Expert: Glen Demers - 7/28/2009

Question
When I open my photo in PSE 7 it is huge 44x66
(72 ppi) When I have finished editing it, what size should I be saving it as for the best printing? I want to be able to blow up my prints to 20x30.
I have noticed that when I crop it down to 8x10 and then set it to 300ppi the clarity is so poor.  Is this just because my screen can't view it any larger than 72?  Or will my prints be blurry when I blow them up like they seem to be when I view them this way?  
I don't want to waste money and send them to print with the wrong ppi and have them turn out horribly. My pictures are clearer at 44x66 72ppi than they are at and 8x10 why is this and what should I do??
I really appreciate your help and hope this makes sense.
Thanks,
Jenne

Answer
Hi Jenne,

In image size make sure that resample image is unchecked. Then when you change from 72 to 300 dpi you'll notice the size of your document decreasing but the memory needed will stay the same. This should bring your image size down to a little over 10 x 15 inches.
For a more detailed explanation of resolution you can go here: http://www.bestprintingonline.com/resolution.htm

300 dpi is the resolution required for high end offset printing, but you may be able to obtain acceptable results from your images at 20 x 30 (effective resolution 150 dpi). Outdoor landscapes are more forgiving than interiors and an uncoated stock, as opposed to glossy enamels, will help mask the diminished sharpness. Inkjet reproduction may be perfectly fine as well.

I hope this helps,
Glen Demers
Adobe Certified Expert, Photoshop 7
Prepress Technician, Best Printing Online
www.bestprintingonline.com

For more Photoshop tips please visit our help pages here: http://www.bestprintingonline.com/photoshop.htm