PSD vs PDF ??

[blkcow]

In reading different instructions found in kits...I am confused. I have been saving all my projects in a PDF form. Should I be saving in PSD??? and what is the difference between the two???

Maybe this has been talked about before...if so..sorry

[hguenthe]

PDF is a like saving as a flattened image I believe - ie) you can't go back and adjust layers, etc.

PSD is Photoshop's format keeping all of your layers in tact so that you can go back later and make changes just like you would when making it.

I save all mine in psd so that I can make changes later if I notice I made spelling errors, etc.

[esther_a]

PDF is the file format used by Adobe Acrobat. It's ideal for documents you want to make available for download on the web - usually brochures and the like. Not usually used for scrapping because it is flattened - the layers are gone and you can't edit it.
I do find pdf handy, though, for documents that I want to get IN to photoshop. You can create a pdf from ANY document (word, database, browser page) by 'printing' to a pdf writer such as Acrobat or similar (there are freebies on the web). Then you can import it into photoshop at high resolution complete with formatting. I've used that to get a family tree from Family Tree Maker onto a heritage page.

[blkcow]

Ummmm...mine are not flattened....until I tell it to flatten. I am able to go back and adjust layers and edit and do everything that you are talking about.....but maybe I should change and save as PSD....Now I am more confused???

[esther_a]

OK, I confess I've never tried to save a document as pdf and then open it to edit the layers.
So it has layers... that makes it interesting! Have you compared file sizes? Perhaps the pdf is compressed a little and might gradually lose detail - like jpgs do. Anyone know?

[KerryMac]

PDF files are readable across all platforms, ie; Mac, Windows, Linux, etc. whether or not you have a photo program on your computer. They're used commonly for documents, flyers, newletters and the like that are sent digitally.
PSD files, I think, can only be read by a photo program. So if you're sending one of your pages to a family member and they don't have the right program, they can't open the file.
To confuse things further, some photo programs can open jpg files but not PSD!
But I don't think it's typical to work in and save things like we're doing here in PDF. I guess if you are planning to create a document and email it, then you'd want to save a copy of it as a PDF so anyone you send it to can read it.
I use it as a way to send newsletters to clients. It compresses easily and without compromising the look of it.
That's the extent of my knowledge on that! I'd love to learn more!

[pearlshaynea]

i save my pages as PSD and JPG images at full size (it's a 10 on the scale for JPGs when saving). i use PDF when i'm sending a document to other people that might not have the program i made the document in. i found a great free PDF program online (www.pdf995.com) that i use to make PDFs when i'm not using PSE. if i were you, i would save images as PSDs and JPGs and forget the PDFs unless you need to send those documents to another person. JPGs are what you'd need to save a page as to print it like a picture or post online, so that's probably going to be the most versitile way to save your documents. saving as a JPG also flattens the image for you. I always save my pages as a PSD in case i need to go back and change something. hope i helped!

[cjon2]

KerryMac is the closest to being right in here. To sum this up quickly, this depends on your version of photoshop, a ps pdf will save all layers if you check the layers option when saving and will be readable in many other formats and platforms such a acrobat reader. A psd file is only editable and readable in ps and a few limited programs will convert. If you want the ps pdf to be just a standard compressed pdf you will need to distill it in acrobat distiller. (so if your version has this option use either and "save as" for other users specifications)

[allmine]

My husband saves my completed layouts (the jpeg - I save the completed PSD as well as a jpeg of each layout) as a PDF so he can view them when he travels. They take up far less room then the jpeg and he can enjoy them (he travels alot).