Exporting & Metadata

1. Exporting Images

Here's a summary of how to export your finished project in Photoshop:

• File > Save As: use this command to save your project in formats like PSD, PDF, or as a copy. This option provides limited file format choices;
• File > Export:
  • Quick Export as PNG: quickly exports your project as a PNG file with default settings.;
  • Export As: opens a window where you can choose the file format (PNG, JPEG, GIF, etc.), adjust image and canvas sizes, and see a preview of the file size. You can export the image at different sizes (e.g., 0.75x, 0.5x, 2x);
• File > Save for Web (Legacy): this older export option is useful for web and mobile app images. It allows you to optimize file size and preview download times at different internet speeds. You can adjust image size, file format, and quality settings. After making your adjustments, you can save the image by selecting the destination folder and renaming the file.

In general, for most projects, the Export As command is recommended as it embeds color profiles and provides more control over the final output.

2. Exporting Artboards

• Go to File > Export, and you'll see options specific to artboards:
  • Artboards to Files: export each artboard as a separate file (PSD, TIFF, etc);
  • Artboards to PDF: export all artboards as a single PDF;
• Alternatively, use Export As for more control. You can choose which artboards to export (all or specific ones) and set individual file formats and settings for each artboard;
• To export specific assets or elements within an artboard, select the layers or elements you want;
• Right-click and choose Export As. This opens the export dialog where you can export the selected elements individually;
• This is particularly useful for web or mobile developers who need assets as separate files.

3. Exporting Using the Slice Tool

• The Slice Tool is under the Crop Tool in the tools bar;
• Draw a rectangle or a box around the area you want to export. Photoshop will automatically generate other slices around your selection;
• To export, go to File > Export > Save for Web;
• In the Save for Web dialog, you'll see all the slices. Select the slice you want to export by clicking on it;
• When saving, you can choose to export all slices, user slices (slices you've created), or the selected slice;
• To export images for a grid view, with the Slice Tool selected, go to the Options Bar and set the Style to Fixed Aspect Ratio with a 1:1 ratio.
• Create the first slice, then hold Alt/Option to duplicate the slice, creating multiple slices of the same size;
• Export these slices using Save for Web as before, selecting the specific slices you want;
• When exported, these slices will be perfectly aligned for use in grid views on social media platforms like Instagram.

4. Metadata and Copyrights

Metadata is data that provides information about other data. In the context of digital files, metadata describes the content, structure, and management of the file. For example, in a digital image file, metadata might include details such as the author, creation date, file size, resolution, color space, copyright information, and camera settings (e.g., shutter speed, aperture). Metadata helps with organizing, finding, and managing files and can also be used to track rights and usage information for digital assets. To add copyright metadata, follow these steps:

• Go to File > File Info to open the metadata window;
• Under the Basic tab, fill in your name or business name as the author. Set the Copyright Status to "Copyrighted". But if you're going to share it online and allow public use, then select “Public Domain”;
• Add a copyright notice with the © symbol followed by your name or business name;
• Include your website URL for easy reference if you can;
• Navigate to the IPTC tab and fill in similar details: your name, job title, country, and website. This helps ensure your contact and copyright information is embedded in the file;
• When exporting as a JPEG, go to File > Export > Export As. In the export window, ensure the Metadata option is set to "Copyright and Contact Info.";
• Save your file, ensuring that all the copyright information remains embedded;
• Open the exported JPEG in Preview, go to Tools > Show Inspector (on Mac). Under the IPTC tab, verify that all your copyright and contact details are present. On Windows, click the right mouse button on the file, click properties, go to the "Details" tab, and check under "Copyright".

This process protects your artwork by embedding copyright information directly into the file's metadata, making it easier to assert your ownership if the work is shared online.