.psd vs. jpg

[Ted]

Hello all!

Is there a link somewhere that may explain the difference between the .psd format and the .jpg format.

Up until now I've been saving ALL my work as .jpg because I guess I'm old-school and thought .jpg was the "universal" way to show images on the web or print them out.

If I save as .psd, what's the advantage? And will EVERYBODY on the web be able to view them (even if they don't have PS or PSE?)

Any link would be appreciated. :)
Thanks :)

[Fortissimo]

Hello Ted.

The difference...

PSD is the native format for Photoshop. When you save something as a .psd file, it saves all the layers that you may have in your graphic, which makes going back and editing a lot easier at a later date. Also, saving it as a .psd leaves the image in a non-compressed state. I save everything I create; layouts, elements, etc. as a .psd format for back up purposes. PSD format can not be viewed on the web. However, if you were to share the file with others, most graphics programs can open them, however, not all will convert image effects/styles/etc. correctly.

A JPG is an "end" file. It's what you save your .psd file as when you want folks to be able to view it. Every time you save something as a .jpg you are compressing it, which unfortunately means you are degrading the overall quality of the image. If you were to open an image, save it as a .jpg with a high compression, close it, reopen, resave as a .jpg and continue this.. eventually you will have an image that is very pixelated and looks bad. When you save as a .jpg you are combining all your layers, so if you want to go back later and move something on your layout, you can't without having to really redo the whole layout.

So... really the answer to your question is... save your stuff as both.

Save it as a .psd to keep on your hard drive or burn to a disk.
Save as a .jpg to share with the internet.

[sharpli]

It's sometimes tough to se the degradation of the .jpg format. I was finally convinced that it really happened when my DGD's nose turned blue on one save :).

[Ted]

Hi Stacy,

Wow! That was a great explanation! :) Thank you very much. You should have that as an article where people could refer to it.... :)

In fact, I'm going to print it out.

And from now on, I'll save everything as both.

I have tried backing up files... onto a DVD-RW... but when I go to back more onto that RW, it says it needs to format it...that it's full. I don't remember "closing it"...because I know once you close it... you can't add to it.

Soooooo.... long story short.... I went and purchased an external drive! *laugh* I plug it in to my computer... move files onto it...and then unplug it from my computer. I figure if a virus moves throughout my entire computer, my unplugged hard drive is safe. :)

Hey... just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they're not out to get me! :)

[Fortissimo]

Hey... just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they're not out to get me! :)

You are actually less paranoid than I am.

I save everything as a .psd and a .jpg. I have everything saved on my computer. I then burn 2 copies of the files. 1 cd is put into a safety deposit box (in case there is a fire in my house or what not), the other is kept here at the house. Since *everything* I do is digital now, photos and layouts, I would be devesated if I lost even 1 file.

[Ted]

I would absolutely LOVE to get my hands on a safe deposit box! The banks around here don't have many... they're a precious commodity, it seems. :(

So that's a good idea....

I've also heard, another option is just keep one geographically elsewhere... like a friend's or family's house.

Still another option is store the files on internet sites that specialize in keeping files safe.

Many options out there... just not sure if I have the energy/time/money. :)