Mastering image export settings in Photoshop and Figma is crucial for producing optimized assets that perform well across different platforms and applications. Whether you're designing for the web, creating print materials, or developing mobile applications, understanding the right export presets for each format can significantly impact file size, quality, and performance. This comprehensive guide decodes the export settings from legacy workflows to modern optimization techniques.

Understanding Image Export Fundamentals

Before diving into specific export settings, it's essential to understand the core principles that govern image preparation and optimization. Different formats serve different purposes, and choosing the right settings requires understanding the trade-offs between quality, file size, and compatibility.

Format-Specific Characteristics

Each format has distinct characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications:

• JPEG: Best for photographs and complex images with many colors
• PNG: Ideal for graphics with transparency and sharp edges
• SVG: Perfect for vector graphics that need to scale infinitely
• WebP: Modern format with superior compression for web use

Photoshop Export Presets and Settings

Adobe Photoshop provides extensive export options with customizable settings for each format. Understanding these settings is crucial for achieving optimal results.

1. JPEG Export Settings

JPEG export in Photoshop offers several quality and optimization options:

Quality Settings

• 0-10 Scale: 0 = lowest quality, 10 = highest quality
• Recommended: 8-9 for web use, 10 for archival
• File size impact: Each quality level roughly doubles file size
• Visual impact: Differences become less noticeable above quality 8

Optimization Options

• Progressive: Loads in multiple passes, improving perceived loading time
• Optimized: Uses optimized table data for better compression
• Embed Color Profile: Maintains color accuracy across devices

Color Space Considerations

For web use, convert to sRGB color space before exporting. For print, use the appropriate color profile (usually Adobe RGB or CMYK).

2. PNG Export Settings

PNG export in Photoshop focuses on transparency and lossless compression:

Color Depth Options

• PNG-8: Up to 256 colors, smaller file size
• PNG-24: Full color range, no transparency
• PNG-32: Full color range with alpha transparency

Transparency Handling

PNG-32 is essential for images with transparency. PNG-24 provides lossless quality without transparency, while PNG-8 offers smaller file sizes for simple graphics.

3. WebP Export Settings

Modern Photoshop versions include WebP export with extensive customization:

Compression Type

• Lossy: Smaller files, quality comparable to JPEG
• Lossless: Larger files, quality comparable to PNG

Quality Slider

Similar to JPEG but with better compression efficiency. Quality 80-85 typically provides excellent results with significant file size reduction.

Animation Support

WebP supports animation, making it suitable for animated graphics with better compression than GIF.

4. SVG Export Settings

For vector graphics, Photoshop can export to SVG format with specific options:

SVG Options

• Responsive: Creates scalable vector graphics
• Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities: Maintains layer information
• Convert Text to Outlines: Prevents font issues across platforms

Figma Export Presets and Settings

Figma has become the go-to tool for modern UI/UX design, with streamlined export capabilities that integrate well with development workflows.

1. Figma Export Interface

Figma's export panel provides a clean, intuitive interface for asset preparation:

Format Selection

Figma supports PNG, JPG, SVG, and PDF export formats directly from the interface.

Quality Settings

• PNG: No quality settings (lossless)
• JPG: Quality slider from 0-100%
• SVG: Responsive and compressed options

Scale Options

Figma allows exporting at different scales (1x, 2x, 3x) for responsive design and high-DPI displays.

2. Figma Export Best Practices

For Web Use

• Use 1x scale for standard displays
• Export 2x assets for Retina displays
• Choose PNG for graphics with transparency
• Use JPG for photographic content
• Consider WebP if your platform supports it

For Mobile Applications

• Export multiple scales (1x, 2x, 3x)
• Use PNG for icons and UI elements
• Optimize file sizes for app store requirements
• Consider platform-specific guidelines (iOS, Android)

For Print Materials

• Export at 300 DPI equivalent scale
• Use PNG or PDF for highest quality
• Consider color space requirements
• Verify dimensions and proportions

Specific Use Case Presets

1. Web Photography

Photoshop Settings

• Format: JPEG
• Quality: 80-85%
• Color Space: sRGB
• Optimization: Progressive, Optimized
• Dimensions: Appropriate for display size

Figma Settings

• Format: JPG
• Quality: 80-85%
• Scale: 1x for standard, 2x for high-DPI
• Dimensions: Match display requirements

2. UI Elements and Icons

Photoshop Settings

• Format: PNG-32
• Color Depth: 24-bit with alpha
• Transparency: Preserve
• Dimensions: Exact pixel dimensions
• Optimization: Lossless

Figma Settings

• Format: PNG
• Scale: 1x, 2x, 3x variants
• Color Space: sRGB
• Transparency: Preserved automatically

3. Logos and Branding

Vector Format (SVG)

For logos, SVG is often the preferred format due to its scalability:

• Photoshop: Export as SVG with responsive option
• Figma: Export as SVG with compression
• Color Space: sRGB
• Text: Convert to outlines to prevent font issues

Raster Format (PNG)

PNG is also suitable for logos with transparency:

• Format: PNG-32
• Quality: Lossless
• Dimensions: Multiple sizes for different uses

4. Social Media Graphics

Platform-Specific Requirements

• Instagram: 1080x1080px, JPG or PNG
• Twitter: 1200x675px, JPG or PNG
• LinkedIn: 1200x627px, JPG or PNG
• Facebook: 1200x630px, JPG or PNG

Optimization Settings

For social media, balance quality with file size to ensure fast loading:

• Format: JPG for photos, PNG for graphics
• Quality: 80-90%
• Color Space: sRGB
• File Size: Under 8MB for most platforms

Advanced Export Techniques

1. Batch Exporting

Both Photoshop and Figma support batch export for multiple assets:

Photoshop Actions

• Create actions for common export tasks
• Use Image Processor for batch operations
• Apply consistent settings across multiple files
• Automate naming conventions

Figma Batch Export

• Select multiple elements for export
• Apply same settings to all selections
• Export with consistent naming
• Use plugins for advanced batch operations

2. Responsive Asset Generation

Generate multiple sizes for responsive design:

Photoshop Generator

• Use Generator to create multiple sizes automatically
• Set up naming conventions for different scales
• Integrate with web development workflows

Figma Export Settings

• Export multiple scales simultaneously
• Use naming conventions for organization
• Integrate with design systems

3. Color Management

Proper color management ensures consistent appearance across devices:

Working Spaces

• RGB: sRGB for web, Adobe RGB for print
• CMYK: For offset printing
• Lab: For color correction operations

Export Color Profiles

• Embed appropriate color profiles
• Match target device color space
• Consider viewing conditions

Common Export Mistakes and Solutions

1. Using Wrong Quality Settings

Problem: Over-compressing important images or using unnecessarily high quality
Solution: Match quality settings to intended use and platform requirements

2. Ignoring File Size

Problem: Large files slowing down websites or exceeding platform limits
Solution: Optimize for target platform and consider performance impact

3. Not Matching Color Spaces

Problem: Colors appearing differently across devices
Solution: Use appropriate color space for target platform

4. Forgetting Transparency Requirements

Problem: Using JPG for graphics that need transparency
Solution: Choose PNG or SVG when transparency is needed

5. Not Considering Animation Needs

Problem: Static formats for animated content
Solution: Use GIF, APNG, or Animated WebP for motion graphics

Performance Optimization Strategies

1. Format Selection Optimization

Choose the most efficient format for each use case:

• WebP for modern browsers when possible
• JPG for photographic content
• PNG for graphics with transparency
• SVG for scalable vector graphics

2. Dimension Optimization

Export images at their display size to avoid unnecessary file size:

• Resize to exact display dimensions
• Consider different device requirements
• Use responsive images for web

3. Quality Setting Optimization

Find the optimal balance between quality and file size:

• Test different quality levels
• Consider content type (photograph vs. graphic)
• Balance visual quality with performance
• Use format-specific optimization tools

Workflow Integration Tips

1. Design System Integration

Establish consistent export practices within your design system:

• Define standard export settings
• Create reusable components
• Establish naming conventions
• Document export procedures

2. Developer Handoff

Ensure smooth handoff to development teams:

• Provide multiple format options
• Include sizing specifications
• Document color space requirements
• Use tools like Zeplin or Avocode for detailed specs

3. Version Control

Maintain organized asset management:

• Use consistent naming conventions
• Organize by format and use case
• Maintain source files for future edits
• Document format decisions

Advanced Tools and Plugins

Photoshop Plugins

• Export Kit: Advanced export automation
• Image Optimizer: Built-in optimization
• Generator: Automatic asset generation
• Third-party optimization tools: Additional compression options

Figma Plugins

• Image Optimizer: Compress assets during export
• Asset Exporter: Advanced export options
• SVG Export: Enhanced vector export
• Responsive Assets: Multiple size generation

Future Considerations

Emerging Formats

Stay prepared for new formats and technologies:

• AVIF: Superior compression to WebP
JPEG XL: Next-generation JPEG standard
• HEIF/HEIC: Growing adoption
• AI-based optimization: Automated compression

Software Evolution

Both Photoshop and Figma continue to evolve with new features:

• Enhanced export options
• Automatic format selection
• AI-assisted optimization
• Improved performance

Quality Assurance and Testing

Visual Quality Testing

Always verify exported assets:

• Compare with original design
• Check on target devices/platforms
• Verify transparency and dimensions
• Test loading performance

Technical Verification

Ensure technical correctness:

• Validate file format
• Check file size against requirements
• Verify color space
• Test browser compatibility

Best Practices Summary

For Web Designers

• Use appropriate formats for content type
• Optimize for Core Web Vitals
• Implement responsive images
• Consider modern formats like WebP
• Test performance impact

For UI/UX Designers

• Prepare multiple scale assets
• Consider platform guidelines
• Maintain design system consistency
• Optimize for development handoff
• Document design decisions

For Brand Designers

• Provide multiple format options
• Maintain brand consistency
• Consider all usage scenarios
• Include color specifications
• Provide usage guidelines

Implementation Checklist

Before Export

• Verify color space matches intended use
• Confirm dimensions are appropriate
• Check for transparency requirements
• Consider target platform limitations
• Plan for multiple format needs

During Export

• Select appropriate quality settings
• Choose correct format for use case
• Apply proper color profiles
• Consider file size requirements
• Use consistent naming conventions

After Export

• Verify visual quality
• Check file size
• Test on target devices
• Validate technical specifications
• Organize assets properly

Conclusion

Mastering image export settings in Photoshop and Figma is essential for producing high-quality, optimized assets that perform well across different platforms and applications. By understanding the specific requirements for each format and use case, you can ensure your designs maintain their visual integrity while meeting performance and compatibility requirements.

The key is matching your export settings to your specific needs: use JPEG for photographs, PNG for graphics with transparency, SVG for scalable vector graphics, and WebP for modern web optimization. Consider the intended platform, quality requirements, and performance constraints when making format and setting decisions.

As technology continues to evolve, staying informed about new formats and optimization techniques will ensure your export workflow remains current and effective. The investment in understanding these export presets will pay dividends in the quality and performance of your final deliverables.