Resizing large TIFFs

Sorry if this is a pretty basic question, but I need to convert some large 50MB TIFFs into small (1MB or smaller) JPEGs, & I don't know if there's a "best" way to do this so as to minimise degradation in image quality. Unfortunately I'm only working on Elements 2, so I guess my options might be limited, though I could use GIMP if that provides any better options. Should I just convert to the appropriate level JPEG in one step, or is there anything else I could try?

Thanks for your help,

Jonathan

I'm guessing that you might want to do this to put the pictures on the web?

The simple thing is to first re-size using Image>Image Size. You can do this to define the actual size of picture that you want, in cm, inches or whatever, or, in the case of say ePHOTOzine you might define the number of pixels instead. This would be 500 pixels wide, or 1000pixels wide for e2 members.

Then you can save in one of two ways.

1) Save As gives you the option of saving as a JPEG, and a second doalog box enables you to choose 12 levels of quality depending on the file size you want

2) Save For Web enables saving as a JPEG but allows the quality level to be adjusted more accirately, in 100 steps. Thius you can choose a file size more closely.

In PS7 re-sizing should be done using Bicubic sampling.
In CS2 use Bicubic or better still for down-sizing use Bicubic Sharper. This will retain detail better. (For up0sizing use Bicubic Smoother)

Sorry this reply refers to the full versions of photoshop, but the principle should be the same for Elements or other programs.

Irfanview will allow you to do this as a batch, very quickly, with considerable flexibility as regards final image size and quality.

Much faster and easier than Adobe. If there are any disadvantages, no doubt someone will point them out.

G

Thanks for the tips, & I've just had a look at Irfanview - looks interesting...

Jonathan

Hi,

for single images, I open a new workspace in GIMP, at a res of 72 dpi, and the size needed (800 x 600 pixels for instance) then open the original large image as a new layer; scale to size and it's done. When saving, it will ask the quality level needed (default 85%). I change that to 100%.

Cheers

Liam