Getting Images into Photoshop Elements > Changing image size and resolution > Changing the print dimensions and resolution of an image
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Changing the print dimensions and resolution of an image


When creating an image for print media, it's useful to specify image size in terms of the printed dimensions and the image resolution. These two measurements, referred to as the document size, determine the total pixel count and therefore the file size of the image; document size also determines the base size at which an image is placed into another application. You can further manipulate the scale of the printed image in the Print Options dialog box; however, changes you make in the Print Options dialog box affect only the printed image, not the document size of the image file. (See Positioning and scaling images.)

If you turn on resampling for the image, you can change print dimensions and resolution independently (and change the total number of pixels in the image). If you turn resampling off, you can change either the dimensions or the resolution--Photoshop Elements adjusts the other value automatically to preserve the total pixel count. For the highest print quality, it's generally best to change the dimensions and resolution first without resampling. Then resample only as necessary.

To change the print dimensions and resolution of an image:

1 Choose Image > Resize > Image Size.

2 Change the print dimensions, image resolution, or both:
  • To change only the print dimensions or only the resolution and adjust the total number of pixels in the image proportionately, make sure that Resample Image is selected. Then choose an interpolation method. (See About interpolation methods.)
  • To change the print dimensions and resolution without changing the total number of pixels in the image, deselect Resample Image.

    • 3 To maintain the current proportions of image width to image height, select Constrain Proportions. This option automatically updates the width as you change the height, and vice versa.

    4 Under Document Size, enter new values for the height and width. If desired, choose a new unit of measurement. Note that for Width, the Columns option uses the width and gutter sizes specified in the Units & Rulers preferences. (See  Using rulers and the grid.)

    5 For Resolution, enter a new value. If desired, choose a new unit of measurement.

    6 Click OK.

    To return to the original values displayed in the Image Size dialog box, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS), and click Reset.

    To view the print size on-screen:

    Do one of the following:
  • Choose View > Print Size.
  • Select the hand tool or zoom tool, and click Print Size in the options bar.

    • The magnification of the image is adjusted to display its approximate printed size, as specified in the Document Size section of the Image Size dialog box. Keep in mind that the size and resolution of your monitor affect the on-screen print size.

    Getting Images into Photoshop Elements > Changing image size and resolution > Changing the print dimensions and resolution of an image