Image Resolution
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- autonoma
What resolution to you use for your images when working for print? Is 300 pretty standard?
- Biofreak0
100% at 300dpi is pretty standard for print, but it really kinda depends on what it is you'll be working on.
for instance, youd be wasting space if you were designing for a newspaper cuz they can only print at like 96 dpi.
when in doubt, ask your printer. no one will know what you need better than those guys. and they generally like it when you ask questions, cuz it will save them and you time and pain in the longrun.
- kerus0
1.5x-2x the line screen of the printer. or round up to 300 and be safe.
and that doesnt just mean make something at 300dpi and throw it into quark. it must, after scaling etc, still come to 300-ish..
flightcheck is your friend.
- Biofreak0
i also think that most printers will still accept FPO images (for position only) in your layout and will scan the images and make any color corrections necessary for their machines. a good printer will know thier machines and what to do to get the most from them.
i wouldnt do that with kinko's. i mean reputable printers. that way you can be pretty damned sure that your images will come out top quality on their mahines.
i probably wouldnt suggest that unless it was a really big, highdollar job. but what the hell do i know? im just a salt licker.
- autonoma0
I'm designing a CD cover/booklet. I'm not the most capable graphic designer, as I don't know a whole lot about the print process.
- Biofreak0
if you arent too familiar with the process, it'd probably be a good idea to call the printer you'll be using and just talk with them for a bit.
you'll learn a lot just from chatting informally with them. nothing stuffy, just explain that you are more familiar with other aspects of design or something, they'll probably be glad to talk with you and shoot the shit.
i run the large format printer here and i am always glad when someone takes the time to ask me "What would make this easiest on you?"
- kodap0
follow the printexpertfreak rules
he rules
- Biofreak0
printexpertfreak is definitly no expert.
i know large format posters, signs, wraps. that is all i deal with, so... anything else i say is always best crossreferenced with others. =)
- autonoma0
From my experience, it seems like printers really enjoy talking about this stuff anyway.
- Biofreak0
this is the plain truth autonoma.
they are generally very happy to take time to sit and talk with you. there is no better relationship to form for a designer than that with the printer.
believe me, when i do a lot of work for the same group/individual, i will work a lot harder for the ones that take time to consult with me. and because they take the time to ask what i need, i always get the rigth stuff from them wich saves me time and them money. cuz my time aint cheap. =)
- surfito0
keep your stuf at 300 dpi.
and just one tip.
if youre going to go to kinkos, make your sayout and save it as pdf, and make sure the color is rgb, not cmyk.
if its not pdf they wont know what to do with it so youll waste money having to rent a computer.