FAQs
What is dpi?
Dots per Inch (dpi) is a term used to represent the resolution of a file when printed at a certain size. As a general rule, the higher the resolution, the higher the quality of print output.
What is the minimum dpi I can supply?
In order to create high quality prints, we request that files are between 250-300dpi at print size. The minimum file size we accept is 150 dpi.
What is the maximum recommended dpi?
As a general rule, file sizes of 300 dpi are required for the highest quality output. Any larger and the file size become too large yet with no noticeable improvement in printed resolution.
What equipment do you use to scan film?
We use a Heidelberg Tango XL drum scanner. This offers the finest possible scan available anywhere in the world. The Tango can accept transmissive and reflective originals up to 20" x 24", save files in RGB, CMYK, or LAB colour settings with a dynamic range of 4.2. and can create clean sharp files as large as 11,000 DPI in 8 bit, 16 bit or 24 bit settings.
How do I crop my files to the exact print size?
We recommend you use the Crop tool in Photoshop. It allows you to simply type in the height, width and resolution you want the final size to be. Exact print size means you crop to the exact size you are expecting to get back, such as 11 inches by 14 inches at 200 DPI. An example of something not to the exact print size would be 10x15 at 200 when you want an 10x17 print. If images need additional cropping or set up, the Custom fees will apply.
For complete FAQs please see Service Guide 2006
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COLOUR INFORMATION
Should I supply RGB or CMYK?
We require a RGB file. Our Epson 7 colour Ultrachrome™ digital print system is RGB. This means we are able to print much closer to the RGB colours you see on screen than the standard CMYK. The enhanced colour range means that even the most vibrant pigments can be reproduced. If you convert your file to CMYK you limit the range of colour our digital print system has to offer.
How do I calibrate to your printer?
You don't calibrate directly to our printer. You calibrate your monitor to a standard and neutral state. We recommend all clients perform hardware monitor calibration. This is a relatively straightforward and simple procedure. We recommend Colorvision Spyder 2 Pro or Gretag MacBeth Eye One Display 2. We also offer colour consultancy services.
What is 'colour gamut'?
'Colour gamut' denotes the range of colours that are present in a specified working space. RGB and CMYK have a different working space and range of colours. Neither of these colour ranges reproduce all the colours seen by the human eye. The term 'out of gamut' relates to a range of RGB colours that cannot be reproduced on a CMYK printer. Most imaging software, for example Adobe Photoshop, deal by default with RGB which contains a different range of colours than CMYK. Therefore it is important that you have checked that any colour conversion retains its original appearance.
What is the best way to create a black and white print?
There are several ways in Photoshop to create black and white. While the different ways can create different levels of contrast, the end result is still a file without any colour information. It is important to make sure even black and whites are setup as RGB files, not greyscale, with assigned profile sRGB or Adobe RGB (1998) to preserve your colour settings when printing. |
