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TheThinkProject2018
Known Participant
February 3, 2020
Answered

Does Pixel Aspect Ratio apply when you design for printing

  • February 3, 2020
  • 4 replies
  • 9254 views

It may have been there forever, but I just noticed the Pixel Aspect Ratio options.

I looked it up, and it seems to apply to image ratios for optimum screen size.

 

It is automatically set to square. I rarely design anything that's square (and most screens aren't square.)

 

Can someone please explain:

Q1. Does this matter at all if you are designing to print?

Q2. If you want to put the image online - do you have to remake the image to fit a mobile screen, and if so - what is the optimal aspect ratio for the most screens.

(None of the options available mean anything to me. I found this attached reference guide, but there are no options like that to choose from)

 

Thank you

Sorry, I did not expect the image re aspect ratios of screens to go inline and it is duplicated.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer davescm

Pixel aspect ratio does not refer to the shape of your image but to the shape of the individual pixels. In most images the pixels are square so an image that measures 100 pixels x 100 pixels will be square. There are however some video formats where non square pixels are used. Those menu choices allow Photoshop to display those formats correctly.

In short for normal image use, just leave it set to square.

Dave

4 replies

PECourtejoie
Community Expert
PECourtejoieCommunity Expert
Community Expert
February 3, 2020

Hello, the pixel aspect ratio refer to the pixel, while the list you give are the image aspect ratio. (1 pixel != the entire image)

davescm
Community Expert
davescmCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
February 3, 2020

Pixel aspect ratio does not refer to the shape of your image but to the shape of the individual pixels. In most images the pixels are square so an image that measures 100 pixels x 100 pixels will be square. There are however some video formats where non square pixels are used. Those menu choices allow Photoshop to display those formats correctly.

In short for normal image use, just leave it set to square.

Dave

    T
    TheThinkProject2018Author
    Known Participant
    February 3, 2020

    Thank you for that.

    I had wanted to know what I should do.

    As I don't do video, it is helpful to know I should keep it on square pixels.

    Stephen Marsh
    Community Expert
    Stephen MarshCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 3, 2020

    Pixel aspect ratio is for video, not print, it is for screen pixels:

     

    https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/creating-images-video.html#adjust_pixel_aspect_ratio is for video

      lambiloon
      Community Expert
      lambiloonCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 3, 2020

      Hi check the following video you will understand what it means....regards

       

      https://youtu.be/1MCS1pCfNeo

      Ali Sajjad / Graphic Design Trainer / Freelancer / Adobe Certified Professional
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