Expert: LizaL - 8/23/2006

Question
Hi Liza
I have a 300 dpi photoshop file that is 310 x150 mm in size, I
need to use for it large billboards, it's already at 400% in some
of the freehand files, I need to know what to do to mantain pic
quality, do I increase the resolution of the pic? If so by how
much? Any other suggestions?
Many thanx
John

Answer
Hi John,

Personally, I think if you keep the resolution at 300dpi you'll be fine. I've done billboards before, and even though I've dealt with a couple of different companies in doing so, the higher the resolution the better.

Now that would more or less be my suggestion concerning your reproduction quality. But I don't understand what you mean about the file being "400% in some of the Freehand files." Do you mean "Freehand" as in the software program, or freehand as in drawing? I'm a little confused as to what you're referring to. Also, are you supposed to submit a finished file from Photoshop?

So... could you please post back and explain what you mean?

At any rate -- your very best bet, and my advice to everyone who needs to use an outside vendor for printing (like a sign or billboard company) is to call that company, and ask them what you should do.

As I said, I've done billboards. And I've always been advised to do my design to scale. That is, I've always been told to make my design at maybe 25% or 50% of the finished size, and the billboard printer will make the enlargement. All I needed to do was create my file at a smaller size, that would accurately scale up to the finished size.

HOWEVER -- last year a client asked me to do one of those big tradeshow backdrops; you know, the background someone might have for their information booth. The finished size was big, something like 6' x 10' -- and to my amazement, when I called the printer who was putting this backdrop together, they wanted me to do my file at ACTUAL SIZE! No doubt, it was a huge (Illustrator) file, electronically speaking, but that's what they wanted.

So all companies do things differently, and that's why I always encourage everyone to first contact the printer and ask them for ALL the specifics. No question is a stupid question, and don't hold back. Make sure you understand all the details, because you don't want to mess up on a billboard design!

Anyway -- I hope what I've mentioned here has helped, but please post back with the details I asked about if you still need assistance.

Lisa