sizing images for printing

[IainB]

I understand that the G1 does not capture images in convenient 'standard' dimensions, so when I want to print out an image (Canon S800) I am having a bit of trouble even printing out a 6"x4"! When resizing the image under Adobe Photoshop (limited) what settings do I need to fill a photocard (HP) 10.2cm by 15.2cm. It seems to be trial and error...mostly error! All attempts leave unequal white spaces around the image. If I try to resize larger than the paper, I am firmly told that this is larger than the paper size!!!
If anyone can offer some tips or answers I would be most pleased. If I don't start filling the albums with some 6x4 pics soon, I'm history!

[slejhamer]

Iain,

The easiest method I have found is to go straight to the cropping tool, set the dimensions to 6 in. x 4 in. (or 4x6in., or 10.2cm by 15.2cm, or whatever you want them to be) and, most importantly, set the resolution to 300 ppi. (Most consumer inkjets recommend 240 or 300 ppi as "optimal" resolution. Check your S800's manual.)

Note: The default resolution for the cropping tool is 72 ppi, which is fine for a monitor but not for printing. It is necessary to increase resolution here if you intend to print at your new image dimensions. Fortunately, Photoshop (including Limited) will remember your settings for next time.

After you adjust the settings, simply select the area you want to print and hit enter. The image will be cropped and resized at the appropriate resolution. Now print away.

As far as I can tell, the cropping tool is an easier way to achieve the same result as using the selection tool with a constrained aspect ratio and then adjusting resolution manually. Anyway, it works for me.

Hope that helps you get your albums filled!


IainB wrote:
If I don't start filling the albums with some 6x4 pics soon, I'm history!

[Mike K]

Let me guide you to the cropping tool using PS 5.0 LE that came with your G-1. Click on the tool in the upper left of the tools on the vertical tool box, the Marquee tool. You see the little triangle in the lower right of that box? click on the triangle and hold it (several choices should come up) and then drag the pointer over the crop tool (bold box with a diagonal dotted line) . That should have activated the cropping tool. Crop your image from 2.67 to 4 inches (3x2 aspect ratio) using the rulers on the image and by dragging from the lower left to the upper right. Then grab the center square and drag the frame up and down to frame to the portion of the image you want. Under "Image" is the crop command to complete the sequence.
Resizing doesn't have to do with the borders on your print, it will simply average or interpolate new pixels to your desired density (as recc. before, 240-300 dpi is conventional). Most of the centering & borders is controlled by your print driver. I am not familiar with the HP driver, and cannot be of help there. Remember to use unsharp mask AFTER resampling to the desired print size, not before. here are a few basic tutorials on PS, the lab color issue will not apply to LE.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/instant_photoshop.htm
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/understanding_resolution.htm
Mike K

[IainB]

Thanks to both Slejhamer and Mike K for your instructions! I will work through them as soon as I get back from a short vacation, hopefully with some worthwhile photos to print!
Thanks very much.
Iain