If you have ever seen the error message “could not save because file exceeds the size limit” when trying to save a file, then you need to know what to do when a Photoshop file is too big to save.
Here, you’ll learn the simplest way to save a large file size to change your save limit from 2GB to 4GB and higher.
Lesson Summary
- Step 1: Go To File > Save As
- Step 2: Open The Format Drop-Down Menu
- Step 3: Select PSB Or TIFF From The Options
- Step 4: Click The Save Button
How To Save Images When A Photoshop File Is Too Big To Save
Step 1: Go To File > Save As
Follow the menu path to access the save as window.
Step 2: Set A Save Location And Open The Format Menu
A new window will appear, asking you where you want to save the document. After you’ve set a location, click on the Format menu.
Step 3: Set The Format To PSB Or TIFF
Then, save your file as a PSB by selecting Large Document Format. Or save your file as a TIFF by selecting TIFF. The next section explains the differences between these file types.
Step 4: Click Save
Once your format is selected, click Save.
Note: If you are looking for ways to make your Photoshop file size smaller without changing the file format, follow the linked tutorial.
What File Formats Let You Save Larger Photoshop Projects
TIFF Files
TIFF files are popular since they can be read across many platforms. However, they can get pretty big, which makes it tricky to upload TIFFs online to a file transfer service. The size limit for a TIFF file is 4GB.
Luckily, TIFF files don’t compress your image and maintain the highest quality possible, they will even contain things like layers, transparency, and tags left behind from your edit.
PSB Files
PSB files have a much larger file capacity than Photoshop files, which makes them the ideal format for when your project is going to be very large. This file type is native to Photoshop, making it slightly less versatile. However, if you operate entirely in the Adobe Creative Cloud, you won’t run into any problems.
PSB files will support your data to any size you get it to. The odds are your computer will crash long before you max out a PSB file. Since it can hold so much information, I often find myself using PSB over TIFF, so I am never limited to a specific file size.
What Causes A File To Be Too Big To Save In Photoshop?
As you start to add more layers to your project, it inevitably increases the file size. These sizes tend to increase even more when you’re working with multiple raw images and Smart Objects in the same project.
By default, Photoshop will save your document in the native format, which is a Photoshop Document (.PSD). These files are perfect for most situations, but they do have their drawbacks, such as the size limit of 2GB.
How To See Your Project Size Before You Save
In the bottom left corner of your Photoshop workspace, click on the arrow in the save progress bar. At the top of the pop-up menu, select Document Sizes.
Now, you’ll see the project size displayed in the corner of your Photoshop screen at all times. This is a great way to keep tabs on your project as you work.
Now that you know what to do if your Photoshop file is too big to save, you can take your image even further. Without the worry of file size, the opportunities are limitless for the adjustments you can create. You can also check out these ways to make your Photoshop file size smaller to save up space on your device.
- Brendan :)
