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Help needed to export client image for 24"x24" print

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
April 5, 2017
3 replies
3220 views

New to Lightroom/exporting using online month to month version. Delivering image file only to client so they can print 24"x 24" on matte paper. Library mode/Metadata, Dimensions are 3406x3406 cropped. Can I change to 7200x7200 (300dpi)? This would give me the correct measurement for desired print size, no? Exported file sizes are between 5-6MB, but it's my understanding that this is irrelevant bringing me back to dimensions.... During File export, Image Sizing seems to have an option for Dimensions, but checking Resize to fit seems to be a no no from research? Left confused...

Appreciate any step by step help.

Thank you!!

[Moderator note: title edited for clarity & brevity]

exprting dmensions

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Correct answer Per Berntsen

When you enlarge an image, the missing pixels will have to be invented when you export. This will reduce image quality - how much depends on how much you enlarge it.

In your case, you have a 3406 x 3406 image, containing roughly 12 million pixels.

The enlarged image will contain 7200 x 7200 pixels - 52 million pixels - which means that 40 million pixels will have to be invented - the majority of the image.

But chances are that such a large image doesn't need 300 ppi for printing, 180 might be enough, in which case you only need 4320 x 4320 pixels, or 18 million pixels, a relatively modest enlargement, and you may find the quality acceptable.

To do this, check Resize to fit, and enter 24" under Long edge, and 180 under Resolution.

For best results, use Output sharpening for print, try Standard.

And if you export as jpg, set quality to 100, or even better, export as Tiff, which does not use lossy compression.

Geoff the kiwi

Community Expert

I don't see the file/image posted here so no one knows what it looks like.

It is easily possible to print super large (read 2x3 metres) from a 6mp file ... viewing distance, position, use are all in the equation....

let's not over complicate this.....

bb7bAuthor

Participating Frequently

Per Berntsen, could you advise your suggested Resize to fit dimensions specifically for my photos 1,2, and 3? Step by Step?

How do I address the "Don't enlarge" option?

If it sounds like I'm asking you to do this for me, I am. I've learned so much and will no doubt continue my research, but need to get these images out and not trusting my novice calculations.

Again, these are my current cropped sizes all needing to result in a quality 24"x24" B&W matte print:

1. 3406x3406

2. 3058x3058

3. 2811x2811

Thanks in advance!

Per Berntsen

Community Expert

Since you want to enlarge the photos, Don't enlarge has to be unchecked. Checking this box prevents the image from being enlarged. I have created some examples to illustrate what happens when you enlarge an image, using your cropped dimensions.

I used the image below, a sharp 6000 x 4000 image.

First, I exported the whole image full size, with these export settings:

which resulted in this, viewed at 100% in Photoshop:

Then, I created three cropped versions, at 3406, 3058, and 2811 pixels, and exported them with these settings - enlarging them all to 24 inches, 180 ppi.

As you can see, the quality gets worse the more you enlarge. The 3406 image doesn't look too bad, but the 2811 image has in my view been enlarged too much. But this all depends on the nature of the image, your requirements, and the viewing distance.

I suggest that do these exports yourself, and view the images at 100% to evaluate them.

The best thing is obviously to avoid enlarging altogether.

bb7bAuthor

Participating Frequently

For trying to create enlargements with 24" in the short dimension (24X36 24X24 etc) and using APC or even Full Frame DSLR's it not just about the camera and lens but the WHOLE photo process.

Here is a few:

Having the camera on a tripod and using mirror lockup and a remote release to eliminate shake. (a big killer of quality)

Using the lens at its optimum f stop where it is sharpest if the photo allows it.

Getting the focus spot on. Using live view and manual focus if needed and the photo allows it.

Using lower ISO settings to eliminate noise.

Try to crop in camera so you don't have to waste pixels (you don't have many to start with.)

As far as cameras are concerned, if you want to do large prints than a full frame sensor and with lots of pixels is a must. Also sharp lenses are a must.

If you want to use your present camera and lenses for large photos and if the subject allows it (no movement) than you can always zoom in from the same position and take a 3X2 or a 6X4 or more multi column/row panorama off a tripod and stitch the photos in Lightroom. The perspective of the photo will be the same as the single photo if you shoot from the same position. Using this technique will let you print HUGE photos at high resolution.

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm learning so much. Unfortunately, I'm unable to reshoot the project because the season was snowy ideal and now we are into spring. And cropping in camera was a bit of a challenge due to shooting moving trains (danger, danger) which had me zooming and using glass on a lens that was noticeably lower quality than some to avoid being too close for comfort. All food for thought as I move forward!

Knowing now that my export size will not give high quality prints at 24x24, as a professional, should I delicately suggest a smaller print size and compensate the desired 24x24 total size with matte and frame, therefore, hoping to reduce image size to a 19" or 20" square print to enhance quality?

Promise this thread will be checked "correct answer" soon, just gathering my best options to move forward with what I have! appreciate all the input!

Per Berntsen

Correct answer

Community Expert

When you enlarge an image, the missing pixels will have to be invented when you export. This will reduce image quality - how much depends on how much you enlarge it.

In your case, you have a 3406 x 3406 image, containing roughly 12 million pixels.

The enlarged image will contain 7200 x 7200 pixels - 52 million pixels - which means that 40 million pixels will have to be invented - the majority of the image.

But chances are that such a large image doesn't need 300 ppi for printing, 180 might be enough, in which case you only need 4320 x 4320 pixels, or 18 million pixels, a relatively modest enlargement, and you may find the quality acceptable.

To do this, check Resize to fit, and enter 24" under Long edge, and 180 under Resolution.

For best results, use Output sharpening for print, try Standard.

And if you export as jpg, set quality to 100, or even better, export as Tiff, which does not use lossy compression.

bb7bAuthor

Participating Frequently

Thank you Per Berntsen! I appreciate your helpful explanation. Can you go into detail what "Resize to fit" does to the file? And why some people may choose not to check the box?

Per Berntsen

Community Expert

When Resize to fit is unchecked, the pixel dimensions of the image will not be changed on export - i.e. the exported image will have the same pixel dimensions as the original.

When Resize to fit is checked, the exported image can be made smaller than the original (you would do that if the image is going on the internet, or to make a small print), or it can be made larger.

Reducing the size of an image does not generally reduce quality, but increasing the size will reduce image quality, because missing pixels will have to be invented (interpolation).

It's important to understand that digital images do not have physical dimensions, they only have pixel dimensions.

The ppi (pixels per inch) number tells the printer how densely these pixels should be printed, and this determines the physical dimensions.

For instance, an image that is 3000 pixels wide will print 10 inches wide at 300 ppi, because 3000:300 = 10.

Lightroom does this math for you, even if physical dimensions are not a property of the image.

For on-screen viewing, ppi is irrelevant - the image will display according to its pixel dimensions.

You may also find this article useful: What is a digital image?

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