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The User can decide what size to make his print with the help of the first table and notes below if required,
and he can judge the resolution for printing from the final table. With these two figures and the Print
Resolution Calculator he can find the third number which can then be entered into his image editor's Image
Size dialogue.
Note:
Changes to the resolution, the pixel count and the print size are all made in the 'Image Size' dialogue
of your image editing programme. Often this will show image size, print size and resolution and will make
the same calculations which the Print Resolution Calculator makes. In this instance the calculator can
provide a check that all is well. Sometimes not all three settings will be available, the calculator can
then help find the right setting to enter.
If you are in doubt as to where the Image Size dialogue is in you image editor and how to change the settings,
please refer to your manual.
The Print Resolution Calculator
This calculator can work out the numbers for you - it can't change your image but it can provide
a check for the changes made by an image editor...and it's quite fun to play with!
Click on the link above and have a go.
Choosing a Print Size
Common paper sizes in portrait orientation with dimensions in both inches and millimetres.
| Paper Size |
Width (in) |
Height (in) |
Width (mm) |
Height (mm) |
| A6 |
4.125 |
5.8 |
105 |
148 |
| A5 |
5.8 |
8.25 |
148 |
210 |
| A4 |
8.25 |
11.7 |
210 |
297 |
| A3 |
11.7 |
16.5 |
297 |
420 |
| A3+ |
13 |
19 |
329 |
483 |
| A2 |
16.5 |
23.4 |
420 |
594 |
Most inkjet printers will have a maximum print size of A4. The dimensions can be used as a
guide in the Resolution Calculator which will accept both inches and millimetres.
Don't forget the print border. Some printers will print to the edge of the paper so the
size of a print can be the full size of the paper. If your printer is not one of these,
or is not set to print borderless prints, allowance must be made for the border when deciding
on a print size.
Resolution Suggestions
If your Image editor allows you to set this figure for an image, setting it will allow you to
print at 100%.
Each and every inkjet printer has a natural printing resolution normally dependent on its make.
The quality of its output can be improved by always printing with a resolution which is a simple
fraction of that natural resolution.
| Printer | Natural dpi | Acceptable Print Resolutions |
| Epson |
720dpi |
180 |
240 |
360 |
720 |
| Canon |
600dpi |
150 |
200 |
300 |
600 |
| Hewlett Packard |
600dpi |
150 |
200 |
300 |
600 |
Experimentation can be helpful in determining which resolution is the most suitable although the subject
matter has some bearing. If a piece of artwork has lots of 45 degree lines and thin drawn circles then
the higher the resolution the better. The red numbers in the table above provide a good starting point
and it may never be necessary to change from one of them.
Pixel Count
The Pixel count refers to either the width of the image in pixels or its height. Use
the more important of the dimensions for your initial calculations and the other afterwards to ensure the
image is not too large for the paper.
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