philm
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« on: March 06, 2013, 01:52:52 AM » |
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Hi all I'm just wondering if you can help please. I am printing some large images onto photo paper (around 45" x 30"). Some of the images are not the best in terms of quality (pixel dimensions). I'm just wondering what the process should be and am wondering if anyone could give me some advice. I need to make the printed images all the same size and this means cropping some of them. If I set up a custom size in Qimage and leave that to do the crop, I cannot determine where the image is cropped as far as I can see. I need to be quite precise with my crop position. What I have done is created a spreadsheet to calculate the required height/width in pixels. For example if I have an image that is 2800px x 1800px and I want to crop it to make it the same proportions as a 46"x35" print size I would plan to keep the 1800px and reduce the longer side to 2366px. I know in terms of PPI this is low for printing (51ppi at 46"x35"). What I'm wondering is re: the actual resizing. I have OnOne Perfect Resize and am wondering if I should do the cropping in there (not making it bigger, just cropping it). However, I am wondering what the better process would be - should I: a) resize it in Perfect Resize and change the PPI in there to something that multiplies into 600 for the HP resolution (75, 150, 300 etc)- just the small crop to get the proportions right, not taking it up to full print size - I would use 75ppi for this example which is actually 51ppi so it is not taking it up by much b) just load it straight into Qimage at 2366px x 1800px and let it take care of the interpolation etc I am using a HP printer (native ppi = 600). Qimage will recognise this automatically and do it's stuff. if I use Perfect Resize it offers me the option to select whatever PPI I choose. My thinking was to choose 75ppi or 150ppi as this multiplies up into the native 600. Does it work like that? I have read about using 150ppi but not 75ppi - would it multiply it up just the same? I hope that makes some sense  If anyone can share their thoughts that would be great. I plan to do some testing myself to see how the different settings affect the prints but just to know I am thinking in the right way (ish!!!) would be good to know. Many thanks! Phil |
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Fred A
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« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2013, 10:29:18 AM » |
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If I set up a custom size in Qimage and leave that to do the crop, I cannot determine where the image is cropped as far as I can see. I need to be quite precise with my crop position. Hi Phil, Boy a lot of stuff in your post. I am not exactly sure whether you want the 45 x 30 print filled out, or whether you want individual crops honored. So let;s throw a few suggestions at you. First of all, LET Qimage do the interpolation; and it does this at print time. That will gove you the best quality from what you offer. Crop: How is this for an idea... (again, not exactly sure of what your endgame is) Set the Custom Print size to 45 x 30, with Crop Scissor (auto crop on) Next place the image into the Editor, and drag a crop box. You should see a check in the box named CROP LOCK. This assures that the crop outline you are dragging is the exact ratio of a 45 x 30 image, and when you SAVE that crop filter, that image will be a 45 x 30 fit. Of course, I assume all the images are different so you slide the crop box around as well as make it larger or smaller; always maintaining the 45 x 30 ratio. That having been said, we also have PRINT CROP in the page editor. With the size set to 45 x 30 and auto crop on, you can look at each image in teh small window and use the mouse hand to slide it around and also ZOOM to crop ... Flower cropped to 8 x 10 after CROP LOCK on and crop described. From your answer, I should be able to gather what you need. Fred |
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Terry-M
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« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2013, 12:06:07 PM » |
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Hi Phil, Just to add a little more information following Fred's post. First, you can learn about cropping by watching the Learning Video on the subject: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=pgHp45B1QXo&vq=hd720Also we must emphasise that the best quality in up-sizing is obtained by doing it once only and by using Qimage with the Fusion process, the default in QU. As Fred said, QU does this as the image is sent to the printer and all you have to bother about is specifying the linear dimensions (~ 45x30") of the print. QU interpolates to the "Native" resolution of the printer and the interpolation algorithm "Fusion" is the best and world class compared to other software. That's why you get top quality prints. Read all about it here http://www.ddisoftware.com/qimage-u/tech-prt.htmTo get the highest resolution you may have to set "finest detail" or similar in the driver. You mention a paper size of around 45" x 30". In Qimage terms that will be the "page" size and your print size would be a little smaller allowing for page margins and printable area. This is shown above the page preview along with the driver resolution - both come from the driver. Regarding cropping, I would think print cropping is the most suitable for your project. Again , as Fred said, specify the print size with crop scissors on. If you want to fill your sheet, set "Fit to page". Setting the position of the Print Crop is done in the Page Editor (as opposed to the Image Editor). Click the icon below the page preview, see screen shot attached. Once open use the Crop tab to position the crop, and if required, open the High Precision crop screen, see second screen shot attached. Terry |
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philm
Newbie
Posts: 9
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« Reply #3 on: March 06, 2013, 03:27:59 PM » |
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wow, thank you both so much - I feel a bit stupid now - I have used Qimage for quite a long time and didn't realise it was so powerful and had all these features  I guess I have just been using it for printing multiple images, for nesting them on the page etc. What a waste - I have not utilised this at all - that's bad!!! lol I have just been playing around having read your posts and can see now how easy it is to crop/edit images. I was thinking 'ah, but I want to use the same image over and over again - I don't want to set the crop each time'. Then... I clicked done and get asked if I want to save it - perfect!!! I have wasted so much time testing things out and trying to work out the best way to get my images the correct ratio in pixels for the print size that I want. What a plonker!!!  I think I need to start watching some videos and learning more about what else I can use Qimage for (and not just nesting images like my old, really expensive RIP software!!!) Thanks again for taking your time out to take screenshots etc to show me this. I really appreciate it Phil |
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philm
Newbie
Posts: 9
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« Reply #4 on: March 06, 2013, 03:37:20 PM » |
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I hope you don't mind me asking a quick question (quicker than the last one!!) Something happens to me at 1am and it seems to take me 3000 words to describe something that I could do in 300 words in the daytime  What is the best process in Qimage to save the images for future use? When I click 'Done' in the image edit view and say 'Create New Images' with a {Q} suffix, the aspect ratio is correct for my 46"x35" print but if I select 'original size' in the print properties dialogue box it is still very small when added to the page. It is fine if I select 46x35 from my list of custom sizes though. What if I want to edit say 100 images and keep them saved as 46x35 so that when I open them up to use them in the future I can just keep 'Original Size' selected. Should I be able to do this with the 'save' options in Qimage? I will use quite a lot of different sizes and rather than create lots of custom sizes and then select these again when it comes to printing it would be better if I could save them all as 46"x35" from Qimage (or whatever the other sizes are) and then keep the 'Original Size' setting selected. Can I do this from Qimage? I hope so If you could maybe point out how to do this that would be a really great help!! Thanks again for your time, I really appreciate it! Phil |
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Fred A
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« Reply #5 on: March 06, 2013, 03:55:45 PM » |
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I hope you don't mind me asking a quick question (quicker than the last one!!) Something happens to me at 1am and it seems to take me 3000 words to describe something that I could do in 300 words in the daytime
What is the best process in Qimage to save the images for future use? When I click 'Done' in the image edit view and say 'Create New Images' with a {Q} suffix, the aspect ratio is correct for my 46"x35" print but if I select 'original size' in the print properties dialogue box it is still very small when added to the page. It is fine if I select 46x35 from my list of custom sizes though.
What if I want to edit say 100 images and keep them saved as 46x35 so that when I open them up to use them in the future I can just keep 'Original Size' selected. Should I be able to do this with the 'save' options in Qimage?
I will use quite a lot of different sizes and rather than create lots of custom sizes and then select these again when it comes to printing it would be better if I could save them all as 46"x35" from Qimage (or whatever the other sizes are) and then keep the 'Original Size' setting selected.
You can do the CREATE TIF routine, but that eastes a lot of HD space. If you just set your print size to your 45 x 30, and load the tif, or select fit to Page, and load the saved / created Tif, you will be fine too.
Can I do this from Qimage? I hope so
If you could maybe point out how to do this that would be a really great help!!
Thanks again for your time, I really appreciate it!
Phil Phil ask as many as you want. Keeps me out of trouble. You are saving a filter when you save. That's number one. You never do anything to the original image. Next. Original size refers to something altogether different. Original size lets the user place an image into the queue at some preset PPI which would be possibly embedded in the file, or some size that user determined by PPI. Example to make it clearer. Suppose you wanted to print a commercial print target with all the color patches. That target should be printed at original size, presumably 300 ppi and the print size falls where it will depending on the pixel dimensions. In your case, the simplest would be to just click SAVE, then the "J" button for Job, and name it: Mary's Brothel, or something memorable, and Save. When you recall that JOB, it will bring up all the same parts of the job, including image, print size, driver settings, profiles, everything. If you do want to Create TIFS, that's fine. Just open them next time after setting 30 x 45 and select that size or Fit to Page. Just uses a lot of HD space for no reason. But your choice. Fred PS Terry should be along soon with more ideas. |
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Terry-M
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« Reply #6 on: March 06, 2013, 04:15:30 PM » |
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What is the best process in Qimage to save the images for future use? When I click 'Done' in the image edit view and say 'Create New Images' with a {Q} suffix, the aspect ratio is correct for my 46"x35" The economical way is to use "Associate". The image is not changed in any way but the Filter file is saved alongside the image. If you use a Print Crop, that is saved automatically for that size print and aspect ratio; if you print the same image at a different size with a different aspect ratio crop, that is saved for that particular size & ratio - neat! Whichever way, there's no real need to make a new image, filters and print crops are automatically saved. As Fred said "original size" is not relevant to you requirements. Do you know about saving print Jobs and sessions? A saved Job retains all the date to repeat a print or set of prints. A saved Session saves data related to image in the queue, it's size and crop, page size and any other print features like text and borders. A Session is independent of a printer and multiple Sessions can be "added together" when recalled one after the other. Terry |
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philm
Newbie
Posts: 9
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« Reply #7 on: March 06, 2013, 04:35:57 PM » |
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Ah ha!! Makes sense - so I could do with watching the 'Saving Jobs and Sessions' video I have been watching some of the videos but had not watched that one. I'm just off to fetch my daughter off the school bus but will sit down again tonight and learn some more! As you say, there's no point in saving loads of large TIFF files all over the place. So, if I create some print jobs I guess then that it is important for the original images to remain in their original location - I guess if at some point in the future I move the images recalling the job will fail as the image has gone! So I need to decide where to save everything now and keep them in that place. Would that be correct - to keep it as simple as possible? Thanks again Fred & Terry, you have both been a great help Phil |
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Fred A
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« Reply #8 on: March 06, 2013, 04:45:57 PM » |
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As you say, there's no point in saving loads of large TIFF files all over the place. So, if I create some print jobs I guess then that it is important for the original images to remain in their original location - I guess if at some point in the future I move the images recalling the job will fail as the image has gone!
It has been my experience, should the images have been moved, the entire JOB will still open with all settings in place, minus the image. That's a good help too, if you want to substitute a different image, it is still valuable. Fred |
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Terry-M
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« Reply #9 on: March 06, 2013, 04:49:41 PM » |
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What is the best process in Qimage to save the images for future use? When I click 'Done' in the image edit view and say 'Create New Images' with a {Q} suffix, the aspect ratio is correct for my 46"x35" That is correct but if you recall the job, you'll get everything except the image. All you need do then is open it's new folder and drag the thumb to the page. So I need to decide where to save everything now and keep them in that place. Would that be correct - to keep it as simple as possible? QU has its own Save folder in Program Application Data so jut save with a meaningful file name; there's a search facility in Recall to help find items again. Phil are you in the UK like me? Looks like Fred beat me again Terry |
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philm
Newbie
Posts: 9
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« Reply #10 on: March 06, 2013, 10:06:11 PM » |
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Thanks again to Terry and Fred - you are both a really good help!! Yes, I am in the UK as well Terry (in Pork Pie land - Melton Mowbray  ) I know I'm being a bit of a pain now, but would either of you (or both of you lol) mind just clarifying one more thing for me relating to this. If I have an image that is say 5000px x 3333px and I want to resize it to 46"x35", I go through the process discussed earlier and do everything in Qimage, saving the job for future use... all sounds great Say if I want to physically print a 10"x10" sample of the resized 46"x35" to see what the full size print would look like quality wise, what would be the best (and accurate) way of doing this? If I have a 10"x10" custom print size setup and then crop a portion of the image ready for printing I guess this means that as I am not enlarging it as much as for the 46"x35" full size version the interpolation is completely different and would not necessarily give me a true 'test' of a portion of the full size print? Is that correct? If so, please could you suggest what would be the correct process for physically printing a sample of the image - as you can imagine I don't really want to do full size checks at 46"x35" on what could end up being a lot of images. If you would be kind enough to spare a few more minutes to let me know your thoughts on this that would be great. Thanks very much in advance!!! Phil |
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Terry-M
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« Reply #11 on: March 06, 2013, 10:30:12 PM » |
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Yes, I am in the UK as well Terry (in Pork Pie land - Melton Mowbray Not that far from me at Rugby. I used to visit PERA years ago. Say if I want to physically print a 10"x10" sample of the resized 46"x35" to see what the full size print would look like quality wise, what would be the best (and accurate) way of doing this? In the page editor there is a test strip feature, an icon, see screen shot attached. I'm not so very familiar with this (I hope Fred comes in on this if I'm wrong) but the idea is you click this icon until the size fits your test page size, click the Size tab to check this. The test strip icon zooms in on the image, makes the print size smaller and maintains the full size print resolution. See second screen shot. You won't be able to 10x10 because the print aspect ratio is maintained too. You can drag the crop position to the area required. Once you have done this, from the main screen, Printer Page set up, select a new page size that suits the test strip print size. Terry |
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Fred A
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« Reply #13 on: March 06, 2013, 10:57:26 PM » |
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You won't be able to 10x10 because the print aspect ratio is maintained too. You can drag the crop position to the area required.
Once you have done this, from the main screen, Printer Page set up, select a new page size that suits the test strip print size.
Terry Just clarify Terry's advice, I realize that you took 10 x 10 as an arbitrary print size for a test. If you use the test strips, (Terry did touch on this) you will be seeing a small piece (depends on how many clicks you use) which is KEEPING THE SAME PPI AS TH BIG PRINT WILL HAVE. That's why it has to be emphasized. That's what gives you the tool to see exactly what a piece of the image will look like at the large print size. Like a chunk of wedding dress to see the detail that will be there in the large print. That might help get a better idea! Fred |
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philm
Newbie
Posts: 9
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« Reply #14 on: March 07, 2013, 02:51:19 PM » |
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Thanks again to you both, excellent help - Qimage has a lot of hidden features that are not glaringly obvious - well impressed!! I guess I now need to find the time to read more and watch the videos so I can find out what else I am missing That's quite bizarre Terry - I was in Rugby on Tuesday!!! It is just under an hour away and that's the first time I have ever been! I didn't really get to see any of Rugby though - I went to Creare to talk about having a new website developed by them. Saying that, I got to see more of Rugby than I should have as I got lost finding them so had a bit of a drive around and ended up at Larry's Chippy of all places lol  PERA looks a lot different now. They gave it a really modern looking facelift not that long ago - they have fitted like a big 'skin' all around it. If you have a look on Google Images you'll see how different it looks! Anyway, thanks again to both of you! Phil |
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