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Print Out Sizing Issue


M

maverick24

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I have created a polka dot pattern (.125 inch) on Photoshop CS6. When I print it out at home it comes out perfectly. However, I need larger print outs so, I corresponded with Fed Ex print to make them for me. The issue is that the dots come out a bit smaller than .125 inch. What is the problem and how can it be fixed?
 
There are so many things that can go wrong in a situation like this, the quickest way to explore the possibilities is if u wud post the exact file u sent them. If, because of privacy or other concerns, u can't do this, let us know, and we'll suggest alternatives.

Tom
 
View attachment dots.pdf


This is the dot pattern I made and sent. Each dot is .125 Inch. I first sent them JPEG file but, was told that perhaps the PDF file would be easier to print out so I made this one.

I am not sure exactly how much smaller but, when I compare them side by side with the 8.5 x 11 print out I made at home the dots begin to be noticeably smaller after 5-6 dots are lined up.

So, I would say not that much. It is just since they are small it is more noticeable the more dots there are in a row.
 
Could u also post the jpg & psd files. The creation of the PDF file introduces yet one more variable into the workflow

T
 
View attachment dots.psd


dots.jpg



I would also like to add that when I send them the file it is not for example a 8x10 file that they have to blow up to scale. I create the pattern and fill a new document to the size required, say, 36x24. All they have to do is open up the file and print it out. I wonder where the issue is.
 
OK - I looked at both your PDF and PSD files and the dot pitch (spacing) is, as you said, 0.125 inch in both of them. However, I noticed that your ppi was set to only 72 pixels per inch. This is extremely low for printing. If printed at this resolution your dots/crosses will be clearly pixelated.

The 1st possibility I can think of is that this may have something to do with your problem. For example, to get your dots to not show visible pixelation, the printer almost certainly will up-rez your image to at least 200 ppi, maybe more. If he is not aware that you need exact scaling, he may have done this in a way that does keep your dot spacing exactly constant. You will have to discuss this with him.

The 2nd possibility that I can think of is that the printer he uses may have non-printable margins, so he may have scaled your image so that it fits the printable area which is slightly smaller than the size you expected. You may already know about such matters, but there is a nice Wikipedia article on this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleed_(printing). Again, you will have to discuss this with your printer.

HTH,

T

PS - Pls. keep us posted if you find out anything or have other questions.
 
Tom Mann said:
OK - I looked at both your PDF and PSD files and the dot pitch (spacing) is, as you said, 0.125 inch in both of them. However, I noticed that your ppi was set to only 72 pixels per inch. This is extremely low for printing. If printed at this resolution your dots/crosses will be clearly pixelated.

The 1st possibility I can think of is that this may have something to do with your problem. For example, to get your dots to not show visible pixelation, the printer almost certainly will up-rez your image to at least 200 ppi, maybe more. If he is not aware that you need exact scaling, he may have done this in a way that does keep your dot spacing exactly constant. You will have to discuss this with him.

The 2nd possibility that I can think of is that the printer he uses may have non-printable margins, so he may have scaled your image so that it fits the printable area which is slightly smaller than the size you expected. You may already know about such matters, but there is a nice Wikipedia article on this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleed_%28printing%29. Again, you will have to discuss this with your printer.

HTH,

T

PS - Pls. keep us posted if you find out anything or have other questions.
Click to expand...


Thanks.

1)Would the low PPI have a greater effect the larger the print? Like I said when I print the image at home (8.5x11) the sizing is perfect and that is without margins as well. Would simply changing the PPI before sending the image fix this.

2) Would using the marquee tool to make a square within the new document then filling that in essence making artificial margins take care of that issue?
 
Hi Maverick -

I gave two guesses for what might have gone wrong. The first is a real long shot (unless you print shop has really poor staff). It doesn't make any sense to try to "fix" either these unless one or the other is confirmed. The only way to do this is to talk to a knowledgeable rep from your print shop.

T
 
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