script to resize for forums

I wrote a script PSCS2 script to resize photos to meet the requirments of this forum, but it isn't getting the pictures quite small enough. Basically, I convert to 8-bit sRGB, resize to 800px, sharpen, and save as jpeg. However, in order to get the file size under 100K, I have to use what seems like a very low quality jpeg. Have any of you written a similar script, and if so, where did you set your compression?

What about a smaller dimension that would allow you better resolution/quality?

Do You include EXIF data? That alone takes about 15Kb.

Okay, I'll set it at something like 700 or 750 px and see if that helps.

I have a saved action that I use, it resizes and adds USM and has the option of adding a background script with EXIF info in it.
Then I just manualy choose save as, and select the required quality to get the file sizes to where I need it.

The problem with Digital images is the subject has such a huge effect on how big the file will be. A photo of a white wall will be much smaller than a brightly coloured flower garden.
So you either need to set the script to work with your largest file sizes and accept that the smallest will be smaller than they need to be, or stick with manualy changing them.
Of course if your batch processing then it can be a lot easier to choose the former.
And when I have done this I just batch proccess with another action I have which does a Save As.

It has been my experience that with approximately 800 x 600 pixel virtual image size, it requires a quality setting of 3 - 5 in order to be under 100kB. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict exactly, because jpg files compress more when they contain blah pictures (i.e., pictures with little detail).

LOL. You're usually a little more descrptive than that! It must be late.

You guys are right. I think I'll just do a resize and sharpen action and do the save manually.

jfrancho wrote:
LOL. You're usually a little more descrptive than that! It must be late.

Yeah, you're right - it was about Dark +2 when I wrote that.