We all do it !
Almost-Human | 03/01/2008 @761 | edit post

Ok, we all do it some better than other's I might add, I dont do it well What am I on about ? Converting files for GFX.. So I have a hugh Photoshop file the image is ready to go and the print is sitting on my wall, but I need to convert it for GFX... 72dpi.. so lets say I am dealing with a multi-layered PSD file,,, I am converting to Jpeg... now how do I go about getting it down to 72dpi ? step by step or in one jump ??? What I am asking is what process, step by step, do you gfxer's use to go from the file you use for printing prints to the image you display here on GFX !! A-H

Re: We all do it !
jerrembear | 03/01/2008 @769 | edit post

DPI is printer's resolution its irrelevant when its outputting for web. with GFX you're forced to have a width of 716, so all you basically do is change the width to 716 pixels while constraining proportions of course.

Re: We all do it !
Almost-Human | 03/01/2008 @773 | edit post

is it that simple ??

Re: We all do it !
jerrembear | 03/01/2008 @773 | edit post

yes

Re: We all do it !
ThruMyEyez | 03/01/2008 @793 | edit post

Hi Brian!! There are many ways to resize for GFX and to resize in general but a method I use all the time as does Michelle and many others is what we know as the "Mekis Technique" explained very well by Robert on this page: http://www.robertmekis.com/articles/sharpening/sharpening.html Check it out!! I highly recommend it. It can be adjusted to fine tune the results. I use smart sharpening as the final step in his process as he wrote this before Photoshop CS and the smart sharpening tool. [Message edited on 03/01 @793]

Re: We all do it !
Almost-Human | 03/01/2008 @823 | edit post

thanks gary.. I think that the process Brandon was talking about in one of my early posts..

Re: We all do it !
Juro | 03/01/2008 @953 | edit post

Resize>Constrain proportions>shrink to GFX size>save as JPEG>post.

Re: We all do it !
ThruMyEyez | 03/01/2008 @968 | edit post

If you downsize without doing it in a few steps and sharpening each step you will end up with a muddy looking photo.

Re: We all do it !
Wysiwyg | 03/01/2008 @978 | edit post

Here are 2 ways: Image - Image Size Constrain proportions 716px wide 72dpi File - Save As - JPG ---------------------- FASTER WAY! File - Save for Web JPG - (low, med, high, very high, maximum...are talking about compression..which can also be adjusted in the Quality menu) Quality 0-100 (70 is default...100 won't hurt...click the '2 up' tab to see before/after) Click the 'Image size tab on the right' Input 716 (constrain proportions) Click Save *resolution is auto adjusted to 72ppi *there is an arrow near the option 'optimize' which will give you an 'optimize to file size' option which you can use to ensure you meet upload regs for fickle things like avatars. --------------------------- NOTE! CS2 calls it Save for Web CS3 calls it Save for Web and Devices [Message edited on 03/01 @980]

Re: We all do it !
Almost-Human | 03/02/2008 @052 | edit post

Cheers "EVERYONE" but its this but that concerns me, so are your saying the step down at a time is the only way for photographs ? quote:  ThruMyEyez wrote on 03/01 @968 If you downsize without doing it in a few steps and sharpening each step you will end up with a muddy looking photo. I had tried it back as far as the abbey shot I posted and i couldnt get it right. Byonder mentioned it if I remember ! Has anyone done comparision between this step-by-step approach and the faster route ? Bonus round question, who can remember that guy in the fishbowl ? anyone got a link to it ? [Message edited on 03/02 @057]

Re: We all do it !
ThruMyEyez | 03/02/2008 @078 | edit post

It's just my way of doing it and my recommendation. Simple enough to check. Do a photo both ways and compare the result. Whatever works and you feel comfortable with. The Mekis technique seems complicated or maybe too many steps at first try but after doing it a few times it's actually very easy and gives you much control over the final result.

Re: We all do it !
chickenfingers | 03/02/2008 @133 | edit post

Also, don't forget to convert your color profile to sRGB if it isn't already.

Re: We all do it !
MsMichelleLynn | 03/02/2008 @413 | edit post

I also suggest using Mekis Sharpening Brian. This method can be tweaked greatly. Don't always follow strict guidelines when Mekis Sharpening. For instance, if your original is already fairly sharp, use sharpen rather than sharpen more. You may also do 2 layers rather than three and skip an entire sharpening layer. Experience will teach you what is best for each image. You'll often have to use a noise reduction program after sharpening depending on the sharpening amount and your ISO. When resizing for GFX, make sure to leave room for a border. I personally like to save my images at 300 PPI and not the web standard of 72. Michelle

Re: We all do it !
ThruMyEyez | 03/02/2008 @493 | edit post

Good points MIchelle. I use sharpen on the first two layers and smart sharpen on the third. [Message edited on 03/02 @580]

Re: We all do it !
Wysiwyg | 03/02/2008 @999 | edit post

let's make it more complicated! You can also use masks to selective sharpen some areas more than others It's a very common technique that many pros use. Make a sharpened layer, mask it out, and then only show areas (revealing sharpen effect) in areas of high contrast and generally naturally crisp textures (metal reflections per se). This is also a technique some use to smooth skin. 2 layers...original and a blurred layer. Mask out the blurred layer completely and only reveal it in areas that need smoothing out.

Re: We all do it !
L-iNC | 03/03/2008 @047 | edit post

I used to sharpen my photos in LAB mode in Photoshop, but lately I've just exported the photos from Lightroom in to the target size and uploaded. Here's a couple test images with different type of resizing and sharpening. Clickyhere

Re: We all do it !
ThruMyEyez | 03/03/2008 @062 | edit post

Good comparisons!!