PNG files are handy when you want to save an image with a transparent background. For example, when you create a logo in Photoshop and don’t want a solid background behind it.
Hey, I’m Cara! As a photographer, I run into the need to save files as a PNG in Photoshop from time to time. It’s super easy to do and I’m going to show you how.
Let’s get started!
Note: the screenshots below are taken from the Windows version of Photoshop CC. If you are using the Mac version, they will look slightly different.
The Save As… Command
Go to File up in the menu bar and choose the Save as… command. You can also hit Shift + Ctrl + S (Shift + Command + S on a Mac).
You should get a screen like this. Click in the Save as Type box to make the list of available formats appear.
Then click Save on the bottom right side of the window.
Save as a Copy Command
However, this screen won’t always appear depending on the settings for our document. Instead, you might get something like this.
Only four options appear in the dropdown box, and none of them is PNG.
An easy way to get around this is to choose the Save as a Copy command instead. It’s located right under the Save As… command in the File Menu.
You can also get to it by hitting Alt + Ctrl + S or Option + Command + S on a Mac. Now you’ll see this screen.
Click in the Save as Type box to open the options and select PNG from the list. Click Save and you’re all set!
Remember, when you save/export your Photoshop file as a PNG, the layer information is not preserved. That is, you won’t be able to go back and change your edits. If you need to do that still, keep another copy as a PSD with all your layer information intact.
Did you find this quick tip helpful? Check out our other tutorial on how to save as a PDF in Photoshop!
About Cara Koch