can't reduce file size?

I'm working on a particular image that I can't get down below 600kb to save my life. I take it down to 800px on the long end at 200dpi just as I always do before I post an image here. I make sure to convert it to an 8 bit file before doing that (although I thought saving to jpeg would do that for me). No matter how low I take the resolution I take it down, I just can't get the file size any smaller. Any ideas? Was it from doing most of my editing in Raw? Also, I'm now noticing that cs5 is telling me the file is 400kb, but when I go to save as a jpeg, it shoots up to 600.

First, Resolution (as the term is used by Adobe - i.e. DPI) has nothing to do with it. All that does is change the number.

Note - I'm using CS4.

- Resize your image to 800 pix max using Image>Image Size.
- Convert to sRBG if you use something else
- Convert to 8-bit (in CS4 the jpg option is not available if it is 16 bit, CS5 may be different)
- File>Save As
- Choose JPEG
- Hit the Save button
- A JPEG Options box opens
- Check the Preview box. Right under the box it will show the saved file size.
- Adjust the Quality until this file size is less than 293K (for this forum)
- Hit OK.

Terry

N8 - All depends on the quality level you save it at: the lower the quality the smaller the file size it will be. PS has a selector for file quality in the JPG save dialog box.

Btw, there does seem to be big differences in file sizes depending on the image. Ones with a lot of detail or non-repeating areas seem to be much larger. I haven't studied the JPG standard to figure it all out, but maybe I should .... :o

G

Yeah, I've done all those things. The file would actually get bigger when I tried to save it and select the quality/size...a complete oddity considering all my others...which were all shot the same way...did not have this issue. The image of concern is actually the second one in my "hollywood" thread. I had to upload it to facebook and save from there to knock it down in size.

If you would like to send me the original full size image, I will see if I can duplicate the problem. PM me and I'll send my email address. - Terry