Exporting in LR 2

I'm having major problems getting the file size under 200KB in LR2. It's trial and error, with mostly error. Any tips? I export jpegs in sRGB, I put the quality to 100, pixels usually end of around 400 x 600 but it varies a lot depending on the detail in the image. The last post I made the image came out really small, which has never happened before (see Weekly Challenge, the photo of the Tetons).

If you're preparing a photo to post here, you need to start by setting the pixel dimensions by selecting "Resize to Fit", "Long Edge", and entering 720 pixels (it doesn't matter what you put for the "Resolution"). Then adjust the quality level to around 70 not 100. LR2 doesn't show you what the file size is so selecting the proper quality is somewhat trial and error. LR4 has a "Limit File Size to" option which works well for this.

Hi Kathy, As I mentioned in a comment, there seems to be an occasional bug in LR3 (don't know about LR2) where it reports that it can't get under the 300 (not 200) KB file size limit when you set the long axis pixel length to 720. When that happens, I've found that by not entering a file size limit and adjusting the Quality to between 70 and 90% LR will create a file that's under the 300 KB limit. You have to check the file size after the export, which is a pain, but you do get a quality image for posting. As Alan indicates, the pixel length is the key in terms of the size that the posted image displays.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the guidance and expect to have fewer problems in the future. Sounds like the easiest solution, but not the cheapest, is an upgrade to LR4.

You can upgrade from LR2 to LR4 for $79.

You will likely find that all of the enhancements and improvements (and additional features) available in LR 4 MORE than make up for the $79 spent. It's a wonderful program.

You do not need to upgrade to LR4 to achieve your resizing goal. As mentioned be sure your image is no larger than 720 pixels. I would also check to be sure you only have 8 bits and sRGB for image settings. Then set for 200 K and do your export saving as Jpeg. This should work.

Thanks to all for you comments and ideas. I did upgrade to LR4, but of course that led to upgrades in my OS and several other necessary upgrades. It's a slippery slope! I now have no problems exporting files and am happy with the results. But I was in computer hell there for awhile!

LR 2 was really bad, 3 was a HUGE improvement, and 4 is another great step. You won't regret it!