Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 12/31/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I'm having trouble printing my vector images, i turned some photos into a vector image and when i go to print them on my large format printer they don't really look right.What are the steps to saving the vector image and then letting my printer know that they are vector files so i can blow up large pictures. If i have a web picture at 72 dpi will that still be able to print large in a vector format? I'm really new to the whole vector image thing, I'm just trying to make large quality prints. Can you please help me with this situation, thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR. Kevin.

ANSWER: Hi Kevin,

This is a common misconception.

Placing or opening images in Illustrator does not make them vector files.

You can use the Live Trace option to try and create a true vector image, but with a 72 dpi image the results will be poor. You will need to find images at least 300 dpi or higher for good quality large format prints. I normally create images at 1200 dpi for large format prints. 72 will never work.

Thanks

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: so if i go to live trace will that make it a vector file, what do i save it as eps, or svg. With vector files you can blow them up any size right? you just have to start with a 300 dpi images? Will my printer know it's a vector file?

ANSWER: Hi Kevin,

I would save this as an eps file. Once it is a vector file, you can blow it up without loss but you are correct that you should start with at least a hi-res file. Your best bet is to make your file at least 50% actual size (if not original) and save the file for your printer.

Since I do not know what software you are using to print, I cannot say how it will handle your file.

Thanks

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Okay, i think I'm starting to understand now. I'm printing from Illustrator, do i need i certain kind of software to print with? If i were to scan a low resolution photo with a high resolution scanner would that be good enough to blow up or is that really not doing anything.  

Answer
Hi Kevin,

No scanning a lo-res image at hi-res still gives you a lo-res image to begin with. You need to find or create a new image at a higher resolution. There really is no way around this. It is a common issue that new users have to get used to.

If you are using a large format printer it should have come with some sort of RIP software such as Fiery RIP. This is a buffering program so you do not stall out printing directly from an app like Illustrator.

Thanks

Kevin