Setting up files for print in Photoshop.

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Photoshop is a great program to use when designing artwork but there are ways to make your files more accessible to others.

Adobe Photoshop allows you to choose a number of format options when saving your artwork to get the maximum usage of the files you are working on.

While you are working on your file, you can work in the Photoshop format (.psd) and work with as many layers as you like.

When you feel that your artwork is ready for print, it is advisable to save a separate file in case something goes wrong, ie., you accidentally delete a layer, flatten the file when you still need to adjust a layer etc. Having this back up file will save you a lot of time and effort.

Step 1. Convert your image mode to CMYK

Images can be saved in many different formats from JPEG, Bitmap and RGB. To get the most out of your artwork, save your file as CMYK. This option is located in the Image menu on the toolbar at the top of the screen.

Image-Mode-CMYK

Step 2. Flatten all layers

You may have been working on your file for quite some time and accumulated a number of layers. If your layers are not flattened they may adjust or disappear when the file is opened on another system or in a different version of Photoshop. Flattening the layers in your working file to form one 'background' layer helps to counter this problem. The option to flatten layers is located in the Layer menu on the toolbar at the top of the screen.

Layer-Flatten Image

n.b. Make sure all the layers you would like to be included in your final artwork are 'visible' (on the Layers menu the 'eye' will need to be showing) as when you flatten your image, the layers that are not visible will be discarded.

Step 3. Save your file as Photoshop PDf

When your file is in the correct mode and you have flattened all the layers then you can save your file ready for print.

Now you can save your file in the Photoshop PDF format (.pdf). This option is located in the File menu on the toolbar at the top of the screen.

File-Save As

Simply scroll down in the format menu and choose the Photoshop PDF option. Your file is now ready for print!
 

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