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What's the highest quality image format?

Well I made an image, but when I save it as a jpg and print it out, it looks [b][i]nothing[/b][/i] like the PSD file...So what is the best format to save with so it will still look the same, or almost the same printed or on another format.

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What resolution is it? The problem may not be the file format, but rather that the resolution isn't high enough to get a good printout.

Also, how much are you compressing the .jpg? Theoretically, if you didn't compress a .jpg at all, it shouldn't have any loss, essentially looking as good as a .tif. But if you're not sure how much the .jpg compression may be affecting quality, just save it as a .tif and print it out that way (you'll still want to have a decent dpi--about 300 for most home printers, higher for professional output).

Hope that helps.

Ahhh, how do I change the DPI ?

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You have your PSD file open. Unfortunately JPEG is not without any compression because that is what JPEG is a file type for; a type of compression for images. TIFF can be saved without any compression and is one of the best you will get to export to a printer. If you select IMAGE->File Size from your toolbar, you will see the current settings on the image. Some printers like 300+ dpi so dont' be scared to do it. Changing the DPI though will also change your resolution settings for the 'size' of the image. You may also have concerns with colour settings if you built it in RGB mode (good for monitors) but your printer rips the file to CMYK colour mode. Search for more info on the web, but here's an old link for setting up to print a composite image. Dunno if it helps. http://www.tiemdesign.com/HOWTO/2000/June00/JV_print_tut/default.htm

Ok, I made the resolution 300 dpi and it's a hefty 6 meg TIFF file...the pixel dimensions are HUGE but the document size stays the same...when I print, is it gonna print the document size or the pixel size?

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Look under Image > Image Size. The Document Size dimensions are what you want to go by. They show you how large the document is when printed.

If in doubt, you can do a Print with Preview to see how large it will print on your page.

for jpgs you need to save at at least 90% quality or higher. you might also consider a png file for web stuff, but the size is a big up there.

If you want to save an image with no loss of information, no matter how much you can get away with, TIFF is probably your best bet.. Although, you could also just save it as a PSD file and print directly from that.. =D Don't forget that bright green in photoshop will turn out a dingy green from a printer.. If you're going to be printing something then it's best to work in CMYK format.. =)

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Also, you have to be working in a high resolution from the start. Changing it after the fact isn't going to help. Your image needs to be created at that resolution.

Yes, work in CMYK if you want a good representation of what the document will look like printed. Your printer is capable of producing far fewer colors than a monitor is. They are completely different color models (RBG/addative vs. CMYK/subtractive).

The .PCT format also has no compression. This is good for high-res digital images, but again, if you're going to a printed output, you should stick with TIFF. PCT only outputs three color channels (RGB) whereas TIFF has 4 (CMYK).

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