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Optimizing files for processing and printing
The following sections provide tips on how to create image files that
produce the highest possible print quality while minimizing the pro-
cessing 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 printer.
Color print devices are capable of much greater detail than 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.
The resolution of a raster, 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.
Image size
100 ppi
RGB/CMYK RGB/CMYK RGB/CMYK RGB/CMYK
3"
4"
0.4/0.5MB
5"
7"
1.0/1.3MB
8.5"
11"
2.7/3.6MB
Optimizing files for processing and printing
File size at
150 ppi
0.8/1.0MB
2.3/3.0MB
6.0/8.0MB
200 ppi
400 ppi
1.4/1.8MB
5.5/7.3MB
4.0/5.3MB
16.0/21.4MB
10.7/14.3MB
42.8/57.1MB
5-14
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Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
