Resolution and Printing Tips

Cons: large file size, only Photoshop can open Photoshop File Types PSD- Photoshop Document-allows the user to save the file in the Photoshop format and access the Layers, Histograms, and actions at a later date. Pros: can access info Cons: large file size, only Photoshop can open JPG- a method of compression to make a file smaller and universal. Pros: smaller file size, wide variety of programs can open Cons: loss of detail, cannot access Layers etc… GIF- an older method of compression – very small file size, only 256 colors, huge loss of detail. When working in Photoshop, you should convert GIF’s to JPG or PSD format through the Save As function. PNG, BMP- both compressed files similar to GIF for use on Internet. Small file size, limited color, loss of detail when enlarged.

A digital image, just like the image you see on your computer monitor or television, is made up tiny dots called pixels. The term "Resolution", when used to describe a digital camera refers to the size of the digital image the camera produces, and is usually expressed in terms of "megapixels" or how many million pixels it can record in a single image. The number of pixels a camera captures is called the camera's resolution.

The image below shows the relative image sizes of today's most common digital cameras. At their actual size even the smallest of them would likely be larger than your entire computer screen. Notice the tremendous difference between 2.1 megapixels and 3.3 megapixels. This is why you'll get better prints from a 3 megapixel camera when compared to a 2 megapixel camera. More resolution means better quality - up to a point. Both optics and the quality of the image capture chip play a role too.

Interpolation is a method of constructing new data points within the range of a set of known data points. (In English: when a camera or software uses a mathematical formula to increase, or decrease, the size of a digital file.) The idea behind Interpolation is to increase the file size of an image without creating a pixelated look for the finished product. Interpolation is the act of increasing the number of pixels based on the original pixel information and is generally used when trying to make large print from a high quality, but relatively small image. Bicubic interpolation uses the original pixel and 16 of the surrounding pixels to determine what color the new pixels will become. Nearest Neighbor interpolation simply takes the original pixel and multiplies it by however much you are increasing the image size. Bilinear interpolation only uses four of its neighboring pixels.

Zoomed Interpolation

Computer screens, monitors, electronic output only needs 72 dpi to be crisp. Printing needs are higher. When printing on paper, we need to set our Resolution much higher. It needs to be at least 200dpi, but preferably the Ideal setting is 300dpi. The more detail and the crisper the image needs to be, the higher the Resolution needs to be. So get in the habit of making ALL your Documents at 200dpi.