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ESKTOP
C
OLOR
P
RIMER
87
Optimizing files for processing and printing
The following sections provide information about how to create image files that produce
the highest possible print quality while minimizing the processing time and disk space
they require.
the highest possible print quality while minimizing the processing time and disk space
they require.
Resolution of raster images
While a 72-ppi raster image appears sharp on a monitor, the same image would likely appear
pixelated when printed to the Color Server. Color printers are capable of much greater detail
than computer monitors, and require correspondingly higher resolution image files. However,
high-resolution files can be large and, therefore, cumbersome to transmit over a network,
process for printing, store on disk, and edit.
pixelated when printed to the Color Server. Color printers are capable of much greater detail
than computer monitors, and require correspondingly higher resolution image files. However,
high-resolution files can be large and, therefore, cumbersome to transmit over a network,
process for printing, store on disk, and edit.
Beyond a certain threshold, a higher image resolution greatly increases file size while having a
minimal effect on output quality. The optimal image resolution depends on the resolution of
the final print device. Aim for the resolution that optimizes both file size and output quality.
minimal effect on output quality. The optimal image resolution depends on the resolution of
the final print device. Aim for the resolution that optimizes both file size and output quality.
The resolution of a raster image, along with its bit depth and physical dimensions, determine
its file size. The following table shows the file sizes of color raster images at different
dimensions and resolutions.
its file size. The following table shows the file sizes of color raster images at different
dimensions and resolutions.
In this table, the shaded areas indicate that 200 ppi is typically the best trade-off between
image quality and file size. However, higher resolutions (for example, 250 to 300 ppi) may be
necessary for offset printing, when quality is of the utmost importance, or for images
containing sharp diagonal lines.
image quality and file size. However, higher resolutions (for example, 250 to 300 ppi) may be
necessary for offset printing, when quality is of the utmost importance, or for images
containing sharp diagonal lines.
To find the best image resolution for your purposes, make test prints of some raster artwork at
different resolutions. Start with a high-resolution image (400 ppi) and save versions at
progressively lower resolutions, down to 100 ppi, using a pixel-editing application, such as
Photoshop. Always save a copy of the original high-resolution version, in case you must revert
to it. The high-resolution data cannot be recreated from a lower resolution version.
different resolutions. Start with a high-resolution image (400 ppi) and save versions at
progressively lower resolutions, down to 100 ppi, using a pixel-editing application, such as
Photoshop. Always save a copy of the original high-resolution version, in case you must revert
to it. The high-resolution data cannot be recreated from a lower resolution version.
File size at
100 ppi
150 ppi
200 ppi
400 ppi
600 ppi
Image size
RGB/CMYK
RGB/CMYK
RGB/CMYK
RGB/CMYK
RGB/CMYK
3"
x
4"
0.4/0.5 MB
0.8/1.0 MB
1.4/1.8 MB
5.5/7.3 MB
12.4/16.5 MB
5"
x
7"
1.0/1.3 MB
2.3/3.0 MB
4.0/5.3 MB
16.0/21.4 MB
36.1/48.1 MB
8.5"
x
11"
2.7/3.6 MB
6.0/8.0 MB
10.7/14.3 MB
42.8/57.1 MB
96.4/128.5
MB
MB
11"
x
17"
5.4/7.1 MB
12.0/16.1 MB
21.4/28.5 MB
85.6/114.1
MB
MB
192.7/256.9
MB
MB
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