What's the best way to export for print?

Question

I usually upload images to my local photoprinting shop. What's the best way to do that with Lightroom? Since lightroom does the final sharpening in the print module, how do I get that into the exported file since there is no export function in the print module? Also, how do I get the proper dpi and sizing info into the photo for the print shop? Thanks.

Answer 1

There is no good way to prepare images for printing from a file from a commercial printer by using Lightroom alone. You need to do an export of the image without any resizing or color space conversion, and then use some other program of your choice to 'finish' the file.
It's just plain missing functionality... Lightroom assumes that you will be printing photos yourself and it is missing a whole lot of stuff in order to support external printing, including:
a) Resize to exact pixel dimensions. Many labs require an exact pixel count for a given print size, so for example for an 8x10 they need a 2400 x 3000 pixel image. Can't be done in Lightroom.
b) Trim adjustment. If you are doing full bleed photos (no margin), you might need to provide about 0.05 inch of 'trim space' to compensate for image loss during printing. Can't be done in Lightroom.
c) Exporting to a specific printer profile. Can't be done.
d) Adding margins, text, etc. Many times my clients want a 1/4 inch margin in their photos to facilitate framing, or I put a dim watermark type text in the bottom corner. Can't be done.
My solution. Do most processing in Lightroom, do an export, and then do a second export via qImage on a PC. It does all of the above plus much more. It's just a matter of using the right tool for the job, and LIghtroom has no facilities at all for printing to a file.
I have been asking for "Print to File" ever since I was under NDA during the betas.