Tell me more ×
Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 8 down vote favorite

I have a largish PSD file with a couple of hundred layers, that I would like to extract selected areas from into PNG files.

Areas can consist of a couple of layers.

Being new to Photoshop, I have been using the following workaround. Duplicate needed layers into a new scratch PSD file of same size, TRIM to transparency, Save As PNG, undo TRIM, hide layers, rinse and repeat...

I suppose I could do it without the scratch file and just crop selection, Save As PNG and undo, but there must be a nicer method.

What other ways are there to accomplish this export of a selected area to PNG?

EDIT: This is on Windows Xp running Photoshop CS3 Extended

share|improve this question

3 Answers

up vote 8 down vote accepted
  • Make your selection
  • Edit -> Copy Merged
  • File -> New (Photoshop should automatically suggest a new canvas size to match the selection size)
  • Edit -> Paste
  • File -> Save As (PNG)
  • Rinse and repeat... (keyboard shortcuts are handy here)

(Tested on Photoshop CS4)

share|improve this answer
Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for! – Aniti Nov 3 '10 at 10:05
6  
Photoshop engineers should seriously think about improving this because it's tedious to do something so simple with 6 steps, it should have, at most, 2 steps, select and export. simple isn't it ? – Tuga May 15 '12 at 15:50
up vote 3 down vote

Try selecting the areas with the Slice tool and then File > Export for web & devices.

share|improve this answer
I have been using this method more and more as compared to the original answer. Presumably, this is what Photoshop developers intended to be used for this particular problem. – Aniti Sep 4 '12 at 8:18
up vote -2 down vote

As easy as 

File -> Scripts -> Export Layer to Files...

Export Layers to files

If your layer is smaller than the full width/height of the canvas don't forget to check Trim Layers.

share|improve this answer
The question is not about exporting layers to files. It is about saving a selection as a file. The question specifically states "Areas can consist of a couple of layers." – Mike Fitzpatrick May 19 '12 at 5:35

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.