2x2 image enlarged to 8x8 or 10x10?

[jasonq21721174]

Hi all,

I am a beginner when it comes to image resizing in Photoshop CS5. I have a 2x2 scanned image that I would like to enlarge to either a size of 8x8, 8x10 or 10x10, baring pixelation. I wanted to start a discussion to be sure that I am sizing the image correct. The end result image will be printed, so I have the image resolution set at 300. All I have to do is set the image height and weight to my desired size, correct?

I attached a screen print of my image size dialog box for refrence:

[Per Berntsen]

If the original image is 2 x 2", the pixel dimensions will be 600 x 600 – 360,000 pixels

When you enlarge it to 8 x 8", the pixel dimensions will increase to 2400 x 2400 – 5,760,000 pixels.

So where will all these new pixels come from? Photoshop will have to invent them, and the result will not look good.

I suggest that you rescan the image at a much higher resolution.

Are you scanning a print or a film negative?

[jasonq21721174]

It is a print photo. I have a file that I scanned at 800 dpi, but dropped it down to 300 based on online tutorials. Should I keep the resolution at 800?

[Per Berntsen · Accepted solution]

Yes, you should have kept the resolution, so if you don't have the original scan, rescan it.

This time, set the ppi to 300, and the size to 8 x 8 inches.

The relationship between physical dimensions, ppi and pixel dimensions is like this:

Pixel dimensions divided by ppi = physical dimensions in inches.

So in this case the pixel dimensions will be 8 (inches) x 300 (ppi) = 2400.

Digital images do not have physical dimensions (they consist of pixels), but physical dimensions can be calculated with the ppi number.

Be aware that if the original print (or the section of it) that you are scanning is significantly smaller than 8 x 8, the quality will not be good.

A print only contains what you see with the naked eye, and enlarging it will lead to reduced sharpness, and any texture in the paper will become visible.

If the image was shot on film, and you have access to the negative and a scanner that can scan film, the result will be much better. Film contains a lot of information not visible to the naked eye, and can be enlarged with much smaller quality loss.

[jasonq21721174]

Thank you for the breakdown. I wish I was able to scan the phtoto negatives but I do not have them. I also don't have to go as large as 8x8, especially if a 4x6 or 5x7 will produce better results.