Forum: Photoshop


Subject: Save As VS Save For Web Options - for Renders

cornelp opened this issue on Apr 25, 2006 · 12 posts


cornelp posted Tue, 25 April 2006 at 12:20 PM

Hello. I am trying to figure this out. When I create texture maps for my models, I USUALLY use Save As and give it a 8-10 quality level. With this option, the size of the file is QUITE big, or maybe medium file size I should say.

Now, I saved the SAME Texture Map with Save For Web Option, and gave me bout half the size of Save As Option. (which is good for me, lol as I am trying to lower the file size).

I brought the model into Bryce and did a side by side render with both texture files (Save As and Save For Web). I did not see a difference, but I wanted to ask U all bout it.

 

Does it make a difference when U save for web VS Save As? I am talkin bout render and quality wise, not file size. I know file size (Save For Web) will always be smaller, but I want quality.

Thank you for your time and help on this.

THANK YOU...


VestanPance posted Tue, 25 April 2006 at 1:01 PM

My philosphy is: If it looks accaptable to you, make it as small as you can. The one thing I wouldn't do is to change the resolution of the main/source file, there's no way to go back from that. That way you can still save out a high rez texture if needed.


Hoofdcommissaris posted Tue, 25 April 2006 at 1:42 PM

I would guess you are on Mac. Because with the 'save as...' there is some additional information included in the file (resource forks or tasty sounding stuff like that), that can be discarded in a lot of processes. Like showing stuff on the internet or using it as texture maps. In the 'Save for web' way of making jpg's, the small file size is the most important, so every unneeded bit it left out. And the file will always be rgb, for instance. So there difference in file size is not connected to quality, when you use the same setting. I always use the 'save for web'. But for textures I mostly use .psd or tif files.


cornelp posted Tue, 25 April 2006 at 1:56 PM

I am on PC, no MAC here lol. I cant use tiffs or psds for model textures, that would really make the textures HUGE and thus making the whole package REALLY BIG.

 

I was just wondering as to what most people use when they put a poser package up. I want the better quality of course, we all do, but I want to lower the file size as well, since its a lot of textures.

Thank you, I will just keep messing with it and see if it does make a difference or not. I wont change the resolution, as U are correct, that will make it look really bad.

THANK YOU...


tantarus posted Tue, 25 April 2006 at 2:05 PM

If you making the maps for youre personal use, I dont see the reason for maximum commpresion. I allways use standard .JPEG with max quallity 12. For example 2400x2400px textured map is usually around 300kb. Save for web will not affect the quallity but use that to compress rendered image :)

Tihomir




Open your mind and share the knowledge!


cornelp posted Tue, 25 April 2006 at 3:05 PM

What if U were to use these maps on product models? How would U save em? Save for Web or Save As?

Thank You...


retrocity posted Tue, 25 April 2006 at 5:45 PM

i would use the "Save for Web" option, as it gives you the most control (sliders, visuals...) .

the "Save As" option is more limiting -

 

BUT

if all you want is the file format to be a JPG (as opposed to saving it as a TIF) and you don't want "any" compression (100%) than by all means use the "Save As" for a quicker method.

 

retrocity


cornelp posted Tue, 25 April 2006 at 6:15 PM

Thankx Retrocity, much appreciate it. Been trying to lower the whole model package size, and textures ALWAYS seem to get into the way (as far as file size goes, lol).

 

Been testing all day and seems that it does not make much difference when rendering with both saved options.

THANK YOU...

 

Cornel.


ScotHarvest posted Tue, 25 April 2006 at 9:57 PM

My understanding (possibly flawed) is that SAVE FOR WEB discards all information not absolutly nessesary for posting a web image. As pointed out in an earlier post, you also have more control over the compression ratio. I experimented with a small image and swung the compression ratio into the BAD area... VERY UGLY!  Try it, you will most likely learn more from expermitation than you did by reading this post LOL!

"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."
  --  Mark Twain --


ScotHarvest posted Tue, 25 April 2006 at 9:58 PM

The original (reduce in size, but NOT SAVE for WEB)

"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."
  --  Mark Twain --


tantarus posted Wed, 26 April 2006 at 1:08 AM

Check with the store about texture compresion before you pack everything. Its not a freebe, so people will expect quallity product ;)

Tihomir




Open your mind and share the knowledge!


cornelp posted Wed, 26 April 2006 at 7:09 AM

Thankx Scot, much appreciate it taking the time. I am experimeting on my own, and so far seems little to no changes between the save types, but I wanted to see what others use and what the "Standard" would be. The renders I do may come out with no issues, but others may have other information that I dont, so I was lookin for that. Thankx again for your help and work on this.

Thankx Tantarus, gonna try a few more renders and see. So far when I do a Save As and put the quality at 8, AND, do a Save For Web and do a 30% jpg, they both look GOOD, but Save For Web comes out at Half the File Size, lol. Perhaps I should raise that level and see what happens.

 

Thankx all much much appreciate it.

Cornel.