MintGradeAn export is a delivery file with a specific destination, size and format. Choose those requirements first, then reopen the saved copy to catch cropping, compression or color changes before sharing or printing it.
Start: Choose the destination and required crop or pixel dimensions first.Check: Reopen the export and inspect detail, color and edges at delivery size.
Focus onA practical workflow
- 1. Confirm the destination's current size, crop and format requirements.
- 2. Set pixel dimensions and color profile for that destination.
- 3. Choose a format and compression level that preserve the needed details.
- 4. Export a copy, reopen it and inspect the result at its intended size.
The editor preview is not the deliverable. Resizing, compression and color-profile handling can change the saved file, and a platform may process it again after upload. Keep the master separate from the delivery copy.
Export for the way the file will be used
Digital images are measured by pixel dimensions; print size also depends on pixels per inch. A PPI label alone does not create pixels. Formats make different trade-offs too: JPEG is commonly used for photographs but is lossy, PNG preserves data and supports transparency, while WebP and AVIF can reduce file size when the destination supports them.
Social and web platforms can change upload rules or recompress files. Avoid relying on a remembered setting: check the destination's current guidance or upload preview, and keep the subject inside the required crop. For print, use the lab's requested size, profile and file type.
Inspect the delivery file
For a social upload, check the platform's current crop and size guidance because requirements can change. Keep the subject inside the preview crop, export a delivery copy and inspect it after upload; the service may resize or recompress it.
Choose by the visible trade-off
If fine edges or gradients break up, raise quality or choose a less destructive format. If a file is much larger without a visible improvement at its final size, reduce it. Always judge the exported copy, not a setting label in isolation.
When the destination changes the file
A file can look different after upload because the service may crop, resize or recompress it. Compare the local export with the destination preview before adjusting the master. If the local copy already has artifacts, revise dimensions or compression; if the upload alone changes, follow that service's current requirements and keep a separate original. Make one test upload before processing a large batch.
Further reading: MDN: image format guide.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a format before checking destination compatibility.
- Changing a PPI number and assuming that adds image pixels.
- Sharpening or compressing without checking the final display size.
- Overwriting the master with a smaller or lossy delivery file.
Questions people ask
What is the best export setting for every photo?
There is no single setting for every destination. Match the crop, dimensions, color profile and format to how the image will be viewed, then compare the saved file at that size.
How do I know the export kept enough quality?
Reopen the saved copy and inspect fine edges, gradients and color at the intended size. For print, check the physical size from pixel dimensions and the printer's requested PPI or file specifications.
Try the workflow in MintGrade
MintGrade includes browser-local exposure controls, HSL, curves, color wheels, .cube LUT support, scopes, range masks, reference matching and tiled full-resolution export for browser-decodable images. The editor is designed so you can keep the image visible while adjusting it.