? about saving edited image

[bopeep]

Here goes my first post here:) and seeing as I've only owned PSE7 for less than a week it is probably going to sound really stupid but I don't want to start bad habits with PS now and want to know the correct way...
I am slowly understanding the concept of layers BUT when I am all done and happy with my edited image how do I combine all the layers so that I can save it in a JPEG format so that I can get it printed etc? So far I have "flattened" but I have read that "flatteneing" is BAD! What do I do?

Apologies for such a basic question but I have to start somewhere! TIA!

Brandi Bopeep

[Byron Gale]

Brandi,

If you have layers in your image file, PSE will want to save it as a .PSD file, which is the native Photoshop Document format. You can ALSO use Save For Web to create a JPG copy to give to a printing service, or to make a smaller version to post to the web. Just click File > Save For Web... and follow the prompts.

When you flatten a file, you permantly reduce the image to a single layer. The problem with this is that, once you have saved the image that way, you no longer have the ability to adjust what used to be isolated on any of the layers... it's the same as starting over.

HTH,

Byron

[bopeep]

TY Byron!

Okay that makes sense. IMO it's okay for *me* to flatten then....
I am not a pro, just a SAHM trying to make the most out of my pics so usually once the pics are edited that's it. And I also work on a copy OR save as a copy so I *can* start over in the future if desired....meaning I always have the original pic as well as the edited version.

[Byron Gale]

As long as you understand what you're doing, then you are the best judge as to whether it is appropriate to flatten...

...welcome to the Village!

[bopeep]

As long as you understand what you're doing, then you are the best judge as to whether it is appropriate to flatten...

I *think* I do....it might be too early to say LOL!

...welcome to the Village!
Thank You!:D

[cats4jan]

Word of caution. Your skill at fixing photos will only improve. As you get better, you may feel you could've done a better job with the fix.

If you are going to flatten - save the photo with a new name - or merely add "fixed" on it or something to the file name.

Do not write over your original photo. At least then, you will be able to open your original and rework it - if, at a later date, you so choose.

[bopeep]

ITA...or at least I hope my editing becomes better! What I have been doing is working on a copy of the original and even then I often "check" the "copy" box after I've "clicked" saved". Is this adequate? I know
I read something about the quality of the pic degrading the more you mess with it...not sure how much it would really affect my pics....but if I am making copies to work on that(quality of the original) wouldn't be affected, right?
And what if I *would* work on the original and then chose to save the edited image as a copy....would that affect the original?
To be "safe" in my ignorance I have only been practicing with copies anyway but these are things I need to know! UGH! SO much to learn!