Determining a recommended resolution for an image (Photoshop)

If you plan to print your image using a halftone screen, the range of suitable image resolutions depends on the screen frequency of your output device. You can have Photoshop determine a recommended resolution for your image based on your device's screen frequency. (See Understanding image size and resolution.)

Note: If your image resolution is more than 2.5 times the screen ruling, an alert message appears when you try to print the image. This means that the image resolution is higher than necessary for the printer. Save a copy of the file, and then reduce the resolution.

To determine a suggested resolution for an image:

1. Choose Image > Image Size.
2. Click Auto.
3. For Screen, enter the screen frequency for the output device. If desired, choose a new unit of measurement. Note that the screen value is used only to calculate the image resolution, not to set the screen for printing.

Important: To specify the halftone screen ruling for printing, you must use the Halftone Screens dialog box, accessible through the Print with Preview command. (See Selecting halftone screen attributes.)

4. For Quality, select an option:
• Draft to produce a resolution the same as the screen frequency (no lower than 72 pixels per inch).
• Good to produce a resolution 1.5 times the screen frequency.
• Best to produce a resolution 2 times the screen frequency.