resizing layouts for the gallery

[amandajane]

I am obviosly doing something wrong because my layout comes out blurry and I am only just under the size limits. Please help a newbie and tell me exactly how you resize a layout and s p e a k s l o w l y ;)

[cheribear]

I'm new so there is probably a much better way, but I think I can do the s p e a k s l o w l y part!! ;)

I always save a second copy of my LO as a '.jpeg' file - first I go to resize the page from 3600 x3600 pixels, take out the 3 so its 600 by 600. And then I 'Save as' a .jpeg file. I use Photoshop so when I 'save as' a jpeg, a window pops up asking me what quality I'd like to save as minimum = 1 and maximum =10. I save it at 5. And it always turns out okay, and is always the right size for the gallery here, so I just keep doing it that way.

Until someone pops up in this thread and tells me a better way, that is!

I like to have the second small copy so I can send them to people in email and they're a good size for that, but still clear.

[Nettio]

I don't know which program you're using but in PSCS2 there's a Save for Web option. No idea if this is in other versions or not. But it allows you to change the image size and you can see the file size at the same time when adjusting the quality so that's what I use to resize.

Jessica Sprague also had some directions on her blog awhile back that explained how to get your layouts to resize clearly. This is the entry here: Photoshop Friday Issue 4 (http://spraguelab.squarespace.com/display/ShowJournal?moduleId=724637&currentPage=3)

[Hom74]

I typically save at 500x500 and at a resolution of 300. I save at a 7 and most times it's under 100k....if not, I use the Save for Web option. I noticed a difference (though slight....but esp in my journaling) between saving at 300 vs 72 for me.

[Shannon]

If you're using photoshop then try this:

File > Save For Web
Choose JPG on the right hand side
Select your pixel size so that it's 600 x 600
Click Apply
Notice the quality slider. On the bottom left of the page you'll see your file size. Slide your quality slider so that your layout is 147K or less. Most times, you can keep your layout at a quality of 55-75% and it will still look great.

If there are a ton of layers or a designer has created her papers to be a very large file, you may need to reduce your pixel size to 550 x 550 so that you can keep your quality in the range of 55-75%.

I hope that helps!

[wags]

Traci Murphy has a resizing action that takes all the thought and trouble out of it! Check it out:

Traci Murphy Designs (http://tracimurphydesigns.com/store/)

[GinaMiller]

Gonna have to ditto the Traci Murphy action. 1-2-3!!! :D

[abbysmommy]

Ditto on the Resize for Web action (or script rather, for us PSP users). LOL!

[sincerelyours]

Yep... gotta agree... Traci Murphy's actions are easy as pie... fabulous!

[amandajane]

Thanks for all the input. I have no idea what happened but last night my LO looked blurry and today its fine and I have uploaded a few more, so I now have a gallery. YAY!!

[Shannon]

Yay! Put a link to your gallery in your signature! People love to click and see a person's gallery!

[stampnbug]

I also LOVE Traci Murphy's action for this! Easy!

[lcbannon]

There is also a free program out there called pixresizer for those without PSCS.. Works with a click and saves it for you too. I know how frustrating bad loads are after you work so hard to make it.

[shanah]

Now...if Traci could just automate the cleaning of my house like she automated the resizing for the web ....life would be complete!!!

Ok...in the meantime....the action is so perfect for what you're looking for!