Resolution for Printing

[mgiambrone43]

Hello,

I want to do an experiment to have a rendered image printed on an 8x10 or a 16x20 sheet.

If we print at 200dpi or 300dpi, what dimensions would the render need to be set at?

For an 8x10 Glossy shot

8x300 = 2400 x 10x300 = 3000 so 2400x3000?

For a 16x20 Glossy shot

16x300 = 4800 x 20x300= 6000 so 4800x6000?

Am I on the right track?

Is this even possible?

Thanks

[Fletch]

your calculations appear correct.

300dpi is overkill. 150-200dpi is plenty.
the bigger the board, the more distant the observer, the lower the dpi (do you think they print signs at 300dpi?)

Subject: Render Size

300 dpi = glossy hi-res magazine
200 dpi = great 11"x17" presentation paper size
150 dpi = good 11x17 presentation paper size
72 dpi = web display or large format
18-50 dpi = very large format

see also miguel's tip for large format presentation.

300 dpi for large presentation is laughably ridiculous.

If the sign is 144" wide (12') 72x144= 10368 pixels wide. I think that will be quite a challenge for you.

4000 pixels I'm guessing is about what your RAM will handle (if that) with 32 bit rendering out of SketchUp. And the render could take a while.
I would suggest rendering at 3400px, blow just a small portion of it to the site sign actual size so that you can see a preview. Try the same also for 4000px.

Another great tutorial about presentation resolution.

[mgiambrone43]

Thanks Fletch.

Just wanted to have something printed that would look good hanging on a wall. A print so to speak.