Changing image size and resolution

[swalkr]

This seems like a very basic question, but one I can't figure out. My image is approximately 14x11 with a resolution of 72. I want to make it 10x8 with a higher resolution to be able to print it. I've tried going to edit>resize>image size, but when I change the resolution, the physical size is too small. Do I just need to come close by changing to a higher resolution? This is for a photo contest where the photo can be no larger or smaller than 8x10 or in my case 10x8. There is probably a very simple answer to this, but still can't figure it out. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Juergen D]

The simple answer is that your 14 x 11 at 72 PPI resized to 10 x 8 comes out at about 100 PPI. Your original is not large enough to accommodate a sufficient resolution at the new size unless you resample. Resampling in this case means to add pixels to your image to give it a higher resolution. That will probably affect the quality negatively.
Can you go back to a larger (in pixels) original? To produce an acceptable 8 x 10 print, you should have at least 150 - 200 PPI after resizing.

Juergen

[lindajay]

First, do image>resize>image size, UNcheck "resample image", and put 8" as the height. You'll see that you're going to have to crop a tiny bit off of the width, as it comes out 10.182 (just a TINY little bit to crop off to get it the right aspect ratio). You'll also see that your resolution is going to be only 99 ppi. The only way to get the resolution higher is to resample (which does affect the quality somewhat, since the program will be adding in pixels). Now, just cancel out (I only had you do that to see what was going to happen automatically in the next step.)

To actually do the crop and the resolution change, the easiest way is to make the crop tool active, set the width to 10 in, the height to 8 in, and the resolution to 300. Drag the crop tool from one of the corners to as far as it will go, and click the check mark at the top to accept. You photo is now 10x8, at 300 res. But remember, the program did resample for you, so your quality is somewhat less than the original. You may or may not notice it, though.

[lindajay]

Juergen, you beat me to it! But at least we agreed :D

[Juergen D]

Linda,
With all due respect, upsampling from 100 to 300 PPI is a bit steep and not really necessary. As I said, 150 - 200 is perfectly fine for an 8 x 10 under normal circumstances.

Juergen

[Juergen D]

But at least we agreed :D
Almost... :)

Juergen

[swalkr]

To actually do the crop and the resolution change, the easiest way is to make the crop tool active, set the width to 10 in, the height to 8 in, and the resolution to 300. Drag the crop tool from one of the corners to as far as it will go, and click the check mark at the top to accept. You photo is now 10x8, at 300 res. But remember, the program did resample for you, so your quality is somewhat less than the original. You may or may not notice it, though.

Thank you Linda. I'm doing a stained glass on a picture of a cardinal in a tree, so maybe the lower quality will not show. I'll post the results. Thanks again.

[Juergen D]

Ahh well... :(

Juergen

[lindajay]

Juergen, you are so right. I would NOT do that upsampling, myself. I THOUGHT swalkr had said that the contest rules required a res. of 300 -- so I was trying to get to that resolution. But, in re-reading, I now realize the only requirement was 10x8 -- so I agree that 150-200 would be better in this case. My mistake. :o However, swalkr, you might check those rules again. USUALLY the contest will stipulate the resolution as well as the size.