scanning 35 mm slides

[supinator100]

I'm attempting to make a book that includes some old slides. I have scanned them at 1200 dpi. Is that going to be too large for mypublisher?

[rfredley]

I'm not from my publisher, but I might be able to answer the question with a brief overview of dpi and printing specs.

The answer lies in the final dimensions of your scanned image. When you open it in your image editing program you should be able to see the final pixel dimensions of the file. You should also be able to see this in your scanning software. Figure the largest size you want this picture to print at and then divide the pixel width (in pixels) by the printed width (in inches). This will give you a number that's your pixels per inch (dpi or ppi). This number should be between 200 and 350 according to generally accepted printing standards and the mypublisher site. Actually, mypublisher suggests you keep the number at 200, I believe.

In your case, you're scanning a 1.5" slide at 1200 dpi. That will result in an image that's 1800 pixels wide. Assuming you want a full page image in the classic book (11.25 inches wide) you'll end up with an image that's 160 pixels per inch. That will result in pixelation and some blur, probably. Not optimal. You might want to increase your dpi if you want to go full bleed.

However, if you're not going any larger than a 6 inch wide image, you're looking at output at 300dpi, which is right in the sweet spot. And you'll have great looking images.

Good luck!

[supinator100]

Thank you very much. What a clear explanation. I hope this helps others too.