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kuetj01
kuetj01
Participant
November 13, 2016
Question

Maximum Enlarging for Mural

  • November 13, 2016
  • 2 replies
  • 1488 views

I've searched for this specifically, and while I've found a lot of posts about enlarging, none quite apply to my situation.

I render 3d computer graphic images and am now getting requests to generate mural-sized images (10' x 16' to be printed at 150dpi or 28,800 px wide). Rendering the image at that size would take weeks, so I'm wondering what the smallest size is that I can render at, and then use the image resizing function in Photoshop to get it up to the final dimensions, without significantly losing image quality. For instance, can I start with a rendered image as small as 6000 px wide and gradually resize up to 28,800, or will the quality be crap? Has anyone had experience doing this? Appreciate any guidance/suggestions.

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    2 replies

    mytaxsite
    mytaxsite
    Inspiring
    November 13, 2016

    You can try:

    File >> Automate >> Fit Image  (This is from the Menu bar, I am sure you understand this).

    Then enter your new image size and then see if it works for you.

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 13, 2016

    You will lose quality as you enlarge ​but.....

    Start with the viewing distance.
    The maximum resolution resolvable with good eyes is given by the formula ppi = 1/((distance in inches x .000291)/2)  - see link below.

    So for example at 12 feet, good  eyes in optimal lighting, will resolve 1/((12 x 12 x .000291)/2) = 47 dpi.  At that resolution your 16 ft wide image would need 9024 pixels - anything else is wasted.

    Unless you are decorating the inside of a lift, then typical viewing distance is 1.5 x diagonal - or in your example 18 feet.

    That would give a resolvable dpi of 31 dpi, requiring 5952 pixels.

    In short, at typical viewing distance - you should be fine with 6000 px to start.

    The link below may help you.

    Resolution for print viewing distance

    Dave

      kuetj01
      kuetj01Author
      Participant
      November 13, 2016

      Dave, thanks for your response.

      The challenge is these are panels that are going to be used in a children's museum where the kids will be coming right up to the image. The client has stated that their print resolution is 150 dpi - so I'm assuming they've done the tests to determine what is appropriate for the spaces.

      Of course they're located across the country from me and I don't have access to a large-format printer to test prior to sending them final files.

      davescm
      Community Expert
      davescmCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      November 13, 2016

      Can you render a couple of very small sample sections at the equivalent of say 6000px  then enlarge to 150 dpi and print yourself ( A4 or A3 ) and see what they look like close up ? That should tell you whether your starting point is acceptable at the viewing distance you envisage.

      Dave

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