Workflow: How I Save My Layouts

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One thing I am asked about a lot is how I go about saving my layouts. As a Polly, when I save a layout I have to save two – one that is full size for me, and one that is resized and ready for sharing on the web. Today, I want to share my workflow for saving layouts with you.

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Most of my layouts start as templates, so the first thing that I do when I am ready to save a layout is to delete all of the layers I have hidden along the way. I do this by going to Layer > Delete > Hidden Layers.

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The next step is to flatten the image by right clicking on any layer in the layers palette and selecting flatten image.

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Next, I go ahead and sharpen the image a bit. I go to Filter > Unsharp Mask and I use the values seen in the screenshot above.

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Now I am ready to save the full size image. I click save, and navigate to the folder for my 2016 layouts. I make sure I am saving as a JPG, and rename the layout accordingly.

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I set the quality for the image at 10, and then click OK. I have now saved my full size layout.

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Now I need to resize the layout for web. I click on Image Size, change the resolution to 72 Pixels/Inch, and change the width and height to 600 pixels.

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Once I have resized the layout, I use the Save for Web Dialog to save the image. It can be a little tricky to find the Save for Web Dialog in the latest models of Photoshop. If you go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy) you will get here. Once I am here, I go to the pull down at the top and select “Optimize to File Size”.

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That’s when this dialog box pops up. I have it set at 150, as that is the standard acceptable size for web layouts, and I click ok. Once that I done, I am ready to save the layout.

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When I click save, I am brought directly to my “To Be Posted” folder. This is where I keep web size layouts that I need to post. I make sure to use the correct file name, and click save. All is well and good, and I am done saving my layout.

I also wanted to share that there are a few great products in the store that help with saving layouts. There is a save for web action by Fiddle Dee Dee Designs, as well as a resizing action by Sahlin Studio. Krista also has this great post about saving layouts from a few years ago. Be sure to check it out!

aaron2

I’m a creative who pulls inspiration from all corners of life—both the joyful highs and the real-life moments that punch you in the gut. Honestly, I don’t think I can pin down a single scrapbooking style for myself, so let’s just go with eclectic. My layouts really depend on my mindset. If I’m in a deep, cerebral mood, you’ll likely see something chaotic and messy. If I’m more relaxed, it tends to come out clean, simple, and structured.

My brain is usually running on several channels at once, so it’s completely normal for me to be working on a digital layout, dabbling in a hybrid project, and getting messy with art journaling or mixed media—all at the same time.

Here are a few of my go-to tools: Digital: Adobe Photoshop CC + my MacBook; Photos: Canon Rebel or iPhone; Hybrid: Cricut Joy + sewing machine; Art Journaling: watercolors, stencils, and artsticks

And when it comes to embellishments—digital or physical—I’m always reaching for messy threads, ribbons, and Polaroids. Always the Polaroids.

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