Convert PSD to JPG in Photo Shop

[Pike]

I am creating a full bleed page layout with text in Adobe Photo Shop. I have followed your prescribed method of image size with the resolution set to 180 dpi. When I convert the .PSD to a .JPG (conversion set to maximum) and then print the file to my printer I see some pixilation and fuzziness in the text. I do not see this pixilation if I print straight from my .PSD file or as a .PDF. Does any one have a way of getting a higher quality .JPG that I can upload to the my publisher software or do they accept any other file format that would help with this problem. Thanks...

[seth]

Are you rasterizing each type layer before converting to JPG?

[Pike]

I am bit of a novice and I have seen the option to rasterize the text layer. Will this help with the pixilation around the text? Also is it a good idea to merge all of the layers (flatten the image) be for printing the finial jpg version?

As a side note I changed my DPI to 300 and that helped quite a bit but the text is still not as crisp as I would like it to be...

[seth]

Pike-

Two things here (we'll get you out of novice mode<GGG>).

There are raster graphics and vector graphics. You don't need the techie part. The vector graphics let stuff create curves better. When you rasterize each type layer, in simple terms it converts it to a graphic like your other layers.

Don't mess with re-sizing. Most software converts to the printer base size on the fly. I am not sure, but I think Canon uses 600. Epson uses 720. My laser is somewhere else. All you are doing is creating "jaggies." (BTW-you are converting PPI, not DPI--they are not the same.) Keep in mind MP will do another conversion depending on the LPI (different from the other two) of their offset presses.

Also, my cameras--depending on the resolution I shoot at--may open a 10MP file at 72 ppi at 12.4 in. x 18.6 in. (I am just making up numbers for an example.) It's just a proportional relationship. Then, if I change the PPI to 200, the size changes to 8x10. NOTHING has changed pixel-count-wise. However, if you don't allow ALL of the resampling (size and ppi) and just use PPI to 300, it has to interpolate something, whether up or down.

I guess had three things: flattening will give you a much smaller file. You cannot save a standard JPG with layers. What I do is save the PSD, flatten the layers, then save a PSD with a -1 or an A after it, then save as a it as a JPG for the book.

BTW- You will ALWAYS see jaggie edges if you are not viewing at 25%, 50% or 100%. CTRL + or CTRL - will resize your view. These are the only sizes that will show you true resolution on the screen. The bottom of the screen shows the % size you are set at.

Hope this helps.

Seth