your layers, adjustments, and editing history. Think of them as your master files – you can always export new versions later without starting from scratch.
Can I change the resolution after exporting?
You can, but you'll lose quality if you increase it. It's better to export at the highest resolution you might need, then scale down copies as required.
Jargon Buster
DPI (Dots Per Inch): Measures how many dots of ink a printer can place in one inch. Higher DPI means more detail in printed images.
JPG: A compressed image format that reduces file size by removing some image data. Great for photos, but quality decreases each time you save.
PNG: A format that preserves image quality and supports transparency. Larger files than JPG but no quality loss.
PSD: Photoshop's native format. Keeps all layers, masks, and adjustments intact for future editing.
TIFF: An uncompressed format that preserves maximum image quality. Large files but perfect for professional printing.
Wrap-up
You now know how to export images properly for any purpose. Remember: TIFF or PDF for print at 300 DPI, JPG for web at 72 DPI, and PNG when you need transparency. Keep your file naming consistent, and always save your original PSD files.
The key is matching your export settings to where the image will be used. With practice, choosing the right format and resolution becomes second nature.
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