Scribus Forums

Scribus => Raster and Vector Graphics => Topic started by: mwatkins on February 07, 2017, 05:14:46 PM

Title: minimum DPI for optimal printed output?
Post by: mwatkins on February 07, 2017, 05:14:46 PM
I was having problems with Scribus crashing because the total size of all my images files was too large. So now I'm in the process of reducing the file sizes. [I posted something about this on another board and got given some links by user GarryP with a lot of detailed info, but I suspect the answer I'm seeking is quite simple.]

I'm working with a few dozen A4-sized drawings which I scanned in at 600DPI, so the images are currently TIFFs, each in the order of 50-100MB. I realise now that this is unnecessarily high-res (in print, the images are going to appear typically 5-10cm wide/high).

In GIMP, I can separately set the DPI of, and resize, my images. But I'm finding it hard to get clear information on the optimal settings for images within a .sla as regards the final printed output.

I've noticed Scribus gives warnings when I export to PDF if an image is below 144DPI - what's the relevance of that figure? I also read somewhere I should be using "at least 300DPI" for printing purposes. But would higher DPI lead to a better image quality? Or is 300 some kind of cut-off above which it doesn't matter?

Some simple advice on how to resize/prepare images before inserting them into my .sla (for best printed results) would be very welcome. Thanks!
Title: Re: minimum DPI for optimal printed output?
Post by: CGood on February 07, 2017, 09:06:33 PM
If you are going to print at a print shop, can you print out representative samples of images and bring them to your printer to get their recommendations on dpi for your final output?
Title: Re: minimum DPI for optimal printed output?
Post by: utnik on February 08, 2017, 06:31:04 AM
hi matthew

Quote from: mwatkins on February 07, 2017, 05:14:46 PM...a few dozen A4-sized drawings which I scanned in at 600DPI...
...in print, the images are going to appear typically 5-10cm wide/high...

so ypu'll end up with more than 1700 ppi!

Quote...I'm finding it hard to get clear information on the optimal settings for images within a .sla as regards the final printed output.

i gave you some advice in the other thread!

QuoteI also read somewhere I should be using "at least 300DPI" for printing purposes. But would higher DPI lead to a better image quality?

depends on the effective print raster! – ask your printshop!

utnik