enhancing jpeg files

[chuckles]

Is anyone aware of software (freeware, hopefully) that can "beef up" JPEG files for suitable print resolution?
THanks

[GaryK]

Hi Chuckles

Welcome to the forums.:)

There are a few around (none freeeware that come to mind ..sorry)
The only one whose name I can remember is Qimage.

I have never used it, or any other so I can't comment on suitability or quality.
I do believe that one has a 3 picture trial or something along those lines but that was a while ago so it may have changed.

Hopefully someone else will have some experiance with some of them.

[Byron Gale]

Chuckles,

Would you be a bit more detailed in your request? What do you mean by "beef up"?

I get JPEG images out of my camera and they are quite suitable for print.

Not being glib - just asking for clarity.

Byron

[Chuck S.]

I bought QImage a couple years back on several recommendations, but I found it to be somewhat difficult to use and very unstable (thumbnails would get damaged and I'd have to rebuild the program's browser over and over). I've found that printing directly out of Elements works just fine for most images; those images that don't print well are generally mediocre to begin with.

Chuck

[MarieBoyer]

I have Qimage and I love it! Stable as can be. Never heard anyone say it is unstable. That is a first, Chuck. But, it does not have a simple user-interface. I have the "how to" .pdf printed and sitting by my side if I try anything new with it. Once you learn how to use it, it is magic. Pure magic.

Did I say I like it?

I have also heard GREAT things about Alien Skin's "Blow Up" software for enlarging photos.

[Chuck S.]

Well, Marie, maybe I ought to try QImage again on your recommendation! I'll probably have to start over with a brand new download; no telling what version they're up to by now. In hindsight, I'll bet it's been 4 years since I first tried it - two computers ago.

Thanks!

Chuck

[Chuck S.]

Marie, you inspired me - I found the e-mail with my unlock code for QImage. It was from January, 2003, and it was for QImage Pro 2003. And upgrades at the same level are free ad infinitum, so I'm just waiting for an updated unlock code and I'll be good to go.

Thanks again!

Chuck

[MarieBoyer]

Fantastic Chuck. Make sure you have a link on your desktop to the help-pdf. I actually printed it out so I can have the hard copy nearby; somehow that gives me a sense of security with new software. But I still use his "Learn By Example" tutorials to do almost anything new. 'Cause the interface is a bit quirky. But, once learned, it is amazing. For collages and photo gifts, you would not believe how easy it is to put multiple photos onto a page, add text, add effects and perfect! The best aspect of Qimage, for me though, is the color management. My prints look JUST like the soft proof version!

And, those free lifetime upgrades! Yowsa!

Glad you are giving it a go again!

[chuckles]

Byron & Co.,
I'm creating a wedding photo book for publication and want to include some images from an online album a friend created. Unfortunately, she never retained the original files and would have to pay the hosting service for archive CD's for all images in all albums>3000 images....at a significant cost. I went into the online album and individually saved the desired photos to my desktop but the the hosting service reduces the file size for displaying purposes. So, I was wondering if there existed intelligent software to somehow enhance/improve the file size to improve resolution when printed.
CHuckles

[Wendy]

Hi Chuckles ...

What size is the image and what resolution ... just do Image>Resize>Image size ... write down all the details and then click on cancel.

Just let us know the details ... but to be honest I supect that it will be too small and too low resolution for high quality printing ...

Wendy

[chuckles]

This is one of the larger files


Pixel Dimension 900k 640 x 480

Document Size W = 8.889 in Height = 6.667 in
Resolution 72


Chuckles

[Wendy]

Hi ...

If you adjust that from printing resolution then the final image will be small ... but its worth trying out some of the suggests ... then print out and see how it looks :)

Wendy

[GaryK]

Chuck

Let me know how the new version works.
(Marie... I do believe you, but to have a convert would be nice.:D )

I have been looking at it since you got your first version, I just don't print enough but I could revisit the issue.. especially with lifetime upgrades. Don't worry I'll check that out before I purchase, just in case they have made changes to the policy..

[MarieBoyer]

Gary:
If you do not print a lot, it is probably not worth it. It is really designed for professional printers (not me). But I have learned to love it. Again, it is has a quirky interface and a million hidden features, but with the .pdf, I am able to figure out how to use it (that is saying a lot)!

[Chuck S.]

I received the unlock code early the next business day after I requested it, so the free upgrades policy is real! Next step is to find some time to install and see if this old dog can learn some new tricks...

Chuck

[GaryK]

see if this old dog can learn some new tricks...

Chuck

Chuck

I just fake it.. most people don't know:D

[chuckles]

Wendy....at your suggestion, I did resize the file and print both the original and new file (4 x 6). I can say there is marginal improvement.......which is what you expected.
Thanks,
Chuckles

[chas3stix]

Chuck,
There is a monthly article that runs on Steve's digicams web site by the maker of Qimage. It's called the Tech Corner. A lot of useful information about digital printing there.
Chas