Dimension / Printing Problem

I'm using an Epson 1280 - but I suspect this applies to any printer: Let's say I have a photo (200DPI) that I have cropped to 4"x6". I want to print one copy. IfI use a sheet of 8 1/2"x11" paper, it will print in the missle of the sheet - thus wasting the rest of the sheet. So I create a blank canvas at 200DPI and 8 1/2"X11" - then drag my 4x6 over to it and place it so that I have paper left over to print something else - OR I might arrange to print two of this same 4x6 on the same sheet. I use the Ruler function and all looks well. However, the finished 4x6 or two 4x6's are approximately 8% smaller after printing. Can someone tell me what's happening? Also, perhaps there is a better way to make the most use of a sheet of paper and still get the dimensions of the prints that I want as a result. I suspect that I'm going about this wrong. I'm also assuming that a 4x6 at 200 DPI should fit on a 8 1/2x11 (200DPI) without shrinking or changing dimension in any way. Please help.

Fruit2O wrote:

I'm using an Epson 1280 - but I suspect this applies to any printer: Let's say I have a photo (200DPI) that I have cropped to 4"x6". I want to print one copy. IfI use a sheet of 8 1/2"x11" paper, it will print in the missle of the sheet - thus wasting the rest of the sheet. So I create a blank canvas at 200DPI and 8 1/2"X11" - then drag my 4x6 over to it and place it so that I have paper left over to print something else - OR I might arrange to print two of this same 4x6 on the same sheet. I use the Ruler function and all looks well. However, the finished 4x6 or two 4x6's are approximately 8% smaller after printing. Can someone tell me what's happening? Also, perhaps there is a better way to make the most use of a sheet of paper and still get the dimensions of the prints that I want as a result. I suspect that I'm going about this wrong. I'm also assuming that a 4x6 at 200 DPI should fit on a 8 1/2x11 (200DPI) without shrinking or changing dimension in any way. Please help.

Methinks the printer is defaulting to its resolution, which is higher.

Try this: use Picture Package (under Automate) and see if that works.

On Fri, 24 Nov 2006 14:31:11 -0600, "j" wrote:

Fruit2O wrote:

I'm using an Epson 1280 - but I suspect this applies to any printer: Let's say I have a photo (200DPI) that I have cropped to 4"x6". I want to print one copy. IfI use a sheet of 8 1/2"x11" paper, it will print in the missle of the sheet - thus wasting the rest of the sheet. So I create a blank canvas at 200DPI and 8 1/2"X11" - then drag my 4x6 over to it and place it so that I have paper left over to print something else - OR I might arrange to print two of this same 4x6 on the same sheet. I use the Ruler function and all looks well. However, the finished 4x6 or two 4x6's are approximately 8% smaller after printing. Can someone tell me what's happening? Also, perhaps there is a better way to make the most use of a sheet of paper and still get the dimensions of the prints that I want as a result. I suspect that I'm going about this wrong. I'm also assuming that a 4x6 at 200 DPI should fit on a 8 1/2x11 (200DPI) without shrinking or changing dimension in any way. Please help.

Methinks the printer is defaulting to its resolution, which is higher.
Try this: use Picture Package (under Automate) and see if that works.

I don't know what Picture Package is. Is this a separate piece of softare? What is its' main function?

"Fruit2O" wrote in message

I'm using an Epson 1280 - but I suspect this applies to any printer: Let's say I have a photo (200DPI) that I have cropped to 4"x6". I want to print one copy. IfI use a sheet of 8 1/2"x11" paper, it will print in the missle of the sheet - thus wasting the rest of the sheet. So I create a blank canvas at 200DPI and 8 1/2"X11" - then drag my 4x6 over to it and place it so that I have paper left over to print something else - OR I might arrange to print two of this same 4x6 on the same sheet. I use the Ruler function and all looks well. However, the finished 4x6 or two 4x6's are approximately 8% smaller after printing. Can someone tell me what's happening? Also, perhaps there is a better way to make the most use of a sheet of paper and still get the dimensions of the prints that I want as a result. I suspect that I'm going about this wrong. I'm also assuming that a 4x6 at 200 DPI should fit on a 8 1/2x11 (200DPI) without shrinking or changing dimension in any way. Please help

Hi.

I am not too sure, but I suspect that if you create a canvas of 8.5 x 11, that will actually be larger than the printable area, if the Printer Paper size is set to A4 or Letter.

I would expect you should be getting the "Image Exceeds Printable Area" when you first click on Print.

The Printer may be dowsizing to ensure no clipping, or may be clipping the "oversize" edges.

A4 paper is 8.3 x 11.7, but I don't know the USA Letter sizes.

If you set for "No Margins" the Printer will automatically scale the image up slightly and make the 6 x 4 more like 6.1 x 4.1.

I am fairly sure that even if the Printer is Re-sampling up or down to get to its native Ppi, it won't be changing the Image Sizes.

Roy G

"Fruit2O" wrote in message

I'm using an Epson 1280 - but I suspect this applies to any printer: Let's say I have a photo (200DPI) that I have cropped to 4"x6". I want to print one copy. IfI use a sheet of 8 1/2"x11" paper, it will print in the missle of the sheet - thus wasting the rest of the sheet. So I create a blank canvas at 200DPI and 8 1/2"X11" - then drag my 4x6 over to it and place it so that I have paper left over to print something else - OR I might arrange to print two of this same 4x6 on the same sheet. I use the Ruler function and all looks well. However, the finished 4x6 or two 4x6's are approximately 8% smaller after printing. Can someone tell me what's happening? Also, perhaps there is a better way to make the most use of a sheet of paper and still get the dimensions of the prints that I want as a result. I suspect that I'm going about this wrong. I'm also assuming that a 4x6 at 200 DPI should fit on a 8 1/2x11 (200DPI) without shrinking or changing dimension in any way. Please help.

When I want my 1280 to make a 4x6 print, I just insert 4x6 paper and tell the printer to use that size. The 1280 will make a borderless print at 4x6.

Jim

Fruit2O wrote:

I'm using an Epson 1280 - but I suspect this applies to any printer: Let's say I have a photo (200DPI) that I have cropped to 4"x6". I want to print one copy. IfI use a sheet of 8 1/2"x11" paper, it will print in the missle of the sheet - thus wasting the rest of the sheet. So I create a blank canvas at 200DPI and 8 1/2"X11" - then drag my 4x6 over to it and place it so that I have paper left over to print something else - OR I might arrange to print two of this same 4x6 on the same sheet. I use the Ruler function and all looks well. However, the finished 4x6 or two 4x6's are approximately 8% smaller after printing. Can someone tell me what's happening?

My first guess is that you have 800x1200 pixels and are copying to a blank file that is set up for 240 or 300 ppi instead of 200 ppi, which would cause your printed images to "shrink" because they are being printed at a higher rez. This is probably it.

Another possibility, one I've screwed up doing myself ... the printer needs X inches of margin to grab the paper in the feeder, maybe .5" or ..75" on the input tongue, so if you are placing the images too close to the leading edge then it may be clipping.

You *should* be able to print two 800 x 1200 pixel images at 200 ppi (which gives you 4x6") if the margins are set loosely ... this would only cover 8x6" and even with a half inch or an inch spacing between the images you are still fine with 8.5 x 11" paper unless you get too close to the edges.

I'm also assuming that a 4x6 at 200 DPI should
fit on a 8 1/2x11 (200DPI) without shrinking or changing dimension in any way. Please help.

4x6" at 200 ppi (not DPI, ppi) implies an image size of 800 x 1200 pixels ... if you have 800x1200 pixels then do Image - Image Size and turn off resampling and set it to 200 ppi and it will definitely print 4x6" ...

For what you are trying to do I'd make a blank document (save it as "blank_2_4x6" or similar) 6x9" at 200 ppi and put Guides at 800 and 1000 pixels in the 9" direction, then make your 800x1200 pixel files and move them over to this blank doc so that they snap to the grid, leaving a 1" space between the two possible image sites. Then print this on 8.5 x 11" paper with the Centered option ... this will work, guaranteed.

Bill

"Fruit2O" wrote in message

I'm using an Epson 1280 - but I suspect this applies to any printer: Let's say I have a photo (200DPI) that I have cropped to 4"x6". I want to print one copy. IfI use a sheet of 8 1/2"x11" paper, it will print in the missle of the sheet - thus wasting the rest of the sheet. So I create a blank canvas at 200DPI and 8 1/2"X11" - then drag my 4x6 over to it and place it so that I have paper left over to print something else - OR I might arrange to print two of this same 4x6 on the same sheet. I use the Ruler function and all looks well. However, the finished 4x6 or two 4x6's are approximately 8% smaller after printing. Can someone tell me what's happening?

You may have the "Scale to Fit Media" option checked, and borders. Make the canvas 8 by 10.25 inches. 320 ppi is considered the "sweet spot" for Epson printers, since that is an even divisor of the dpi of the printer.

Also, perhaps there is a better
way to make the most use of a sheet of paper and still get the dimensions of the prints that I want as a result.

You can get three 4x6 prints per sheet: two verical and one horizontal.

I suspect that I'm
going about this wrong. I'm also assuming that a 4x6 at 200 DPI should fit on a 8 1/2x11 (200DPI) without shrinking or changing dimension in any way. Please help.

With no borders, you may well be correct.

My favorite layout is to get two somewhat larger 5x8 prints per sheet as follows:

1) Use Print With Preview, turn off centering, and set the positions to zero, set the width to 8 inches, and print.
2) turn the sheet around and repeat for the second print. --

Mike Russell
www.curvemeister.com/forum/

Mike Russell wrote:

320 ppi is considered the "sweet spot" for Epson printers, since that is an even divisor of the dpi of the printer.

Most of the Epson consumer models are native at 720 ppi (input file), the Professional models at 360 ppi. Neither is an "even divisor" of 320 ...

From: "Bill Hilton"

Mike Russell wrote:

320 ppi is considered the "sweet spot" for Epson printers, since that is an even divisor of the dpi of the printer.

Most of the Epson consumer models are native at 720 ppi (input file), the Professional models at 360 ppi. Neither is an "even divisor" of 320 ...

Right you are, Bill - it's 360 ppi.
---
Mike Russell
www.curvemeister.com/forum/

I am not too sure, but I suspect that if you create a canvas of 8.5 x 11, that will actually be larger than the printable area, if the Printer Paper size is set to A4 or Letter.

I would expect you should be getting the "Image Exceeds Printable Area" when you first click on Print.

The Printer may be dowsizing to ensure no clipping, or may be clipping the "oversize" edges.

A4 paper is 8.3 x 11.7, but I don't know the USA Letter sizes.
If you set for "No Margins" the Printer will automatically scale the image up slightly and make the 6 x 4 more like 6.1 x 4.1.

I am fairly sure that even if the Printer is Re-sampling up or down to get to its native Ppi, it won't be changing the Image Sizes.
Roy G

Roy. U.S. letter size is 8 1/2 inches x 11 inches. All I'm looking for is a way to print multiple images on a sheet of letter size paper and have then result in the dimensions I set. Still can't figure this one out.

My first guess is that you have 800x1200 pixels and are copying to a blank file that is set up for 240 or 300 ppi instead of 200 ppi, which would cause your printed images to "shrink" because they are being printed at a higher rez. This is probably it.

No, I am making sure the DPI is exactly the same on the photo (perhaps 4"x6") and the blank I'm dragging it on to is also exactly 200 DPI.

Another possibility, one I've screwed up doing myself ... the printer needs X inches of margin to grab the paper in the feeder, maybe .5" or .75" on the input tongue, so if you are placing the images too close to the leading edge then it may be clipping.

You *should* be able to print two 800 x 1200 pixel images at 200 ppi (which gives you 4x6") if the margins are set loosely ... this would only cover 8x6" and even with a half inch or an inch spacing between the images you are still fine with 8.5 x 11" paper unless you get too close to the edges.

I'm also assuming that a 4x6 at 200 DPI should
fit on a 8 1/2x11 (200DPI) without shrinking or changing dimension in any way. Please help.

4x6" at 200 ppi (not DPI, ppi) implies an image size of 800 x 1200 pixels ... if you have 800x1200 pixels then do Image - Image Size and turn off resampling and set it to 200 ppi and it will definitely print 4x6" ...

This part I don't understand. Could you explain a little more what is happening if I do this?

For what you are trying to do I'd make a blank document (save it as "blank_2_4x6" or similar) 6x9" at 200 ppi and put Guides at 800 and 1000 pixels in the 9" direction, then make your 800x1200 pixel files and move them over to this blank doc so that they snap to the grid, leaving a 1" space between the two possible image sites. Then print this on 8.5 x 11" paper with the Centered option ... this will work, guaranteed.

Don't totally understand this - but I will try it out. I'm sure it will become clearer while I'm executing your instructions. It will probably be a few days before I get to try this because I just had an operation on the back of my head and it's hard to focus while I'm recuperating. Thanks for the help.

Bill

You may have the "Scale to Fit Media" option checked, and borders. Make the canvas 8 by 10.25 inches. 320 ppi is considered the "sweet spot" for Epson printers, since that is an even divisor of the dpi of the printer.

Also, perhaps there is a better
way to make the most use of a sheet of paper and still get the dimensions of the prints that I want as a result.

You can get three 4x6 prints per sheet: two verical and one horizontal.

I suspect that I'm
going about this wrong. I'm also assuming that a 4x6 at 200 DPI should fit on a 8 1/2x11 (200DPI) without shrinking or changing dimension in any way. Please help.

With no borders, you may well be correct.

My favorite layout is to get two somewhat larger 5x8 prints per sheet as follows:

1) Use Print With Preview, turn off centering, and set the positions to zero, set the width to 8 inches, and print.
2) turn the sheet around and repeat for the second print.

I will try this out. Please see my last comment to Bill Hilton in his last post to me on this subject regarding my operation. Thanks.

On 25 Nov 2006 05:45:03 -0800, "Bill Hilton"
wrote:

Mike Russell wrote:

320 ppi is considered the "sweet spot" for Epson printers, since that is an even divisor of the dpi of the printer.

Most of the Epson consumer models are native at 720 ppi (input file), the Professional models at 360 ppi. Neither is an "even divisor" of 320 ...

Then, what do you recommend I use?

Fruit2O wrote:

No, I am making sure the DPI is exactly the same on the photo (perhaps 4"x6") and the blank I'm dragging it on to is also exactly 200 DPI.

"dpi" refers to the printer output resolution, 200 dpi is far too low and with a typical Epson photo printer or similar the choices would typically be 720 or 1440 or 2880 dpi, depending on the surface of the paper printed on. So make sure you are NOT using 200 ppi (if that's even available) for the print output.

"ppi" refers to the input file size dimensions. 200 ppi is pretty minimal but should give moderately decent results.

4x6" at 200 ppi (not DPI, ppi) implies an image size of 800 x 1200 pixels ... if you have 800x1200 pixels then do Image - Image Size and turn off resampling and set it to 200 ppi and it will definitely print 4x6" ...

..

This part I don't understand. Could you explain a little more what is happening if I do this?

Go to Image - Image Size and with an 800 x 1200 pixel file (the dimensions in the width and height boxes) and the 'resolution' set to 200 pixels/inch (ppi) the Document Size width and height will be 4x6".

If you have this set up correctly then it will print correctly, at least with every printer I've used. The exceptions might include clipping a small amount if the active image area is too large for the required borders of the paper size.

Bill

Bill Hilton wrote:

Fruit2O wrote:

No, I am making sure the DPI is exactly the same on the photo (perhaps 4"x6") and the blank I'm dragging it on to is also exactly 200 DPI.

"dpi" refers to the printer output resolution, 200 dpi is far too low and with a typical Epson photo printer or similar the choices would typically be 720 or 1440 or 2880 dpi, depending on the surface of the paper printed on. So make sure you are NOT using 200 ppi (if that's even available) for the print output.

"ppi" refers to the input file size dimensions. 200 ppi is pretty minimal but should give moderately decent results.

4x6" at 200 ppi (not DPI, ppi) implies an image size of 800 x 1200 pixels ... if you have 800x1200 pixels then do Image - Image Size and turn off resampling and set it to 200 ppi and it will definitely print 4x6" ...

.

This part I don't understand. Could you explain a little more what is happening if I do this?

Go to Image - Image Size and with an 800 x 1200 pixel file (the dimensions in the width and height boxes) and the 'resolution' set to 200 pixels/inch (ppi) the Document Size width and height will be 4x6".
If you have this set up correctly then it will print correctly, at least with every printer I've used. The exceptions might include clipping a small amount if the active image area is too large for the required borders of the paper size.

Bill

Thats not the answer to the question as to why they have to cut paper.

In article ,
Fruit2O wrote:

I'm using an Epson 1280 - but I suspect this applies to any printer: Let's say I have a photo (200DPI) that I have cropped to 4"x6". I want to print one copy. IfI use a sheet of 8 1/2"x11" paper, it will print in the missle of the sheet - thus wasting the rest of the sheet. So I create a blank canvas at 200DPI and 8 1/2"X11" - then drag my 4x6 over to it and place it so that I have paper left over to print something else - OR I might arrange to print two of this same 4x6 on the same sheet. I use the Ruler function and all looks well. However, the finished 4x6 or two 4x6's are approximately 8% smaller after printing.

That means your original 4x6 was not 200 pixels per inch.

Where did you get the number "200dpi" form? If you want the image to be the right size, make your new blank image the same resultion as the image you want to print.

--
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Hi Tacit! Good to see you back again.
--

Mike Russell
www.curvemeister.com/forum/