Memory and file-size problems with are the most frequently
discussed topics in the Photoshop realm. I know that many of you have heard what
I'm going to say -- but at the risk of repeating myself, I include this information
in this month's Photoshop Tips & Tricks column.
First let me say resolution soaks up memory and storage space.
You've heard that before. There is no 'best' resolution. The resolution your final
output depends directly on the method of reproduction you intend to use. Your full-page,
high-resolution Photoshop images can balloon to astounding size, and you'll suffer
with each agonizing minute of screen redraw unless you use some tried and proven
tricks. Good results have proven that you should begin with two-times the resolution
of that required by the final product.
Do some math. For early or initial sketches you can work in
low resolution which will be much more speedy. (If you're producing for use on the
WWW, 72 dpi is all you need.) As you develop your project, let the art evolve to
medium resolution then resize to the final resolution once you're ready to go. Be
sure to save intermediate steps so you can regress if need be.
Adding some of the savvy elements like highlights, fine details,
or type set in small sizes will require the highest resolution available.
You'll save lots of time with this method, unless you're in
the ivory tower and have a 240-meg accelerated PowerMac or an SG workstation -- in
which case you're probably too lofty to be reading along with the rest of
us here in the trenches anyway.
I'd also like to add that most abstract backgrounds, and many
subjects like outdoor scenes can be rendered at a lower resolution, yet still appear
as if created entirely at high resolution.