Confused!

[LaurieE]

Hi!
I'm confused. What is the difference between 8 bits of color and 16 bits of color and 32 bits of color?? When I work in photoshop with the intent to print which one of those should I use or does it matter?

Thanks in advance!
Laurie

[ngoduyviet]

the higher the number, the more shades of each color it can show. I never pay attention to those in PS. Just use the default PS sets for me.

[LaurieE]

Oh Really? See this is what confuses me...I could swear I read somewhere that you must use (and I cant remember which one it was) either 8 or 16 bit color if you want to print a good quality photo. I have always had mine set at 8 bits but I can't remember if that is right or if it even matters! LOL

[picasso]

It would do you no good to print in anything higher than 8bit unless your printer could print higher. Most consumer printers don't have 16 bit drivers. Canon has a 16 bit driver for their IPF series printers but its really only 12 bit under the covers. Just use 8 bit and you will be OK.

Paul

[LaurieE]

Thanks! ahhhhhh ...One photo question answered only a million more to go! :-)

[*Mike*]

JPG only supports 8-bit. But, it does give you more editing room when you start to go tweaking in Photoshop...