The right size of any image is very important when printing. Be it a family album, marketing, or art prints, image size knowledge can save you from images too big or too small on any print. In this guide, we're going to explain the importance of image size, best practices for resizing, tools you can use, and FAQs that can help streamline that process.
Resizing the image ensures pixelation and blurriness are not manifested during printing. For photographs and detailed graphics, it is quite important to keep the picture almost clearer and more detailed when it's printed on a large size.
Maintaining the right aspect ratio is important to avoid distortion of an image. Stretching or compressing an image without considering its original aspect ratio may cause distortion or, in the extreme, squish the image, damaging its visual appeal in professional prints.
The need to avoid using oversized images is especially significant when you are using professional printing services, where they can be printed and mean spending money which you may have saved. You will know the perfect size for your project and spare costs on printing unnecessary images.
Proper image resizing needs one to first select the final print dimensions before resizing the image. The standard print dimensions are as follows:
4x6 inches for postcards or personal photos
8x10 inches for framed photos
16x20 inches for posters
24x36 inches for large posters
Knowing the exact size helps in preparing for the resizing process.
Resolution is typically expressed as dots per inch, DPI. DPI. To print clear images, it would be ideal to set the resolution at 300DPI and above. This will make the printed pictures sharp and clear. Here's a simple guideline:
300 DPI Images of photographs and close-ups
150 DPI Printing large formats that are going to be viewed from afar (such as posters).
72 DPI: Web images only. Do not print.
There are several ways to resize an image, from a few online applications to separate professional software. Let me give you some examples.
Adobe Photoshop: It is a professional-grade application which provides super-feature resizing with automatic adjustment of the aspect ratio and area of resolution.
GIMP: GIMP is the open-source edition of the Photoshop with powerful resizing capabilities.
Online Resize Tool: The website ResizeTool.com also allows you to resize images in just a few minutes time without having to install software.
Whichever tool you choose, you must lock the aspect ratio each time that you want to ensure that the resized image maintains the original ratio. This way, there is a minimal chance of distortion, and your image will display according to whatever purpose or perspective the image was shot for.
Check if it is a quality photo now after resizing. Zoom in to check the detail and that there should not be pixels at all. In case of noticing any problem, it might be necessary to begin with a high-resolution image before resizing.
As you save the resized images, please go for a format that will retain good qualities.
JPEG: It is suitable for photos, but high compression reduces the quality.
PNG: Recommended for pictures with transparency and having highly detailed graphics.
TIFF: The file format is more suitable for high-quality print purposes. However, the file size is quite large.
1.What is the recommended print resolution?
We recommend you use 300 DPI for professional printing. Then, upon printing, the images will be readable and crisp.
2. How can I ensure that I am not losing the aspect ratio while resizing?
Most graphic programs let you set an even locked aspect ratio. You want to make sure that when you are entering new dimensions, under "Maintain Aspect Ratio" or something similarly titled, it is selected.
3. Can I print the picture larger than its normal size?
Yes, resampling an image larger than its native size will produce pixelation and loss of quality at the edges of the image. Always scale up from the highest resolution you have of the image.
4. What file type should I use for prints?
JPEG is the default for photographic images, but PNG is wonderful if your image has a transparent background. TIFF is the way to go for large quality output.
5. How do I know that the resolution is adequate for printing?
To check the resolution, you may use an editing software to test it. It shall search for the DPI, ensuring that it has at least 300 DPI to print.
6. Should I first enlarge the picture and then begin the editing or enlarge it after?
I always would make sure to edit the image first then its size. This way, we make sure to get the highest quality output through the editing process.
7. What happens when the selected image is too small for printing in the desired dimension?
If there is not a better resolution than this or other images devoid of pixelation that would print clearly, consider an alternate image.
8. Can I resize my images with my smartphone?
There are countless numbers of apps available for Android and iOS devices which enable you to resize directly from your smartphone.
Resizing an image for printing is always important because that's where the printed material always appears ideal. Knowing the importance of resolution, maintaining the aspect ratio, and using the proper tools will help achieve high-quality prints. Be it family photos, professional marketing materials, or art prints, these practices always guarantee excellent results.
With this in-depth guide, it should be simple to resize your images for your print projects.