PSD vs PNG vs TIF

JenM

New member
Hello everyone,
I'm new to the digital scrapping and learning things daily. I downloaded some of Erica Zane's new templates and found that they came with three versions (PSD, PNG, and TIF). Can someone tell me the advantages and disadvantages of working with the different file types or at least just your own preference and why?

Thanks for the help and info.
Jen
 
I personally like using tiffs... they are typically smaller file sizes and back when I was working in windows, tiffs would show me the preview where psd didn't.... now on the mac, where preview shows me both, I still prefer tiffs... :)
 
tifs also have smaller file sizes, which many find appealing.

pngs are available for those folks who are using software that isn't compatible with psd/tif formats.
 
I rarely use templates but when I do, I use the jpg for preview purposes and then open the psd because I work with Photoshop and I'm used to the format. Because of this thread I tried to open the tiff version of a template I have and they both look the same, so I guess it doesn't really matter what file you choose to open :)
 
I too use TIFF for the smaller file sizes. If I can conserve space, I'm going to.

I'm totally curious about what preview everyone is talking about? I'm using a mac and my PSD and TIFF files look the same in my folders.
 
I too use TIFF for the smaller file sizes. If I can conserve space, I'm going to.

I'm totally curious about what preview everyone is talking about? I'm using a mac and my PSD and TIFF files look the same in my folders.

2n70a5c.jpg

I made a print screen for you see the tiff is showing as a preview image and the psd i don't see what the template is look like
 
Ah, ok. So you just haven't updated your settings in Photoshop. In order to enable the previews for PSD files go File -> Preferences -> File Handling -> Maximize PSD and PSB File Compatibility [select "Always"]

HTH those of you who are missing PSD previews :)
 
That's interesting because psd previews always showed on my old laptop with cs3 but stopped working on the new laptop with cc. Im going to update my settings tomorrow :)
 
Ah, ok. So you just haven't updated your settings in Photoshop. In order to enable the previews for PSD files go File -> Preferences -> File Handling -> Maximize PSD and PSB File Compatibility [select "Always"]

HTH those of you who are missing PSD previews :)

Under my files i dont have preferences can you make a print then i can see if it is really missing in my photoshop :hugs:
 
Ah, ok. So you just haven't updated your settings in Photoshop. In order to enable the previews for PSD files go File -> Preferences -> File Handling -> Maximize PSD and PSB File Compatibility [select "Always"]

HTH those of you who are missing PSD previews :)

What an awesome tip! Thank you!!
 
Ah, ok. So you just haven't updated your settings in Photoshop. In order to enable the previews for PSD files go File -> Preferences -> File Handling -> Maximize PSD and PSB File Compatibility [select "Always"]

HTH those of you who are missing PSD previews :)

Thanks, Sheri - wish I knew that years ago - would have saved me the trouble of opening all my templates to see what they were... haha!

For those that use PSE... this setting is found under Adobe Photoshop Elements Editor -> Preference -> Saving Files...
 
Great tips ladies!! I include all 3 files types just to make sure everyone has something they can use...the PNG files are for people without Photoshop who can't open layered files, the TIF files are typically smaller in file size which is always nice and the PSD files just in case you have an older version of Photoshop where the TIF files may not be compatible...which I don't know that that really happens anymore, but I like to cover my bases just in case! :)
 
I always use photoshop files as well. Honestly I have never even considered using the other types.
 
I use the PSDs, too. Before switching to PS I used software that could handle PSDs but not TIFs, so I kept using the PSDs for compatibility. I could switch now, but I just haven't.

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