Creating a low resolution image the quick way
When you have a very large layered file open and you want to save out a flattened file it can take a while, especially when you are working in a DTP/layout application (outside InDesign). Endless tweaks to the position of layers can add up to a long time waiting for files to save. This is also a great trick for producing low res approval images for clients.
InDesign has the luxury of fully supporting layered PSD files, which means you dont have to keep saving out flattened images - simply save your layered file and place it on your page layout. However, sometimes you just need to check how your file is interacting with your layout and an impatient ninja probably wont want to wait for the file to save!
Whilst working on a layout you can often get away with using a lower resolution file for positional, especially if you turn up the quality of imported images in your layout application. This is usually a good enough guide for near exact placement.
Such a simple one this - simply zoom your image to a sweet spot (eg 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 75%) so it all fits on the screen at nice quality. Then do a screen capture using the Mac shortcut of Apple+shift+3 which places a PDF on your desktop, or hitting the Print Screen button on a PC, which captures the screen to the clipboard. Bring this into Photoshop, crop the image and place it into your layout…nice and quick!