How to Export Web Graphics From Photoshop
A beginner, interface-by-interface guide to export web graphics from photoshop, including what each design term means, where to click and how to verify the exported/resulting asset.
By the end: You will complete export web graphics from photoshop and keep an editable source plus a checked output.
You will complete export web graphics from photoshop and keep an editable source plus a checked output.
Key terms before you start
These definitions make the steps easier to follow and help distinguish controls, files and concepts that can look similar at first.
What you need before starting
- Access to Photoshop
- A source/project you are allowed to edit
- A clear final destination/size/use for the result
Step-by-step tutorial
Every step is shown below. Work through them in order and use each checkpoint to confirm the result before moving on.
Open Photoshop and use a safe working copy
Open the real project in Photoshop. Duplicate the file/document first if the tutorial could alter important source work.
The editable source is different from the final exported asset; preserve recoverability.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Identify the final destination
Write where the result will be used: website width, social platform, handoff, print, prototype, etc.
Dimensions, color, format and responsive behavior depend on destination.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Finish and save layered source first
Save PSD/PSB before export.
Export is a delivery step; it should not replace master.
Return to the layered/component source or backup. Keep future export/flatten operations on separate delivery copies.
Choose File → Export → Export As
Open current Photoshop Export As workflow.
Adobe provides format/size/quality controls there.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Choose output format
Select JPEG/PNG or available web-suitable format based on photographic content/transparency/workflow.
PNG lossless transparency is different from photo compression needs.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Set dimensions/scaling
Use export size controls to create intended pixel dimensions.
Do not export full source dimensions by habit.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Set quality for lossy format
Adjust while visually inspecting image and estimated size.
Choose acceptable visible quality, not arbitrary maximum.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Check transparency/background
For PNG or assets requiring alpha, inspect transparent areas in preview.
Wrong matte/background can ruin icons/logos.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Export to a dedicated delivery folder
Use clear filename.
Avoid mixing generated web assets into raw source directory without convention.
Return to the layered/component source or backup. Keep future export/flatten operations on separate delivery copies.
Open file in browser/image viewer
Inspect actual output at final size.
The exported file is what users receive.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Check file bytes and dimensions
Inspect OS properties or browser Network after upload.
Performance depends on transfer bytes and dimensions.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Keep export settings documented for batches
For repeated campaign/product assets, record size/format/quality naming.
Consistency prevents one huge accidental file.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Open the exported/result outside the editor
Inspect the actual PNG/JPEG/SVG/prototype/output rather than assuming it matches the canvas.
Exports can change dimensions, transparency, font rendering or compression.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Store source and delivery files predictably
Use clear names/versioning and keep the source separate from public delivery assets.
Future revisions should start from editable source.
Return to the layered/component source or backup. Keep future export/flatten operations on separate delivery copies.
Always know whether you are editing source structure or generating a delivery copy.
Concrete examples
Troubleshooting
Undo, then select the target through Layers panel and verify its name before editing.
Inspect export dimensions, transparency, crop, color and output format; judge the exported file as the final artifact.
Use Auto Layout/flexible components or revise layout constraints rather than shrinking type until it barely fits.
Return to the layered/component source or backup. Keep future export/flatten operations on separate delivery copies.
Files can be found/reused.
How the topic comes up in practice
Short excerpts from public discussions that directly relate to the task. Use the source link for the complete context.
“The ability to export multiple sizes and formats in Export As may be useful.”
exporting multiple sizes ↗
Continue with these tutorials
Documentation and references
Use these primary and supporting sources to verify current controls, browser behavior and product-specific details.