Instruction manual

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9.1 Printers and Image Resolution
The two main types of printers are laser and inkjet. Laser printers are
generally faster and cheaper (per print); however, all but the most expensive ones
are better at printing text than they are at printing images. Inkjets are still the best
choice for printing photos, even though they are slower and usually cost more per
print. In this chapter we will discuss printing on inkjet printers.
9.1.1 Image Resolution
Image resolution plays a huge role when it comes to printing: the higher the
resolution the larger the printing options. In order to get the best prints from your
printer, you need to experiment. Choose a high-quality image and sample it at
different sizes; print each one and compare them to see where the quality
threshold lies with your printer. In our examples we’ll assume 200 dpi (printer
resolution is measured in dots per inch, and the better inkjet printers print at 200 -
300 dpi). Note: Setting the dpi larger than it needs to be doesn’t translate into
better quality pictures -- you’ll just make the file larger.
To determine how big your photo should be before you print it, just multiply
the output size (in inches) by 200. The following table illustrates the minimum
dimensions your photo needs to be in order to produce a certain print size:
To obtain this print size (inches)
You need this file size (pixels)
4 x 6
800 x 1200
5 x 7
1000 x 1400
8 x 10
1600 x 1200
11 x 17
2200 x 3400
As this table shows, it takes a lot of pixels to make a high-quality photo.
Luckily, many printers will still give you very good photos even if your use an
image with a lower than ideal resolution. See the “Resizing” section, below, for
directions on resizing an image with the proper resolution. And remember that if
the output size isn’t as important as having a sharp print, just print the photo
smaller.
You can determine a photo’s resolution in any folder in Windows, or in most
photo editing software programs. To find resolution information in a Windows
folder:
• Navigate to the photo and move your cursor over the photo
• A ‘balloon’ will appear containing the photo dimensions, type, and size
9.1.2 Photo Printing Wizard
Windows makes printing fast and easy with the help of the Photo Printing
Wizard. If your photo is in the ‘My Pictures’ folder, select the photo you want to
print, select ‘Print this picture’ under the “Picture Tasks” on the left side of the ‘My
Pictures’ window. If your photo is in a folder other than ‘My Pictures’, you get to