So I want to set up an account with a new printing company and received an email from them saying that they are going to print up to 5 8x10 photos at no fee to test calibration. They requested that I do the following:
Prepare your files as follows: sized to 8x10 at 300 PPI, in any imbedded color space and saved as a baseline standard, level 10 JPEG. Any B&W images also should be in RGB, not Grayscale.
Can someone simplify this for me? I'm not sure how to change to 300 PPI, and what is a standard level 10 JPEG? Is it different then a regular JPEG? I know this may seem pretty standard to some of you, but I have never had to change settings like this before.
i would look further on their website about downloading and importing files. every printing company is different. usually most print companys will give you a figure for maximum pixel and file size -- usually it also includes a ddi. then look in your software and see what settngs you have for export that is usually where most information regarding resizing images is located. hope this helps. it's like learning a new language you just keep asking and eventually you create a foundation.
(@rebcastillo77 ) I have a couple of editing programs (PSE being one of them) and they are pretty much the same process so I would be guessing pro is set up similar. Maybe this will help:
CHANGING TO 8X10, 300PPI-
At the top (Next to File, Edit, etc.) go to IMAGE > RESIZE > IMAGE SIZE
a window will pop up with boxes to change sizes and various options. There should be a section that says document size or something simlar. On the right there are drop down menus, make sure the width and height ones are set to inches and the boxes on the left need to say 8 and 10. On the row that says resolution go to the drop down menu and select pixels/inch if that isn't what it already says and in the box type 300. When you set the resolution the 8/10 may change by a few .00's you can type them again if you need to, one will likely stay off a little though. *Note- if the original image was more than 300ppi you may want to sharpen it, or less soften it.
Saving as standard level 10 JPEG-
First of all to answer your quesion, it IS standard JPEG, just has to do with the quality of the image you are saving. If you have it set really low you lose some of your colors, sharpness, etc. and if you set it really high it preserves the quality but takes up more space. To understand this better (if you want to) follow these steps and then try saving one of your images at a level 12 and one at like a level 1 or 2, you will see the difference! =)
Once you are finished resizing your image go to FILE > SAVE AS
(if you keep the image name just click yes when it asks if you want to replace the original file) make sure your file is set to .jpeg (you probably knew that much already, just making it simple!) Ok, now click Save.....a window SHOULD pop up that says JPEG options (or something similar) The top part probably says Image Options and there is a box....type 10 in the box (that makes it a level 10 JPEG, this is where I said try saving one as a 12 and one as a low number) and the dropdown menu should say maximum which is fine unless they specified otherwise....now, the bottom half should say Format Options make sure the circle next to Baseline (standard) is selected, then click OK and you are done!
I really hope this helps you, sorry it was kinda long, and don't worry about it being standard...just remember, even things that seem pretty standard to some people had to be learned by them at some point!
Hahahaha...you are using White House Custom Color. They are fantastic!
@tx_mendoza nailed the Level 10 JPG pretty good. That is a Photoshop-only term, and refers to the highest level of uncompression a photo can be saved.
As for the 8"x10" at 300PPI, this is why you need to ditch thinking in terms of inches. 300PPI, as I'm sure you know, means 300 pixels per inch. That is the maximum print resolution for a photograph. So, an 8"x10" photo is actually 2,400x3,000 pixels.
Stop cropping in inches. Instead, crop in pixels and then you won't have to worry about the PPI.
Let me know how your photos turn out. Mine were spot-on when WHCC sent me the samples. And they do a fantastic job!
well you seem to have your answer... just wait until you get paper and ink choices... what weight... what type of inks... finish... lots of fun... printing is the only reason I enjoy photog! It seperates the wheat from the um... well SOOCs...
@jasonbarnette - Thanks...totally agree w/ ditching the inches, I had to go play w/ my PS to figure it out, I usually do pixels but I'm used to working w/ 4x6 dimensions. =)
@jasonbarnette What is a good place to have photos printed for art shows? The community I live in has an art show and I used mpix for the prints and was relatively happy with the quality. I looked at White House Custom website, but they look like they are geared more for studio level photogs? My printing needs are minimal in terms for quantity, but I do want high quality prints if you could suggest a good direction.
@jasonbarnette so happy to hear that you like their work. I have never used them before (hench this process). I have someone requesting an 8x10 metallic gallery wrap and this was the only site I found that did them- rates are good to. I will be sure to let you know what I think :D Thanks for the info- very helpful
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CHANGING TO 8X10, 300PPI-
At the top (Next to File, Edit, etc.) go to IMAGE > RESIZE > IMAGE SIZE
a window will pop up with boxes to change sizes and various options. There should be a section that says document size or something simlar. On the right there are drop down menus, make sure the width and height ones are set to inches and the boxes on the left need to say 8 and 10. On the row that says resolution go to the drop down menu and select pixels/inch if that isn't what it already says and in the box type 300. When you set the resolution the 8/10 may change by a few .00's you can type them again if you need to, one will likely stay off a little though. *Note- if the original image was more than 300ppi you may want to sharpen it, or less soften it.
Saving as standard level 10 JPEG-
First of all to answer your quesion, it IS standard JPEG, just has to do with the quality of the image you are saving. If you have it set really low you lose some of your colors, sharpness, etc. and if you set it really high it preserves the quality but takes up more space. To understand this better (if you want to) follow these steps and then try saving one of your images at a level 12 and one at like a level 1 or 2, you will see the difference! =)
Once you are finished resizing your image go to FILE > SAVE AS
(if you keep the image name just click yes when it asks if you want to replace the original file) make sure your file is set to .jpeg (you probably knew that much already, just making it simple!) Ok, now click Save.....a window SHOULD pop up that says JPEG options (or something similar) The top part probably says Image Options and there is a box....type 10 in the box (that makes it a level 10 JPEG, this is where I said try saving one as a 12 and one as a low number) and the dropdown menu should say maximum which is fine unless they specified otherwise....now, the bottom half should say Format Options make sure the circle next to Baseline (standard) is selected, then click OK and you are done!
I really hope this helps you, sorry it was kinda long, and don't worry about it being standard...just remember, even things that seem pretty standard to some people had to be learned by them at some point!
@tx_mendoza nailed the Level 10 JPG pretty good. That is a Photoshop-only term, and refers to the highest level of uncompression a photo can be saved.
As for the 8"x10" at 300PPI, this is why you need to ditch thinking in terms of inches. 300PPI, as I'm sure you know, means 300 pixels per inch. That is the maximum print resolution for a photograph. So, an 8"x10" photo is actually 2,400x3,000 pixels.
Stop cropping in inches. Instead, crop in pixels and then you won't have to worry about the PPI.
Let me know how your photos turn out. Mine were spot-on when WHCC sent me the samples. And they do a fantastic job!