This is probably elementary, but I want to ask....

I'm ordering my first larger format print from WHCC -- a 10x15 from a 5d file. In Photoshop, I went to Image Size, turned resampling off and changed the document size to 15wx10h (proportions constrained). Look fine, but the resolution results in 291.2 ppi.

WHCC requests submitting files at exact size at 300ppi?

What's the correct step by step procedure for bringing the file up to 300dpi, with minimum quality loss? I'm sure there's not much loss regardless of the technique going from 291.2 to 300, but I'd like to know the best approach, as I'll apply in to future prints as well the size is even bigger.

So many thanks in advance! :

Kately

I wouldn't change the size. If you use ROES you can crop there, so you don't need to size the document first. That saves you time and HD space. I get great stuff from WHCC but I also know that labs I've dealt with in the past actually printed at 240, not 300. Press printers print at 300, but photo lab printers didn't. I'm not sure why they want 300. Maybe they have different printers? Somebody else will know for sure, I bet.

But as for the sizing, you don't have to do that.

I would not worry about this small a size difference either but just for future reference resize all my files to 300 DPI as well and I use the 10 rule for up rezing. I have an action in photoshop that uprezes 10 % each time I hit it. This small increase saves quality and reduces artifacts and other problems of uprezing. Just go into images size and change your inches to percent and put 110 for both Width and Height and it will increase 10 percent each time. You can do a lower percent if you want the idea is to increase resolution slowly to keep photoshop from having to make to interpolate to many pixes at one time.

I have gotten sweet 24X36 and bigger from my 8.2 mega pixel files using this technique and they look great.

Like I said I also have an action set up for this so I just hit my shortcut key until I get it to 300 DPI at what evver size I am printing.

Thanks, guys.

And Monarch -- interesting technique and I will try it. It sounds like what I need to do first is go Image Size, turn resampling off, and first change the ppi/dpi to 300. Then, turn resampling on, and use your technique of entering 110%... and repeat technique until I have rezed up to desired size. Sound about right?

Thanks!

Kately,

Yes you have it but you have to leave the resample checked or it will not actually upres the image. I use Bicubic Smoother as I have found it best for enlargements. And if you are using CS3 it will actually say it is best for enlargements.

I then recommend you make an action of this so you just have to hit the keyboard short cut and then check image size to make sure it is 300 dpi.

If you have any questions feel free to PM or e-mail me.