The first set of recommendations may be academic, yet they remain fundamental.
- Resolution must always be considered in relation to image size. Specifying that a file is 300 DPI means little. The specification must always include the image size, i.e. 20x20 at 300 DPI. Which implies that a 40x40 image would have a resolution of 150 DPI, an 80x80 image would be 75 DPI, and so forth...
- What matters is the native resolution of the file. Any subsequent interpolation has little (or no) impact on image quality.
- For a small print surfaces, the resolution required in real terms must be high (say 300 or 400 DPI), whereas, for a large print on canvas of say 6m by 3m, 50 DPI can suffice. This is simply because a small output will be looked at close up, whereas the large output will normally be looked at from a distance.
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Print Settings
Lambda Prints
Provide RGB or CMYK files.
When scanning, use little or no sharpening (this varies from scanner to scanner).
| Small format | 200 / 400 DPI at actual size |
| Medium & large formats | 100 / 200 DPI at actual size |
Standard Digital Prints
Prived tif, jpg or bmp files in RGB, uncompressed without levels, alpha channels or rasterisation. Files with different specs are ignored by the system and thus files must be optimised, leading to additional costs.
Being standard prints, files must be provided WYSIWYG: frames, cropping, etc. must be pre-prepared.
When scanning, use little or no sharpening (this varies from scanner to scanner).
| Excellent quality | 300 DPI at actual size |
| Good quality | 100 DPI at actual size |
Ink Jet
CMYK files preferred.
Optimal values: 100 DPI at actual size.
Super wide format
CMYK files preferred.
Optimal values:
| Formats up to 200x300 | 75 DPI at actual size |
| Formats greater than 200x300 | 50 DPI at actual size |
Printing Directly on Rigid Surfaces
CMYK files preferred.
Optimal values:
| Formats up to 200x300 | 75 DPI at actual size |
| Formats greater than 200x300 | 50 DPI at actual size |
Digital A4 & A3 Prints
CMYK files preferred.
| Optimal value | 150 DPI at actual size |
Gerber Edge
Vector files with closed paths (no path width) preferred, otherwise use CMYK tif files.
Prespaced Decals
Provide vector files with closed paths (no path width)
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