jimjams wrote:
I am new to photography and am very new to LR (6). I shot my photos in RAW, developed and now want to export so I can print them.
Can someone please put me out of my misery and tell me what export settings I should be using to get the best I can from my pics.
This will tell you how many pixels you need in your image - based on size and average viewing distance. If you anticipate closer viewing, then increase the # of pixels.
http://www.photokaboom.com/photography/learn/printing/resolution/1_which_resolution_print_size_viewing_distance.htmIf you look at their minimum recommended settings - an 8x10 only needs 181 ppi, or 1448x1810 to have adequate sharpness. A smaller print, which is usually veiwed closer, will need 300 ppi or more. There is a limit to what you can see in terms of fine detail, and age, vision, viewing distance etc all contribute to the perception of sharpness. It's the reason why an Apple iPhone billboard, or a vehicle wrap - can be printed at 30 or 40 ppi and it will look amazing.
The link above provides some formulas and a link to hard science on vision and distance and how it relates to resolutions required.
You will never see any difference between 8 and 12 quality.
If you are using an un-profiled display - then it is likely too bright, which will result in prints that may look ok on screen but will print too dark.
As has been recommended, if you are printing with a lab, have them provide the printer profile so you can soft-proof in your software. If you are printing yourself, you will be fine if you use OEM paper and ink, and use the print preview.
You will get your best results when you are using a recently profiled display, that has been adjusted to a white point of 80 candelas/square meter. Many displays will be set at the factory to 120 or even higher.
Most print labs don't care about dpi - they care if you have enough pixels to print to the size you are looking for. If you have more, their raster image processor (RIP) will make sure anti-aliasing, print-sharpening and and resolution are optimized for the print size.