How to work out print size I need to order

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connersz

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Jamie
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This is something I need to know anyway but I have an image which is cropped to a weird size and I need a bit of guidance on what size print I should order.

I obviously don't want it stretched or cropped so how do I go about working out what size to order?

The photo in mind is 2560x1440px
 
Who are you using to print it? Most online printers will allow you to upload it then just pick the "scale" option rather than "crop" this will get you a print that has white space top and bottom. With that size you can get a 9" wide print at almost 300dpi, you could go up to 12" no problem but after that you might notice a bit of blurring. That size looks very much like a screen resolution, have you downloaded a desktop background image for printing? Do you have permission to print it?
 
No it's my image but I have cropped it down to a weird size. I tried one of the online printers and it misses a bit off the bottom so will either have to crop it less or find another printer that can do that size.
 
I know you've quoted the image size in pixels, but what size do you actually want the print to be?
 
Well the way I do this when ordering online and as advised by the print lab is as follows;

First take a look at available sizes offered by the print lab.
So for example if they offer 8x6, 9x6, 10x8 etc

Decide what size you want your image to be on the longest size, so lets assume 8 inches.

Convert your image size in your editing software to 8 inches on longest side and at the resolution required by your print lab.
Lets say that works out at the odd size of 8 x 3.8 and 300ppi

So if you want some white space round the image then look at what they offer paper wise and the next one up that it will fit is 9 x 6

So if you have photoshop, go to canvas size and extend the canvas to 9 x 6. This puts a white border around the image but does not affect the image itself

If your printer has a profile then convert to this and send to the print lab

This means your print will come back as above and you will need to trim the short size to how you want it.

If in doubt ask your print lab how to do it, if they cant or wont tell you then find a new print lab.

Hope that makes sense
 
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