Printing issue

LRussoPhoto

I created a 24x36 poster in elements. My problem is trying to get it printed. I have tried a few different places such as Walgreens, Staples, etc.....The issue is I keep getting a message that my file quality is too high. What I did was create the poster in elements, then save as a jpg. I first saved it at max quality (10). And I got the message that file is too big, most places dont seem to accept a file bigger then 12mb. The file in elements in psd is 600mb, when saved at max quality jpg its 21mb. For some reason when I try to save as a pdf, I get "could not complete because of a program error", I have saved as pdf before and never had an issue, maybe its because the file is so big?
I also tried to save the file at medium quality but then when I upload to the printing site is says quality is too low. How and I supposed to get good quality print on a 24x36 poster if my file size is so small?

Please help!

arodney

What's the pixel dimensions? What are you asking for PPI (pixels per inch)? 24x36@ 200 ppi should be more than enough shouldn’t be anywhere near 600mb!

LRussoPhoto

It is at 300ppi. Can I go to Image, resize and change it to 200ppi with out messing anything? 200ppi will be of for a 24x36 poster?

LRussoPhoto

Ok, I just duplicated the file and went to resize image when I change the ppi from 300 to 200 it changes the image size to 36x54.......not what I want. What do I do?

arodney

Yes, duplicate! Save the original higher rez image. But do NOT change size, just change the resolution so you see the size you want (resample on, Bicubic sharper).

mercphoto

A 12mb file is small? And if you're trying to save a 300dpi file at a 24x36 image in the first place, that is HUGE and is overkill. That is 77.7 megapixels! You could easily cut that to 150dpi, still have 19 megapixels in the image, and have a much smaller JPG.

I've done poster prints with 20D's and 1D Mark II's, both 8MP cameras, and at 24x36 were roughly 100dpi, and no issues whatsoever (if you use a quality print lab).

Now, back to your last statement about how to get a quality print from Walgreens or Staples from such a "small" file, really begs the question how you expect to get a quality print from Walgreens or Staples in the first place...

LRussoPhoto

Maybe I should explain a little more, This is a collage of serval photos onto one poster.

LRussoPhoto

The overall poster size is 24x36. I just figure 300ppi would be best when I created in elements. Why would such a low ppi be ok for printing such a large poster? Still dont fully understand pixels in relation to image size that well.

mercphoto

For starters, it has to do with expected viewing distance. You don't normally view a large print as closely as you would a 4x6 print.

Sam

Lou,

You can send large files to Bay Photo, as well as many other pro labs via FTP.

Or call these guys. You can upload almost any size file. If their prices are too high for you send the file to me and I will forward it to China where 137 little girls will hand copy it in an hour for $9.95.

Problem solved.

Sam