Exporting images for print labs - colorsync question

Hi All,
This is more a generic question - not pertaining to Aperture specifically, but photo workflow in general.
When exporting pictures to print at a lab (like Costco, Ritz, Smugmug, etc), what Colorsync profile should be set in the Export Version options? sRGB is the profile Smugmug recommends, but I also have the choice of their specific ICC profiles.
Also, how does Aperture run on the 20" iMac? I've really never gotten into printing pictures, but now I have two clients that will pay me for taking pictures! They're giving me enough money to purchase my own copy of Aperture, along with an iMac. Not enough for a dual-G5 with monitor, but if it makes a big difference, I'll throw in the extra money myself.
Thanks,
Robert

When exporting pictures to print at a lab (like
Costco, Ritz, Smugmug, etc), what Colorsync profile
should be set in the Export Version options? sRGB is
the profile Smugmug recommends, but I also have the
choice of their specific ICC profiles.
IF you have the specific output profile for the device, use that. You’ll have control over the rendering intent (well if you do the conversions in Photoshop, in Aperture, you’re “stuck” with Relative Colorimetric which usually works fine). You can control Black Point Compensation (keep it on) and at least in Adobe products, use the ACE CMM which has proven over the years to be stable and bug free.
The only output device that can produce sRGB is a CRT display in a specific condition. The output devices above do not produce sRGB but instead assume/expect sRGB so a conversion can take place upon output. That can work but you have no idea of how the image will appear (soft proof), and you have no control over the conversions or post conversion editing. Assuming you have a good output profile for the device, convert using it, then send to the lab. But BE SURE they are ICC aware and are not expecting sRGB. There are some output profiles for such devices floating around the web, but you don’t know that the lab is expecting the file that way. If however, they do provide you an output profile for their device, you can be pretty sure they will know what to do with the files for output to their device.

Similar Messages

If exporting images for backup, to reimport into a clean aperture or other program, is it best to use 72 dpi or 300 dpi, or does it matter?

If exporting images for backup, to reimport into a clean aperture or other program, is it better to use 72 dpi or 300 dpi, or does it matter? I want the best quality for any future unforeseen use.

I am somewhat reluctant to answer your questions after Frank Caggiano's excellent advice, but I really do not like to leave the question open, for there will be many occasions when you will need to export images and to understand how it works.
But please, follow Frank's advice, right now you do not need to worry about pixels and dpi. That is exactly what I meant, when I suggested to you to make sure you keep a copy of your Aperture Library and to back it up with all your other data, before you erase your disk for a clean reinstall.
DPI revisited:
So, is the dpi setting only for exporting to print?
The dpi settings are necessary to define the size of a digital image, since pixels don't have any dimensions. And since you cannot print or display an image without knowing its width and height, you will need to specify dpi when you are printing or scanning.
If I leave it at the default 72dpi will there be any problems getting quality prints in the future from jpeg versions exported with that setting?
Not if you export with the original size - the maximum number of pixels available. That will ensure the maximum print quality.
The dpi settings are required to export versions; versions are derived from the masters and new image files are computed. When you export masters you get a copy of the original file that already may have a dpi setting.
If I choose "export masters", will aperture will export my masters just as they are?
yes, and you may add IPICT data if you choose
Pardon my thick skull--I'm an old dog trying to learn new tricks in this digital world!
No apologies necessary, we were all beginners once
Here is another example, maybe that helps a little:
I exported an image (jpeg) with three different setting: export masters, a version with 72dpi, a version with 300dpi and inspected the files in Graphic Converter:
The master was exported like this:
Notice, the master had already dpi settings, although I did not specify any on export.
The size is 51,48 cm x 38,61 cm.
The 72 dpi Version has larger dimensions, but also 10 Megapixels.
and here the 300 dpi version: smaller dimensions, same amount of pixels.

Upsizing Images For Print Via Aperture

Hello
What is Aperture like for upsizing an image for printing greater than 16x11"? I need to output an image for print 36x24". Has anyone done this and if so, what were the results like? Should it be done using other third party software(Photoshop)?
The image is full resolution from a 12MP camera.
Thanks

I print pretty big images (up to 60 inches by 36 inches - > 1gb) and I use Photozoom to upsize and then print in PS.
My workflow is:-
1. Import and basic wok in Ap
2. Specialist work in PS - save back to Ap
3. Export as TIF and upsize in Photozoom
4. Save big image outside Ap (smaller, origimal image - my negative - is still in Ap)
5. Open big image in PS - reduxe noise, sharpen etc amd print
6. Save back to HD or delete - I always have 'negative' in Ap
Hope it helps....
Mac Pro 2.66, 6 Gb, XT1900, 30 ACD, iMac G5 20 inch, iBook G4, iPod 60gb Mac OS X (10.4.10) Changed from PC July 2005 and have never looked back!

The best way to enlarge an image for print?

Hello
I've been designing for print for several years. Occasionally I design large display posters/banners (A0, 6-sheet, billboard etc) which use a photographic image. Assuming that the image I have is smaller at 300ppi than the final print, what is the best way to enlarge the image? Based on my experience, it seems that there are three options (to make it simple, the example here assumes that my image is exactly half the size it needs to be printed at. I'm also assuming that the file I will supply to the printer will be a high res pdf exported from Indesign):
1. Set up the Indesign file at 100% size, place the photo and have Indesign upscale the image to 200%. Export a high res pdf for print.
2. Set up the indesign file at 50% size, place the photo with no upscaling by Indesign. Export a high res pdf and have the printer blow it up to 200%.
3. Set up the Indesign file at 100% size, enlarge the photo in Photoshop to 200%, and place the photo with no upscaling in Indesign. Export a high res pdf for print.
I have been advised that having Indesign upscale the image is not a good idea, and I never do this. I guess that option 3 is probably best, with Photoshop doing the work and the resulting pdf being the correct size. However, it's not always possible to do this – some posters are huge which means that the enlarged photo and the high res pdf will both be huge files, and I think also Indesign has a maximum document set up size anyway. So sometimes I use option 2.
So firstly, why is it a bad idea for Indesign to upscale the image (as I say, I never do this, but I would like to know the technical reason)? Secondly, if the choice is between re-sizing myself in Photoshop prior to exporting the pdf, or having the printer enlarge a high res pdf, which is better? When I say 'better' I mean in terms of the quality/sharpness of the end result. Also, I assume that vector elements in my design will not be adversely affected in either scenario, is that assumption correct?
Thanks

Sorry for the added confusion. It appears, after doing some checking in my CS2 apps ( InDesign), there is no setting for DPI / Output Resolution. Only Transparency Flattener Setting. See screen shot below...
If you select Postscript File in the Print Presets, you can access resolution settings for transparency flattening there, too...
in the "Advanced" tab dialog...
But, I like having the option in Illustrator 10 File > Document Setup where I can set the output resolution to whatever is appropriate. In this case ( below ) I've got it set for 5080dpi / 300ppi. You also have Effect > Document Raster Effect Setting where you can select 300ppi ( see screen shot below )...
...and Raster Effects Resolution setting...
I may have misled you because the apps I have are not CS6; but you should be able to follow along in your CS6 apps in various settings dialogs. Mainly, resolution settings can be set in the Print dialog boxes.
The main thing to keep in mind is, because you are enlarging upon output, the base scaled down file must have enough resolution to maintain its appearance at the final size. In the case of 50% or 25% file resolution should be maximum ( for current apps it appears 300ppi is considered high resolution. Most apps now leave output resolution setting adjusted in the RIP / Print driver.
I still use Distiller because it allows me to setup custom PDF settings and save them for future use. You very well may be able to do that in CS6 apps; but I have a tried-and-true workflow that utilizes Distiller as a personal preference.

Embedding fonts and images for printing (press quality PDF)

I have a question about a document I have produced in InDesign that needs to go to the printers. They have told me to make sure it is a print ready document with all of the fonts and images embedded. When I convert an indd document for printing 'locally', I normally just use the Adobe PDF presets and select press quality. I thought ID works its magic and does everything required to make it print ready. Is there anything else I need to do regarding fonts and images to make the PDF ready for print?
Thanks
Mark

Thank you.
As to bleeds, the printers came back and said my pdf is okay but that yes, I need to set an extra bleed edge of minimum 3mm. Do I set this when converting to the print quality pdf or do I set this whilst working in the actual INDD document itself?
Is the bleed then on every page regardless of the content?
What are the steps for setting bleed and crop marks. Does that mean when I place an image for example on a page the image needs to hang slightly off the edges by 3mm or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Problems with exporting PDF for Print

Hi all,
I would appreciate some help with exporting my indesign document (using v9.2, 32x) to PDF for print.
I have a number of images and text objects in the document and all links seem to be in place.
However when I come to export the document to print PDF, the PDF file is corrupted and has a size of 0 bytes. The export worked fine earlier when I did a test, but since I have added a few more images, everytime I go to export it, it will not work!!
I would be grateful for any help with this, it is infuriating when I have deadlines to meet! Many thanks.

I'd try a 'save as idml', reopen, then export.
If no go, rename your images folder (if separate) to break the links to images, and try exporting just the previews (you can't use this output, but it will tell you if there's a bad original image file). If a bad image, open images and re-save.
If still no go, try a full computer shut down and try again...

Flatten an image for printing

I have been working on my logo with Illustrator CC and I needed to print my logo. And I used the .ai file and placed into a InDesign CC document and exported it as PDF for print.
But this is the result of the printed PDF:
and I was talking to the people at the printing place and they said it wasn't flattened properly. So they flattened it on their printer and came out the way it should.
I used Package feature on InDesign and used High Quality Print preset from PDF presets and I also tried PDF/X-1a:2001 preset too with same issue.
I was wondering does this feature doesn't flatten images? Or is there other way of flattening on Illustrator or InDesign. My logo consists of lines with stroke.

marrto wrote:
I thought placing a .ai file of the logo in InDesign would be the proper way of doing it.
You are correct about that.
And the lines of my logo are actually a rectangle tool with rounded corners effect.
Okay well, at least that explains the difference between the two images in your original post. The output reported to be "not flattened properly" appears to have lost the live Round Corners effect. A logo graphic should never include a live effect. You could apply Object > Expand Appearance to those elements to make the results of the effect permanent.
The printing company didn't explain it to me very well.
That's true. The term "flattening" was misused.

How to Give an Image for Print and Not Web

So, I have designed a logo for a web site and the site owner wants it for a business card and letterhead. Saving an image for web is easy and I understand all that but how do I prepare a file for a printer? I'm guessing this is just nipping in to the local print shop on the high street.
Sorry for the basic question and I'd be as happy with a link to a tutorial as with the answer!
Thanks
Martin

Saving an image for web is easy...
...Which is why your workflow is backward. Design for print first; repurpose for web. Not the other way 'round.
Proper advice on preparing the artwork for press is dependent upon specifics of the artwork and the printing parameters. You haven't provided any specifics at all. So your question amounts to asking someone to write you a manual on how to prepare artwork for presswork in an online forum post.
Do a Google search for "preparing artwork for offset printing" or some such.
JET

Changing images for print version

Is there a way to change an image for a print version?
My background is dark blue and my image is white, however if
I print this nothing will show because its white on white.
I want to use a different image that is dark blue for the
print version so that you can see it.
Can this be done with CSS?

That'd be nice. But you misplaced a decimal in the amount. It
needs to
move right! 8)
Murray --- ICQ 71997575
Adobe Community Expert
(If you *MUST* email me, don't LAUGH when you do so!)
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"DC_Eric" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:es7659$rhn$[email protected]..
> Based off what you said I came up with another idea.
>
> I set the current image not to display and then in the
div I set a
> background
> image, height, and width
>
> then when you go to print the page the display none is
removed and the
> foreground image shows again which is now the print
version image.
>
> I didn' set any blocks or anything but this seems to
work.
>
> Thanks so much Murray. We should all chip in $0.25 each
time you help one
> of
> us. Then you can retire and just support the forums :)
>

Exporting text for print

How can I export ab text with a transparent background for print at 300 PPI? Also which format? I've researched but I am still a bit confused.
Thanks in advance.

If you are sending it to a printer, pdf is more than likely the way to go. next would probably by tiff then png. These two formats are raster formats so they would print as the resolution you created the file at. Not all printer support ai but ai and pdf would be vector formats that print at the highest resolution of the printer regardless of the documents resolution.
Jpg even though it compresses to a nice small file, is a lossy format, in that data is thrown out to save space. I does not support transparency or layers.
png supports transparency but does not support layers. (Layers for these two formats are photoshop layers)
tiff and psd supports layers and transparency as well as editable text.
eps is hardly used any more but some older software requires it.
pdf supports transparency, editable text, layers (both illustrator and photoshop) as well as a host of other options like color profiles, animations, etc.
A pdf file can also embed the ai or photoshop file depending on which app created the pdf. Making it editable in that app.
In the end, you use what format(s) that the printer supports, which is why it is always a good idea to ask the printing shop.
If it is a printer in your home or office, then just print it instead of exporting it. (unless you need the file in another app like Indesign or photoshop)

Looking for printing lab recommendation

Ordering prints from within aperture uses 4x5 dimension which requires too much cropping on my camera. Can anyone recommend a good source for prints of 3x2 dimension ie 12x18 instead of 16x20?

Good luck with that.
I do not believe that you will be able to find a Verizon-provided mobile handset which is compatible with iSync. Several Verizon-provided smartphones can be synchronized with Mac OS X using the appropriate Missing Sync package, but none are available for anything close to $ 100.00, and none are supported at all by iSync except—and not particularly in a robust manner—the Palm OS devices you are not interested in.
I don't believe that you will find a Verizon-provided mobile handset with Bluetooth OBEX file transfer capabilities either: Verizon intentionally has this profile defeated, effectively forcing you to pay 5¢ per transfer using their GetItNow! option.
And, I don't get the iPhone 'service plan through the roof' claim. I am no fan of at&t, but among the four major carriers, at&t iPhone plans are actually some of the most reasonable. Far less expensive, on balance—and, with fewer restrictions—than the data plans offered by Verizon.
I don't think that your observations or expectations could be characterized as reasonable, given all of the evidence to the contrary in the market.

Help with exporting file for print

Hello,
I'm trying to print a banner through Spoonflower (a site that lets you print on fabric). They recommend an RGB, 150dpi file. (max 58" wide x 288" long, 40MB) and accept a wide variety of file types (ai, svg, eps, tif, png, jpeg).
My banner is rather large, at 50" wide x 236" long. The artwork was created in Illustrator, and consists of 2 colors with flat, line illustrations; no gradients, linked files, etc. File is about 1 MB. Because of Illustrator's canvas size limitations (227.5"), I set up my final artwork at half size (25" x 118" @ 300dpi) with the intention of scaling it in Photoshop to full size @ 150dpi.
Unfortunately, when I try to open the AI, EPS or PDF file directly in Photoshop, it compresses the artwork to 22.6" x 106.67" (from 25" x 118" - no idea why) and this throws off the layout of the banner, which is designed to fit a very specific framework. It means my artwork, when at 150dpi, is only 45" wide (I need it to be 50").
Next I tried exporting as a jpeg but keep getting the following error: 'The file could not be written due to error.'
When trying to export to PNG, I get this error: 'Could not complete the operation. The rasterized imag exceeded the maximum bounds for saving to the PNG format'.
I am at a total loss for how to proceed and would be so terribly appreciative if anyone could provide some insight...perhaps how to prevent the files from shrinking when rasterized by PS, how to actually save as a jpeg, png, or just a better way to go about this whole process altogether. What am I missing??
And of course, I needed to send this to the printer today to meet deadline...sigh.

If the site accepts .ai or .eps files why are you trying to move to a raster format at all?

Exporting/Resizing for printing

Help! Please be gentle with me...
I have 100's of images a friend wants me to give them so they can print them.. I don't know what size, some will be 6 x 4 and some might be 8 x 10's
Imported and converted to DNG into LR I image has dimension size of 3264 x 4912 or 4912 x 3264. Some have been cropped.
When exporting them all as a batch, I am confused as to a general settings to use
I am thinking Jpeg Quality 80? Not checking re size to fit and DPI 300.
I have been experimenting and the file sizes exported vary hugely from 456k to 4.29mb for 1 image
Any help is much appriciated
Thanks

Thanks for your replies..... Now I am totally confused! I can't look at LR as I'm importing at the mo....
Ah, the min dimentions to print an 8 x 10 are 2400 x 3000 I believe, so if all of the images are at least that then they would be able to take the memory stick into a printers and get a printed image? what would happen if they chose a 4 x 6 or 5 x 7?
Thanks, really appriciate your help

I'm a photographer looking for a good (detailed) resource that will inform me of specifically how I should be saving my images for print/online

I've been working in photoshop for years but I've always gotten a bit lost on exactly what size I should be saving my photo's for optimal quality.
I basically need a good website that will go over all the aspects of saving images as a photographer, but if you can answer these questions that will also help.
• What size/resolution should I save if I am giving the client images on a disk for them to print?
• What size/resolution should I be saving photo's just for online viewing?
• How come when I place my image (saved at 4in x 6in) into a new document that is (682px x 459px) the picture is pixelated?

Perhaps the best resource for all things digital media related, especially when it comes to best practices in the industry is
dpbestflow.org
Specific answers to your 3 questions:
-generally, 300ppi at the final print size is good enough in most cases. If they are printing the image very large, like a poster or billboard image, then the print size at a lower resolution can be acceptable since it's being viewed from further away. Either always get the specs from the printer for what size/resolution they require, or just give them your full-sized original image, since that's all the pixels they can possibly have to work with.
-depends on every individual's monitor settings. If you supply an image that is HD-sized at 1920x1080, and they're using a monitor with a resolution at that size or greater, the whole image will fit on their screen. If their monitor resolution is smaller than that, your image will be bigger than they can display. Browsers, website coding, monitor resolution, all factor into how these will display on each individual computer. If you want the whole image to display within a browser window then you'll want your total pixel dimensions to be smaller than the average person's monitor resolution (unless you want them to be able to zoom in and see all the detail of your full-size image, then you would upload the full image and let your website do whatever it does to display smaller/thumbnail versions which can then be clicked on to open up the full-res version. Note, the actual resolution, e.g. 300ppi, doesn't factor into monitor display. PPI means it will PRINT that many pixels per inch of paper, and has nothing to do with how it will display on monitors which only concern themselves with pixel dimensions.
-682x459 is a rather small size. Of course it will lose detail. Just imagine if you scaled your image down further into a 10x10 pixel image. You'd have 100 pixels to make up all the detail in your image. Lots of detail will be lost since you've got a lot fewer pixels to make up the image.

What is your export process for printing custom-sized books?

I will be printing my first custom-sized book created in Aperture.
Anyone have much experience doing this?
I am assuming that exporting to pdf and then sending that file to print is the process, but I'm wondering if the compression will affect the image quality enough to be concerned for a 9''x9'' book?

Lots of experience here.
I outsource albums either as single page or double spread. Unfortunately Aperture only allows single page export, not as a full spread (required by some printers).
Unfortunately the Export options are a little limited, so read on
If you click on the Print button for your custom sized book, you'll get a dialog. Choose the PDF button at the bottom and a bunch of options will appear.
If you just want to export a proof for a client to review, you can select Save PDF to Aperture. The files will import as 200dpi JPEGs / TIFFs depending upon the option you choose. You can then export to a sharing service / web album etc.
If you want to export at a different dpi then DON'T choose the Save PDF to folder as JPEG option... again you'll get just 200dpi images. So what you can do is choose the Save as PDF option. When you choose that it will export the whole book as single pages in a PDF, with the embedded JPEGs (fully quality jpeg 12) at 350dpi (I know as I've checked this)....
You can then do 2 things:
1. For services that require a single pages, run an automator action to run through the PDF and export the images at your desired DPI and change the colour profile (eg sRGB). Your images are then exported to the same folder. Here's the action: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/117989/Save%20PDF%20to%20Folder%20as%20JPEG.zip
2. For services that require a double page spread instead, run an automator action to run through the PDF, change the colour profile and DPI and then import to Aperture.
What I do is have an entirely separate project called Album Proofs and import all images into there. When the action runs, it will ask where to put the images - place them in Album Proofs. I then have a custom book size that is twice the width of the album you are creating (e.g. if making a 12x9, the size is 24x9) with no margins or spacing. Then create a template album (you can reuse by right clicking and selecting Duplicate Book) that has two images per page, each image taking up EXACTLY half of the page (again no margins or spacing). I then drag the images I imported into this template, then auto-fill unplaced images. Your images are then layed out as spreads... So now what you do is re-export using the Save as PDF print option. Then run the action described in 1 above.
Here's the action: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/117989/Save%20PDF%20to%20Aperture%20as%20JPEG.zip . If it doesn't work use the other action above and just import manually.
Hope this helps

Exporting images for print labs - colorsync question

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