Print Size

[christal]

If someone has a 600x400 size image on CD how large of a print can they print?

[dakwegmo]

It depends:
@ 300 dpi, 2"x1.33"
@ 200 dpi 3"x2"
@ 100 dpi 6"x4"

and you get the idea. The fewer dots per inch in the print, the lower the quality of the image. 600x400 is a pretty good size to put on a CD for proofing, if you don't want them to get high quality prints from the proofs.

[christal]

What size do you recommend for a proof cd?

[fletch]

Originally Posted by christal

What size do you recommend for a proof cd?

Somewhere between 500 and 800 pixels on the longest side.

Bear in mind that you can easily print a 600 x 400 image at 6" x 4" using a Wallmart type print service with enough quality to put in an album or frame. 800 pixel wide shots looks great as part of slide show. 500 is enough to judge composition but won't look all that 'wow'.

Also bear in mind that peoples screens will not be calibrated and they may not be seeing your pics in a good light. I would either have them come to you to view proofs on your calibrated monitor in controlled conditions or send them a proof book, 12/15 pics per A4 page, sprial bound. Won't cost you much but is a great little taster for the real thing.

[christal]

The images that I need to reduce is to put on facebook. I still want to make sure that they will not be printed in a 4x6 print at walmart also. What size do you think is suitable?

[dakwegmo]

604 on the long edge seems to be about the maximum size that Facebook will display, so they certainly don't need to be any bigger than that. People printing low quality images at walmart or wherever is risk you run once you release your images into the wild. It doesn't matter how small you make them, some people will still try to print them to avoid paying you for the prints. The only way to prevent them from doing that is to not give them images at all.

[dcclark]

You really can't make sure, christal. Sorry. It's the danger you risk, in exchange for extra publicity. In my experience, it's worth the risk.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by fletch

Bear in mind that you can easily print a 600 x 400 image at 6" x 4" using a Wallmart type print service with enough quality to put in an album or frame.

Not necessarily. I know of several photo-printing locations that require at least 150dpi: the system doesnt even show files that are any smaller.