resolution question

[laurasKL2018]

Hi all,

I'm creating a 1400x700px InDesign document (an ad) that will ultimately become a 1400x700 pixel print ad at 300 DPI. For some reason, when I export it to PDF, the size of the export is 19.45 x 9.73". I don't know why this is happening, or, more importantly, how to get Indd to create a 1400x700 ad. Can anyone out there help me with this?

Many thanks,

Laura S.

[BobLevine · Accepted solution]

Why are you designing for print using pixels? And FWIW, InDesign sees a pixel as 1/72 of an inch.

[laurasKL2018]

The dimensions were given to me in nice "round" numbers of pixels (1400x700) and not-round numbers of inches (4.91x2.33), so I set up the document with pixels. But if I start out using inches, then everything works perfectly. Many thanks to both of you BobLevine and Derek_Cross!

Laura S.

[Derek Cross]

What is the final size of the advertisement in inches or mm?

[Test Screen Name · Accepted solution]

Let's be absolutely firm about this. Print ads are not sized in pixels, but in inches or mm. 

[Test Screen Name]

But it means nothing to be given a print size in pixels. If you're given a resolution, however, you can scratch your head, and then calculate the size in inches/mm. Then absolutely forget any talk of pixels. I assume you're delivering a PDF? Or are you delivering an InDesign package?

[Scott Falkner · Accepted solution]

Pixels are not available as a unit of measure in InDesign. There is an option called pixels but it is not pixels. Pixels have no physical size until you asign a resolution in pixels per inch. Until then the unit is just pixels. InDesign’s pixels are assumed to be 72 PPI and there is no option to change that. This means they cannot legitimately be called pixels. Instead they 1/72 inch each at all times, which is also a point.

When working for peint always use a phsical unit of measure such as inches, picas, points, or millimeters.

[laurasKL2018]

I'm replying to my own email as a way to say THANK YOU for all of your very helpful responses! Problem solved 😉