Photoshop tutorial: how to create a master file that can be properly exported for the web, social media, and print

If you are one of those who creates a file every time you need to adapt the same image to different platforms or needs, we advise you to stop doing it right now. Below, we will show you how you can save a lot of time just by using Adobe Photoshop.

In this case, creating a master file will allow you to export all the versions you need without duplicating PSDs or doing extra work.

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What is a master file

A master file is basically the main document from which everything starts. In this file, we will include everything we need, which in this case are the work tables with the necessary sizes and the appropriate color and resolution adjustments.

Work tables: this is how they work

The workspaces will be the foundation of your file. Thanks to them, a single document can contain several different sizes, saving you from having different PSDs cluttering your computer. They function as independent canvases, each with its own size and content.

To access them, simply click on Artboard Tool, which is grouped with Move Tool. Enter in Width and Height the size in pixels that the new additional canvas will have and then click on the + symbol, as shown in the image.

After doing this, you will be able to add new artboards by clicking on the + symbols that appear right next to the canvases. If you want to modify the size of the artboards, go to Layers and click on the artboard to change. Then, go to Properties to change the size in pixels. If it doesn’t appear, go to Window > Properties to make the panel visible.

File resolution, size, and color mode

The resolution of the file, its size, and color mode determine all the versions we can produce. Therefore, it is recommended that the file has a minimum of 300 dpi. This way, you can ensure that everything you create can be printed if necessary.

When creating the file, write “300” in the Resolution section (also make sure that it says Pixels/Inch on the right). Keep in mind that doing this will also make the file larger, but we can compensate for it by using smart objects.

Color modes are also important. If you are exclusively dedicated to creating images for social media, websites, and the like, it is normal to work in RGB. On the other hand, if your work is intended for printing, it is advisable to work in CMYK.

You can change the resolution and color profile at any time even after the document has been created. For the resolution, go to Image > Image Size… and change the amount that appears in Resolution. For the color profile, click on Image > Mode.

Use of smart objects

The smart objects group several layers into one and allow you to edit them separately as if they were another file. To convert a series of layers into a single smart object, create a group with those layers and then click on Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object.

From there, you can better organize your files and reduce and increase sizes without degrading the image itself. You can reduce an image for an Instagram post, for example, and then make it much larger without losing quality.

How to export a workspace

Now that you have your workspaces and files well organized with their corresponding smart objects, it’s time to export them. Right-click on the name of the workspace from the Layers panel and choose Export As. Adobe Photoshop will open a new panel with the selected workspace ready to configure.

Next, you can choose the format (PNG, JPEG, or GIF) and modify sections such as the image size or the color profile. You also have another option: click on the workspace and go to File > Export > Export As. If you want to export multiple artboards at once, go to File > Export > Artboards to Files.

Export to Print

Adobe Photoshop does not generate bleed marks like InDesign would, for example. This is an important fact to keep in mind if you want to send your work to print. Therefore, we need to add the marks manually. Go to Image > Image Size, set the measurements in mm and then add 6 mm to each dimension (that’s 3 on each side). Don’t forget that here you should use CMYK as the color profile.

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