Printing 20x30 Contact Sheet Poster

Question

Printing 20x30 Contact Sheet Poster

I'm trying to print a 20x30 contact sheet poster containing 98 images. I have a 300 dpi TIFF file imported into iPhoto 5 that comes in at 155 MB (6000x9000 dpi). However, when I try to order a 20x30 print from iPhoto, the dialog box tells me it's transferring a 10 MB file, nothing close to the 155 MB original. What am I doing wrong? I haven't let the order proceed yet because I'm sure a 10 MB file at poster size will look terrible.

Thanks in advance. SJG.

Posted on Oct 27, 2005 2:56 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 30, 2005 7:03 AM in response to Simon Garrett

That might be the TIFF to JPEG conversion reducing the file size. You can test this theory by manual converting the file from TIFF to JPEG.

Back in the 486 days, I had a 3MB 8x10 inch 300 DPI JPEG.

BTW: that should be 6000x9000 pixels, not dots-per-inch (DPI)

Changing subjects: Did you use a handy applet that made the poster for you with very few clicks?

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Answer 2

Oct 31, 2005 3:08 PM in response to Community User

L,

Saving the TIFF file as a (minimum compression) JPEG reduces the filesize from 155 to about 40 MB. I can import this into iPhoto. But still, when I try to send the photo to iPhoto for printing it tells me it's transferring a 10 MB file. Is it converting the JPEG again to a higher compression version?

I've tried going to Kodak directly but for some reason when I try to upload my photo, Safari presents me with a blank page. So I'm stuck again.

I don't use an applet for making the poster. Is there one about? And yes, that should be 6000x9000 pixels. Sorry.

Thanks in advance. SJG.

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Answer 3

Oct 31, 2005 6:36 PM in response to Simon Garrett

How to Make a Life Poster, the Tiger Edition
http://www.macilife.com/2005/07/how-to-make-life-poster-tiger-edition.html

Can't answer the 10MB thing.

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Answer 4

Oct 31, 2005 6:57 PM in response to Community User

L,

Cool. I ws using Mike Matas' original instructions.

SJG.

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Answer 5

Old Toad

Level 10

207,367 points

Nov 1, 2005 8:09 PM in response to Simon Garrett

It may be that the files are being converted to PDF files for uploading and printing like the books are. That may explain the reduction in file size.

OT

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Answer 6

Nov 2, 2005 1:43 PM in response to Old Toad

Thanks OT. I think I'll go ahead and let iPhoto print the 10 MB file and see what happens. I am slightly worried that I don't know what actually gets sent to the online service though.

SJG.

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