Preparing output from Photoshop

When you first create a Photoshop file (File > New), set it up with the size, resolution and colour model required for the the end result you need to produce.

Always save designs as

• An original photoshop (.psd) file - so that all the layers are preserved.
• An appropriate format for the item that is being produced from your design.

Output settings to use

If you are designing something for Print Media

Colour Mode: CMYK
Resolution: 300 dpi
Size: paper (etc) size it to be used: include bleed - usually an extra 3mm on all sides, but check with the printer what they need
File type: Preferred formats include .pdf or high resolution (300dpi) .jpeg

If you are designing something for Web or on-screen

Colour Mode: RGB (also used on TV screens)
Resolution: 72 or 96 dpi (72 preferred)
Size: Measured in Pixels, based on the space that the item going to be placed into.
File type: .jpeg for logos, .png for files that require transparency .gif for animated gifs or slideshow images

Printing directly from Photoshop

There are two main print commands:

• Print One Copy - Prints one copy of a file without displaying a dialog box.
• Print - Displays the Print dialog box, where you can preview the print and set options. Customised settings are saved as new defaults when you click Done or Print.

The print dialog box lets you
A. Preview print
B. Set printer and print job options
C. Set paper orientation
D. Position and scale the image
E. Specify pre-press output options
F. Specify colour management and proofing options

Start by selecting the printer, number of copies, and paper orientation.

Adjust the position and scale of the image in relation to the selected paper size and orientation.

Set Colour Management and Output options:  access these from the pop-up menu in the upper-right corner.

When you have selected the required options:

• To print the image, click Print.
• To close the dialog box without saving the options, click Cancel.
• To save the options and close the dialog box without printing, click Done.

If you see a warning that your image is larger than the printable area of the paper, start by cancelling the current print job.    Then you have two options after selecting File > Print from the menu again:

• Select the Scale To Fit Media box, OR
• Use different options for paper size and layout, under Print Settings.