Crop size for files to be printed?

Korg · 03-31-2015, 06:36 AM

I have some people that want some files to print, I have cropped the files. So, is there a general rule of thumb for files to be printed that I can go by other they giving them to un-cropped file?

Is there somewhere to see what dimensions will work with what size printed picture?

Thanks!

max_pyne · 03-31-2015, 07:06 AM

Printing images - what file size do you need? Resolution, pixel sizes and file sizes compared for print

normhead · 03-31-2015, 07:18 AM

It's a little more complicated than that. In my experience, a 120 dpi print will be acceptable. So, if you expand your 120 dpi to 300 dpi (360 dpi for epson printers) and then print at the highest printer setting 120 dpi works fine. And you can get away with 100 DPI. SO if you've cropped your image to say 3600 pixels wide, you can print to 36 inches and still get good results depending on the picture. Anything above that is bonus. So definitely use your original crop, but limit your print size to a max. of 100 dpi based on that crop. Some images may need more resolution than that... it's unlikely portraits or landscapes will.

**dms** · 03-31-2015, 08:39 AM

I think the main problem is if you use too high a dpi value. I generally use w/ an epson printer 180 or 240 dpi. Which is a exact value of the printer's native resolution divided by an integer. I use this both for matte and gloss.

Years ago I tried values up to 720 dpi and preferred slightly the 180 and 240 values. Too high and you are laying down too much ink. However, I would suggest if you are printing very large you can go smaller, as you don't (reasonably) expect to view a large print up close.

max_pyne · 03-31-2015, 08:42 AM

Originally posted by dms

I think the main problem is if you use too high a dpi value. I generally use w/ an epson printer 180 or 240 dpi. Which is a exact value of the printer's native resolution divided by an integer. I use this both for matte and gloss.

Years ago I tried values up to 720 dpi and preferred slightly the 180 and 240 values. Too high and you are laying down too much ink. However, I would suggest if you are printing very large you can go smaller, as you don't (reasonably) expect to view a large print up close.

good point the further away the less dpi you need to get a sharp appearance.

**boriscleto** · 03-31-2015, 10:03 AM

And just to make things more complicated, check out Perfect Resize...

Perfect Resize 9 – onOne Software

Korg · 03-31-2015, 12:27 PM

Thanks for everyone's replies!

For example, some people want to take this cropped (2811 px x 2430 px) file down to the local store and print it. They would need some of the uncropped file to print it in any size (8.5 x 11", 5 x 8, 4 x 6, 3 x 5") and recrop it themselves?

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**boriscleto** · 03-31-2015, 02:55 PM

Originally posted by Korg

For example, some people want to take this cropped (2811 px x 2430 px) file down to the local store and print it. They would need some of the uncropped file to print it in any size (8.5 x 11", 5 x 8, 4 x 6, 3 x 5") and recrop it themselves?

Yes. Other wise it will be cropped by the printer.

SpecialK · 03-31-2015, 05:13 PM

Printing software can be set to print to all edges of the paper (you lose some of the image in the crop) or 2 sides to the edges (you get white space on two sides) or with borders all around (you get the full image with white space all around).

03-31-2015, 06:36 AM	#1
Korg Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery Posts: 148	Crop size for files to be printed? I have some people that want some files to print, I have cropped the files. So, is there a general rule of thumb for files to be printed that I can go by other they giving them to un-cropped file? Is there somewhere to see what dimensions will work with what size printed picture? Thanks!

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03-31-2015, 07:06 AM	#2
max_pyne Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: zurich Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 409	Printing images - what file size do you need? Resolution, pixel sizes and file sizes compared for print

03-31-2015, 07:18 AM	#3
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	It's a little more complicated than that. In my experience, a 120 dpi print will be acceptable. So, if you expand your 120 dpi to 300 dpi (360 dpi for epson printers) and then print at the highest printer setting 120 dpi works fine. And you can get away with 100 DPI. SO if you've cropped your image to say 3600 pixels wide, you can print to 36 inches and still get good results depending on the picture. Anything above that is bonus. So definitely use your original crop, but limit your print size to a max. of 100 dpi based on that crop. Some images may need more resolution than that... it's unlikely portraits or landscapes will.

03-31-2015, 08:39 AM	#4
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	I think the main problem is if you use too high a dpi value. I generally use w/ an epson printer 180 or 240 dpi. Which is a exact value of the printer's native resolution divided by an integer. I use this both for matte and gloss. Years ago I tried values up to 720 dpi and preferred slightly the 180 and 240 values. Too high and you are laying down too much ink. However, I would suggest if you are printing very large you can go smaller, as you don't (reasonably) expect to view a large print up close.

03-31-2015, 08:42 AM	#5
max_pyne Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: zurich Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 409	Originally posted by dms I think the main problem is if you use too high a dpi value. I generally use w/ an epson printer 180 or 240 dpi. Which is a exact value of the printer's native resolution divided by an integer. I use this both for matte and gloss. Years ago I tried values up to 720 dpi and preferred slightly the 180 and 240 values. Too high and you are laying down too much ink. However, I would suggest if you are printing very large you can go smaller, as you don't (reasonably) expect to view a large print up close. good point the further away the less dpi you need to get a sharp appearance.

03-31-2015, 10:03 AM	#6
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	And just to make things more complicated, check out Perfect Resize... Perfect Resize 9 – onOne Software

03-31-2015, 02:55 PM	#8
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by Korg For example, some people want to take this cropped (2811 px x 2430 px) file down to the local store and print it. They would need some of the uncropped file to print it in any size (8.5 x 11", 5 x 8, 4 x 6, 3 x 5") and recrop it themselves? Yes. Other wise it will be cropped by the printer.

03-31-2015, 05:13 PM	#9
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Printing software can be set to print to all edges of the paper (you lose some of the image in the crop) or 2 sides to the edges (you get white space on two sides) or with borders all around (you get the full image with white space all around).