The right image size

[eliasbo]

I'm using photoshop CS2 and i am beginner. I want to make an advertisement or board. the print size will be 120cm (width) x 40cm (high).

I was wondering what should be the image size to use in photoshop to make such an output later?? and what resolution i should use?

I need some help please as soon as possible to start this work and maybe some help later to get a better opinion.

Thanks in advance.

[thehen]

I would use 120cm x 40cm at a resolution of 300 dpi

[eliasbo]

OK thx for the info. i'll try to see what i'll get but if i want to just print a sample on a A4 to show it to some persons i just resize it before printing?

[thehen]

Then I would go file>new and set the size at A4 and 300dpi, then paste your sample into it so you can position it correctly and so it doesn't get stretched.

[eliasbo]

Thanks for the help again such a good info for a starter like me!
I was wondering if you mind helping me working on the files if i uploaded them on megaupload for example.
If you like and have time tell me plz

Thx anyway

[thehen]

Yeh sure. It'd be easier if you emailed them to me at thehen2@gmail.com.

I'm not a pro at this sort of thing, Medley is, though I'll try anyway.

[Medley]

tandemduo280@comcast.net

300 dpi is a good resolution because it's the resolution that most printers convert to to print (although Epson printers use something closer to 360 dpi).

However, depending on the content of the image, you may be able to get by with less resolution. One of the factors in determining minimum resolution needed is the distance at which the image is likely to be viewed. For example, a 5 foot by four foot image of a cityscape requires more resolution than the same size image of a portrait, because people will stand back to view the portrait (to get the "larger picture"), while generally moving close to the cityscape to examine building detail. It has to do with the number of high contrast edges in the image, and is known as the image's frequency.

So if your banner is a simple "Happy Birthday Medley", you probably don't need 300 dpi. If you'd care to e-mail the image to me at the above address, I'll be happy to look at it for you.

Oh, and thanks for the kind words Hen.

-Medley.

[eliasbo]

ok i sent to both of you guys the email containing the files.
i don't think it's a big job for you, looking forward to see the results.

thanks

[Medley]

Having looked at the images, I'd say you have two choices:

Start a new image in Photoshop, set to 120cmx40cm@300ppi and redo the image from scratch, or:

Go to the Illustrator forum on this website and ask if anyone can convert the image to a vector graphic, enlarge it, and resave in Photoshop format.

The original image you sent me is 5cm x 4 cm. trying to enlarge anything that much in Photoshop would produce catastrophic results. Vector graphics are much easier to enlarge, and your images are of the type that would make good vector graphics.

I have only a very basic knowledge of Illustrator, and I'm sure that you could find someone in the other forum that would do a much better job.

Sorry I couldn't be more help. Best of luck.

-Medley.

[eliasbo]

Thanks guys for all the help, after all i got useful ideas from you so no worry about completing or finishing the job.

i'll try the illustrator forum as you suggested also.

take care and thanks