Photoshop - Poor quality image while editing

[mjkovis]

Why are my current files that are being edited as PSD's such poor quality compared to after I "Save for Web?"

I just noticed this tonight and have no clue why it is doing this. I was following along with a tutorial to create a website layout through Photoshop. While applying my gradients to the header I noticed sever banding on the image. I've played around with every setting, rebooted the PC and nothing. Once I choose to "Save for Web" it shows the true look and textures.

I have even saved the current Photoshop PSD and opened it in Fireworks and Fireworks loaded the image the way it was supposed to be. So, something is telling me I screwed up a Photoshop setting?!?!

Any ideas?

[Strider]

If you think you screwed up you Photoshop settings just press Shift+Ctrl+Alt-Photoshop icon and answer yes to the question windows security question. WARNING - it will reset everything including your 3rd party plug-ins (remove them) if you have any 3rd party plug-ins.

[mjkovis]

Just tried it and it still didn't fix the problem. I have Googled this like mad to find any sort of answer.

[XenaWP]

Are you using the Save for Web function?

If so, check the "Dithering" slider at the far right. Adjust that value and see if the banding is improved.

[mjkovis]

Originally Posted by XenaWP Are you using the Save for Web function? If so, check the "Dithering" slider at the far right. Adjust that value and see if the banding is improved.

No, this is while I have a PSD file open for editing in Photoshop. Once I use the "Save for Web" function the preview shows the image correctly. Problem is, it didn't use to be like that. I could always see the rich, robust image while editing. Now, it seems like the rendering is extremely poor.

[Force Flow]

Are you zooming in/out?

[mjkovis]

Originally Posted by Force Flow Are you zooming in/out?

I can leave the image at 100% (or any magnification) in both Photoshop and Fireworks and see the difference between the two PSD's, which are exactly the same file.

I guess the best way to describe it is the Photoshop image doesn't look smooth (rendered) properly until I preview the image to save it. It has never been like that. I was just working on a layout the other day for a client and it looked fine both ways.

[mjkovis]

Uploaded a few pics to imageshack to show you all what I am trying to describe...

First photo is the PSD file that I am creating a layout in
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/4887/unsavedpsd.png

Second photo is the preview of the same file to be saved
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/6129/saveversion.png

What you need to look at is the gradient at the very top. Notice how it is banded while I am trying to work on it. Very poorly rendered and it isn't smooth compared to the second photo which is rendered properly and my gradient is smooth.

Ideas?

[Force Flow]

All I see is a difference with brightness/contrast.

Do you have a layer mask turned on, or something?

[mjkovis]

Originally Posted by Force Flow All I see is a difference with brightness/contrast. Do you have a layer mask turned on, or something?

That difference is the problem. Both my proof and the file should look the same, especially while editing.

Yes, there is a layer mask for the gradient, but it doesn't matter if it is there or not. I can apply the mask, but the file still looks poor while I am working on it.