Resizing for print

[nkeevers]

I've seen a lot of threads on resizing (somewhat comfusing at times though I know what ppi and dpi are). If I want to print a fixed up image (whether it has special effects or not) is the following right:

1. First I go to Image/Resize to change the res to 300. (resample unchecked) If the size doesn't look right(and usually it isn't the size I want to print i.e., example-maybe it's showing 11.52 x
7.68 and I want to print 4x6.

2. I then go to my image and, using the rectangular marque, I will crop some of the unwanted edges (this is of course after I have already saved it as something else so I can preserve my original)

3. I go back to Image/Resize and change the document size to 6x4 (with resample back on).

.Is this correct and it will now print out right on 4x6 photo paper?

[Juergen D]

Norma,
In this case you should first use the Rectangular Marquee Tool, set at Fixed Aspect Ratio, 6 and 4, and define the area of the image you want to keep.
Then go >Image >Crop and look next at the size in >Image >Resize. With the Resample box unchecked, change the larger size to 6 and the smaller will default to 4. The resolution should now be at a higher value then 300 ppi. Leave it right there. Printing with a higher resolution does not do any harm.
If you arrived at a lower resolution, only then should some resampling be done, if necessary. The image does not have to be at 300 ppi. For a 4x6 you can get a very good print at 240 ppi.

Juergen

[nkeevers]

Juergen, thanks for the tips! I'll try that this afternoon and see what happens when I print. Now, can these same instructions be used on enhanced pictures done in PE4 and at any size?

[Juergen D]

Yes. Only if you go to a larger size, you may have a smaller then 300 ppi resolution, which may be alright as the larger size print does not require as high a resolution as a smaller one.
It really also depends on your previous editing. Sometimes your image may have gotten somewhat grainy if, for instance, you had to lighten it up. If you look at it on screen at 100% you can usually make a pretty good judgment. Some trial and error will probably help too.

Juergen

[nkeevers]

Thanks. I appreciate the help! I'll try an 8x10 to see how it looks also.

[Tom K]

Hi Norma;

There is always more than one way with PSE

Your step 1 is fine. Instead of step 2 - select the crop tool then
up on the options line enter 4 in one box 6 in the other make sure its in inches
When you start to drag out with the cursor the area you want to retain PSE will fix the aspect ratio at 4x6 regardless of the area selected on the screen.
Try it on a picture - when you make a selection only go part way across
the screen then try another going most of the way across the screen.
Using the ruler tool they will both measure the same 4x6

Tom:)

[nkeevers]

Thanks Tom. I have lots of different ways to do this now. We'll see whichever is easier or better for whatever I'm doing I guess.