File size way to large?

[Renee Marquis]

Okay, I just did this image in PS and now the file size is huge... how do I save it and have the file size smaller....? I had to use alot of layers to drag each girls photo over into the main image, then I had to place all names down under each girl. I am at lost, the image size is like 9000x6000 I did manage to resize the image down to show on this forum. Please keep in mind this is my VERY FIRST time doing photos of girls with back drop, lighting equipement, and doing this kind of layout in PS.

[lostmysnorkel]

How big is it going to be output at Renee? How will it be printed?

[Renee Marquis]

Hey, It is going to be printed 20x30 (I hope if I did it right?) When I open my new window image I sized it for 20x30 I am going to try and see what an 8x10 example one will look like be for I send it off for the big printing....thanks for the help.

[lostmysnorkel]

OK, by creating the new document at 20x30, you have the correct dimensions. What's the DPI?
If you have stayed in your camera's 'native' resolution, then Iw ould guess it's something like 250dpi.

I would think, something that large will be viewed from a distance, so you could probably get away with reducing the DPI to 200, rather than the 240-300 many people prefer to print at.

Simply put, you can maintain the dimensions of the image, but reduce the total number of pixels.

Copy the images to be placed over the top and reduce their dimensions to those they will end up at on the finished piece. Remember, change these resolutions to match that of the background. So you are now placing much smaller files onto the layers.

Flatten the image and save as a jpeg...the compression will then reduce the size even further.

[Renee Marquis]

Oh, I got ya.... I did not copy the girls images and reduce them before I started. That would make since, this is the first time trying this. Over all I am happy with the out come.

[lostmysnorkel]

Yeah, I meant to say it looks really good Renee.