DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

I'm new to LR4 and have searched for recommendations on exporting with regard to file settings, image sizing and image sharpening as well as using google. Most tutorials leave out the specifics of exporting parameters.

I want to give photos I took last weekend to some friends which I've completed PP on and want to make sure they can print the ones they like.

I'm exporting the photos to my hard drive and will burn DVDs when I'm finished.

So far I've come up with the following I think:
file type = JPEG (for ease of printing)
image sizing - "resize to fit", "width and height", w=6 h=4 inches "resolution = 240"
output sharpening "sharpen for glossy paper"

My goal is to allow my friends to get the best image quality for most standard prints in a 4x6 or 8x12 size without having to worry about cropping whether using matte or glossy finish. I initially exported using the default values for "image sizing" which only has resolution=240 pixels per inch, but I don't understand what affects this has to different size prints or enlargements.

While comparing the two different exports with the default values compared to the values I "think" I should use then I can only tell a difference when zooming in on the image but I don't know what the printed picture will look like.

I'm interested in what values experienced users are using for standard size printing in order to save time.

Thanks In Advance,

DavidM

snowbear

I would go with 300 dpi. I wouldn't worry about resizing, but if you are going to, go with 8x10 and let them cut it down to 4x6.

EDIT: Mistyped - that should be "I'd resize for 8x12"

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Well...one thing you have to do is crop for the print size...right?

I'd export files at the expected print sizes; 4 x 6, 8 x 10 etc. Make it easy on them.

I wouldn't use the "resize to fit" thing at all. I'd crop to the expected size, and then output full quality JPG...or as you said, to a specific print res like 240ppi.

when i've had prints done, (up to 16 x 20) I've just used the 100% quality JPG without resizing and have used the output sharpening which I think is important.

Someone else can comment on the other settings.

DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

I appreciate the responses. You would think Adobe would make this more intuitive and give more info on this. I hope to see more responses on this subject based on experiences with export. I hate to to waste time and money with trial and error.

DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

My thoughts on cropping (remember I'm an amateur at this) are you crop for composition, leave enough border space to adjust for printing size. Is this correct thinking?

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Not the way I do it.

I crop EXACTLY what I want the picture to be....4 x 6...8 x 10...etc.

Nothing to adjust because the print you output is exactly what's going to be there.

I print bleed right to the edge.

DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

Ok folks.. I think I found what I needed at this link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yf9-T0BSvs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I should have cropped to print size inside of lightroom as per the tutorial, but I'm still not sure what parameters to use on export. Guess I'm going to have to re-crop my originals. I didn't realize there is so much work in PP.

Still hoping for more response on this.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Don't use any resizing; you don't care about how wide each side is...or what DPI it is, no "resize to fit"...none of that.

Uncheck everything except:

1.) just use 100% quality jpg.

2. output sharpening

What you are trying to end up with is a high quality JPG in the correct size sharpened for print.

DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

So does output sharpening matter? If I don't know how my friends will print then should I use glossy, matte, display or just leave it blank?

Thanks for your help on this. I do appreciate it.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

I've never sent shots to anyone for them to print so I don't know. I've always sent them to printers.

IF you are concerned; I'd do both.

1.) 4 x 6 glossy

2.) 4 x 6 matte

3.) 8 x 10 glossy

4.) 8 x 10 matte.



Etc...give them each file if you are concerned.

Remember, you "add" a custom export setting, name it, then after you have the correct settings set you right click it and "update with current settings" and then you just do a one click export for each type....it's very fast.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Check out Scott Kelby's book on Lightroom. It offers down to earth explanations and is very comprehensive.

Larry

DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

Ok thanks, I have many photos from a horse show and I wanted to give put them on dvd and give them the best option available.

DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

Thanks Larry, I've been using the following link for my guidance but missed the part on crop overlay.

http://www.photokaboom.com/_htm_menus/Lightroom_menu.htm

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Possibly just give them a DVD with two folders on it? One folder of 4 x 6's and one folder of 8 x 10's?

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

One thing to add here to meet your goal of allowing your friends to print them accurately -- Have you calibrated your monitor? (That's important if you want them printed as you see them).

Scott Kelby's book on LR4 is great and you should have a copy ($27 on Amazon with free shipping).