Final objective:  one single image split across 3 separate panels, as per attached example.

That attachment was made just now using, "Print to File", 3x1 poster settings; the "printer driver" was "Print to File" size set to 5W x 7L.  I combined them into a single image using Paint.NET.  I don't know how else to do that.  Each of the three individual files produced by Qimage from a 14.68MB JPEG were about 3.9MB ea.

Thanks, Terry, for sticking with me on this.  I appreciate the help.  And I realize that I should have included an example with my original post, it would have made my query much clearer from the get-go.

I think I have to take issue with your comment about poster print mode only being for "real" printing.  It's kinda-sorta working for me printing to file, eventually to paper.  But maybe I'm misinterpreting your comment.

I'm more than pleased with the results, not unhappy with the process, although getting to the final result was a struggle for me. 

I have to run, will be away for a few hours.  When I get back, I'll post some screen caps showing how sometimes I have to go from 5x2 to 3x1 in the poster settings (may have to split the post if I can't get the attachments down to size --  is that 256kb per image, or for all 4 allowed images in total?).

Again, apologies for not including an example in the beginning. 

--George

Apologies, I tend to either include too much or too little information, or too much of irrelevant or too little of relevant. <sigh>

I'm actually printing to file.  I want three individual paper prints that can be trimmed down to 7h x 5w.


"Print to File" for testing/intermediate purposes.

Otherwise, for the next month or two, an HP Photoshop C6280.

Also printing to PDF; my procedure seems to be working for this, but I haven't printed to paper from the PDF yet.


So I think I do need the poster setting, if just for the "Print to File" operation.   I'm guessing that this won't work printing a 7x5 to an 8x10 sheet of paper.     I'll have to test this later today or tomorrow, see if I can pound Qimage into submission.

I'm attaching an image of the type of frame we'll be using.

At this point, I'm getting the results I need temporarily (until the printer upgrade), just wondering if there was any significance to having to input the poster rows/cols twice, or it there was a better way to achieve my end result.

(The image attachment isn't showing in the Preview, so I don't know if I attached it correctly, or if I've attached it twice.  I'll find out after posting.  Apologies if it's posted twice.)

--George

In trying to refine a question on how to make 3-panel triptych-style prints, I was able to finally work out procedure that works for me most of the time (95%?).  This is for printing out a 15x7 (3 5x7 panels) aspect image.

However, there is one issue that is the result of either my lack of understanding, or there's a small glitch in the program.

Full Disclosure:  I've only been a registered user for 7 days, read the forum as well searched elsewhere on the 'net, watched numerous videos. 

Here are the steps I use:

NOTE:  for me to achieve my final results, I have to use the PRINT SIZE ("zebra") button exactly as indicated below.

In the Preview (?) panel, click PROPERTIES on the SETTINGS tab; select "Printer" under PRINTER/MEDIA; set ORIENTATION to "Portrait"; set page width and height (w = ? h = ?, e.g. 5x7) of the desired print area; select "Change print size to {selected w x h}"; press OK.  [Even though final output will be in landscape orientation, apparently still need to choose portrait mode.]

Still in the Preview panel:  Click on LIVE VIEW tab, which should be showing the selected print size/orientation (just to make sure everything is as expected).

Click on the selected thumbnail, then click the PRINT SIZE button, select CUSTOM, select "Enter POSTER rows/cols"; set "Auto Cropping" to ON; set
"Print Orientation" to "Lock".  (Not sure if it's important, but under "Apply Settings" I select "Temporarily...".)

The Preview panel should show the Landscape mode image inside of the Portrait mode preview.

BUT:  AN INCORRECT INDICATION OF ROWS AND COLS WILL BE SHOWN.

For example, if my custom poster setting was for 3x1, the indication will be for 5x2 (usually, occasionally something different).

So then I have to again click the PRINT SIZE button on the preview image (not the one at the bottom), and re-select the 3x1 poster rows/cols.

So far I only print-to-file before committing to paper (printing on 8.5x11).

So is there something wrong in my procedure?  If so, what?

I have previously printed out a 3-panel 12x9 aspect image across 3 11x8.5-in paper.

In working up my original question as noted at the top, I made close to 50 trial-and-error attempts today alone.  My wife saw my first 3-panel print and was immediately enamored of the result, so I'm stuck. 

Any help or pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading this far.

--JustGeorge