Converting to a jpeg: Saving vs Exporting

[HVPhoto]

I have always used the "save as" or now "save as a copy" to convert to a jpeg for printing or displaying online. Other photographers are saying that this is the wrong method, and I should be exporting instead. I honestly don't understand the difference, and the only thing I've found is "do it this way" but no explanation as to why. So which is better, and what is the difference? Is each method used in different circumstances?

[Damien Symonds]

First, can you confirm you've read and understood this?  https://www.damiensymonds.net/2010/02/trash-those-jpegs.html

[HVPhoto]

Yes, I have read that article. I am not deleting the master psd. I understand that I'm creating the jpeg for a purpose - to upload to social media, to print, or to send to a client (and then it can be deleted).

[Damien Symonds]

Great!  And do you tend to do them one at a time, or in bulk?

[HVPhoto]

I've been doing them one at a time, but I do like the idea of doing them in bulk.

 

[Damien Symonds]

And do you watermark them?

[HVPhoto]

Sometimes. If they are for online use, then I typically watermark. If they are to be printed, then I do not.

 

[Damien Symonds]

Ok, let's rule out the latter straight away.  Images for print must be "Save As".  They can ONLY be saved one at a time, bulk saving isn't possible.

For watermarked web ones, have you set this up yet?  https://www.damiensymonds.net/act_web.html

[HVPhoto]

No, I haven't. Thank you!

Before we move on, can you explain why it matters if I "save as a jpeg" or "export as a jpeg" for printing? That is what I have always done, but I have never known WHY. Other people are telling me that it is wrong.

[Damien Symonds]

Only save. Never Export.  Exporting as as flaky as hell.

[HVPhoto]

Can I ask what exporting is used for then? What's the point of it?

[Damien Symonds]

I don't know.  There's no point that I've ever found.

[HVPhoto]

LOL! Fair enough. Thank you!

So...always use "save as," set up the action for watermarking, and no bulk saving when printing. Correct?

[Damien Symonds]

And for clients, this: https://www.damiensymonds.net/client-photoshop/

[HVPhoto]

Thank you!