TUTORIAL: Resizing Images to Print
This tutorial was featured on February 23, 2009 in the group, Tutorials.
A Redbubble friend recently needed a bit of help resizing her images to print so I am sharing these instructions in the following tutorial. Since she uses Photoshop Elements 6, these instructions were written using that program.
NOTE: I always recommend printing instructions so that you can put them next to your keyboard. It is much easier than switching between screens.
- Click on the crop tool.
- In the crop menu above the image, change the width and height of the image to the size you need.
#Change the resolution to 300 dpi if using outside printing. (Thanks, George!)
- Crop the image to that size (depending on the adjustment you make, you may lose some of the image to the cropping).
- Save the crop.
- Now go to your print menu and choose the appropriate settings for your specific printer.
- Print!
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are using outside printing, then you will need to save the image with the new crop settings, but be sure to save the document using a different file name. If you save the original file name with the new crop width/height settings, then you will lose the original high resolution of the image file.
Since use my own printer, I don’t save the image after I have finished printing. If I want to print another one at a later date, I again follow the steps above. When the program asks if I want to save the document, I click No. This preserves the original image resolution.
My very talented friend, Gracey, also has a tutorial in her profile for resizing images to print using a wizard in Photoshop CS2 . There is no need to re-create the wheel, so I am directing everyone to her tutorial.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL TUTORIALS BY PATRICIA
Bubblesite or Personal Image Gallery
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Downsizing those example images on your profile page
Adding Examples (Card, Laminated, Matted, etc) To Your Profile
George Lenz
you should also change the resolution to 300 DPI… that’s what I do as recommended by the people who do my printing….
Patricia Montg... replied
Thanks for this information, George! I edited the tutorial and added the information. I appreciate your input.
Tim Denny
Right on George, I normally change the resolution first and save it then go back and work with size in resize and save again. Don’t know if you have ever used MPIX for getting prints made, they do a super job and are quick about it. Getting a 5×7 print cost $.99 and goes up slightly with each size from there. If I remember correctly when I order a 11×14 the cost is $6.99 I beleive. They have a metalic paper for small amuont more and this paper is super, gives a all together diffeent shine to the prints. You can order several prints for the same shipping cost of $5.95. If you have never looked in MPIX I would highly recommened it.
Tim Denny
I would like to add one more comment here please. If the thought of trying MPIX out for prints crosses your thoughts you need to have you print the right size before uploading them to MPIX.
You make a album on MPIX and upload your prtins from there into you shopping cart.
If I want a 3×5 I first set the resolution to 300dpi and save then resize the print to 1550 /100. A 5×7 is 1600/2200, a 8×10 is 3100/2500, and a 11×14 is 4300/3400. This is what I find works for me.
Sizing my photos this way I find the print allows for about 1/4 inch overlap when mounting it to a mat.
I purchase my mats from “Documount.com” here you can purchase precut mat kits without all the work of cutting the mat youself.
The mats come to you not only precut, but them also come with a plastic bag for the matted print in the event you are interested in selling your prints as I do.
Don’t mean to get my hands in your journal pie Patricia, just thought I would add this in the event you or any one reading your journal becomes interested.
Thanks
Tim Denny
Patricia Montg... replied
I share my pie with anyone! LOL! Thanks for adding this helpful information!!
Tim Denny
Patricia, was waiting your response to getting into your pie, now that I know I can have a piece, let me share this.
I just got a order from MPIX. I got two 5×7’s and one 8×10. The 5a7’s were $1.29 each and the 8×10 was $2.49, shiping was $5.95 = $11.02. not bad. Not to mention these are all on Metallic paper. The 5×7 is normally $.99, but on the metallic paper it is $1.29 and the appearance is great especially when the light falls fully on the photo, there is a sort of sparkle because of the metallic. The photos turn out just like they say they will in their advertisement about the metallic paper. Boy, with all these plugs you’d think I work for MPIX.
Thanks again for letting me share.
They put out a good product and just think more people should know.
Tim Denny
Nanagahma
This was very helpful, thanks Patricia. And it’s also nice to see the comments from RB members, they were also helpful!