Settings for Image Processor

[Tina R.]

I'm trying to give Bridge CC a go and export through Image Processor to jpegs. However, there is space to fill in the 'Image Quality' - what number would I put here for best quality? And I'm assuming I convert the profile to sRGB (check off that box, right?)? Thank you! Screenshot included.

[Damien Symonds]

This is an excellent question.  For what purpose are you saving the jpegs?  Web?  Print?  Email?  Other?

[Tina R.]

Good question! Likely for future print, probably just some 4x6s maybe 5x7s (of my own kiddos, when I get to printing them!)

[Damien Symonds]

No no no no no.  It doesn't work that way.  If you don't have an immediate purpose, DON'T SAVE JPEGS AT ALL.  Don't just save Jpeg files for the heck of it.

http://www.damiensymonds.net/2010/02/trash-those-jpegs.html

[Tina R.]

ok, ok, I know...I get it, but let's just say that it IS for immediate print, hypothetically, what quality would be best for that through Image Processor? 

 

[Damien Symonds]

You don't use Image Processor for print.  It's impossible to batch-process the cropping/resizing/sharpening properly.

Image Processor is for web images, and for digital file sales.  Not for prints.

But of course, your question is still a valid one.  Files that you are sending to the lab do have to be jpegs.  I talk at great length about the Image Quality setting for prints in the Sharpening Class, but as a general guide, Level 8-10 (on the 0-12 scale) is fine.

[Tina R.]

Thank you much! I'm dying to take the Image Sharpening Class! I'm in your other 3 right now and going through the RAW class again since the update. Also trying it through Bridge and ACR...trying to finally make the jump from LR.

Thank you for your help!

[Damien Symonds]

26 minutes ago, Tina R. said:

And I'm assuming I convert the profile to sRGB (check off that box, right?)?

ALWAYS keep the "Convert to sRGB" and "Include ICC profile" boxes checked.  It's like your insurance policy.