Final
Analysis
There is a noticeable
difference in output quality from a file that contains enough
pixels to cover an area at 53 ppi versus the recommended 150
ppi.
When placed side
by side (right) and scaled according to the amount of pixels
contained in these two files, the difference in the amount
of image data available to each is dramatically illustrated.
What can be done
when the great picture you've taken with your digital camera,
or created in your favorite software is pixel-deficient?
Unfortunately,
not much, except to settle for a smaller but better-quality
print, or live with the reduced quality of a larger print.
For this reason,
it is very important to capture an adequate amount of pixel
data from the beginning. If shooting with a digital camera,
use the highest-quality image settings that your camera offers.
The best option
for beautiful large print output is still excellent photography
captured on good ol' film, scanned at a high resolution.
Many of our creative
customers create digital "paintings" and other styles
of digital artwork in various software applications. In this
case it is very important to setup your new document when
you begin, at the size you'd like to print when complete,
and at a resolution of at least 150 ppi.
We wouldn't recommend
attempting to add pixels or "resample" completed
image files in Photoshop or other image-editing software.
When the file must be used as is and is a little low res,
it is probably best to allow the printer to interpolate the
file to print to the desired size.
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