QUICK FIX SCAN RESOLUTION 85

Screen shot: flat-bed

scanner
Complicated-looking dialogue boxes,
such as the one here for a flat-bed
Screen shot: film scanner scanner, are usually not that difficult to
A dialogue box for a film scanner may use. Here, you must set an output ruling
ask for output sizes: the proportions of (166 lpi in this example) and the scaling
length to width is often set by cropping is set to “Factor”, which is indicated at
the image or it may be typed in. The 100 per cent. From the dimensions of the
resolution setting can also be entered by frame for the cropping, the scanner
hand or by setting the scale and letting calculates the rest, including the resolution
the software calculate resolution. A useful – given here as 400 dpi. The expected file
check is file size: high resolution (2,500 size is shown at the top of the box.
ppi) and a 7 MB file size suggest the
image is black and white.

calculations using metric measurements if you wish:

1 Your original image is 35 mm long, and you want to Determining file size
make a print that is 250 mm long, and the assumption
is that you are using an ink-jet printer with an output Look up the file size for the output you desire, then
resolution of 120 lpi. ensure the scanned file is about the same size by
Input resolution = (120 x 250)/35 adjusting the dpi or resolution in the scanner driver.
= 30,000/35
= 857 pixels per inch Ink-jet print 7.5 x 12.5 cm (3 x 5 in) 1.9 MB
Since the original is 35 mm (1.4 in) long, there will be 10 x 15 cm (4 x 6 in) 2.7 MB
a total of 857 x 1.4 = 1,200 pixels on its long side. 20 x 25.5 cm (8 x 10 in) 5 MB
2 Your original is 35 mm long and you want a scan of A4 6.9 MB
sufficient quality to be suitable for magazine A3 12.6 MB
reproduction up to 250 mm long. Working on the
assumption that the magazine prints to a 150 lpi line Image for 480 x 320 pixels 0.45 MB
screen, and with a quality factor of 1.5, the output web page 600 x 400 pixels 0.7 MB
resolution needed, therefore, is 768 x 512 pixels 1.12 MB
150 x 1.5 = 225 lpi. 960 x 640 pixels 1.75 MB
Input resolution = (225 x 250)/35
= 56,250/35 Book/ A4 18.6 MB
= 1,607 pixels per inch or, say, 1,600 ppi magazine 20 x 25.5 cm (8 x 10 in) 13.6 MB
Since the original is 35 mm (1.4 in) long, there will be printing A5 9.3 MB
a total of 1,600 x 1.4 = 2,240 pixels on the long side of 12.5 x 17.5 cm (5 x 7 in) 6.7 MB
the image.

How to avoid the problem

Experiment with using the lowest resolutions you can
manage that do not compromise the quality of the
image. The exercise is most valuable when you are
using an ink-jet printer. Working with the smallest
possible files will help to save you both time and
money. Your work is likely to fall into a pattern after
a while: keep a note of the settings that produce
satisfactory results and reapply them to your new
work. If you are outputting using commercial
printers, ask them for their recommendations.