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Resolution for Billboard Printing


Arnel
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I need some advice from the veteran members here sorry if this has been discussed before I want to have an output that will be printed on a canvass/tarpolene 2.5x2.5m what should be the ideal resolution for my render here? This will be a billboard for the construction site.

 

Thanks in advance.

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We frequently do billboards and the best method we've found is to have a really high quality print done at a normal size (11"x17"). That print is then scanned in a high-end drum scanner (service bureau) to produce a larger file. Then is is set up to be printed at between 40 and 80 dpi. With this method we never have to render outside of our normal final deliverable size. We've done this successfully on billboards upwards of 40' (12M +).

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With this method we never have to render outside of our normal final deliverable size.

 

And what is your normal final deliverable size.

 

Interesting process btw. But I have to wonder what the advantage is to simply sizing up the file in PS? I mean, by scanning a high quality print you aren't getting any extra detail are you?

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And what is your normal final deliverable size.

 

Interesting process btw. But I have to wonder what the advantage is to simply sizing up the file in PS? I mean, by scanning a high quality print you aren't getting any extra detail are you?

 

Normal deliverable is usually 4000 pixels or so. There are two reasons why I like the print and scan method:

 

1. It's true that there is technically no more detail but once a good print is made the subsequent scan is dealing more with "grain" (for lack of a better term), not "pixels". I find the results more visually appealing, but it's probably a personal preference.

 

2. It becomes someone else's job! Rather than me (or someone in my office) having to babysit the resizing and delivery of a bunch of billboard images, we send it over to a service provider who does the printing, scanning, setup and billboard printing. I like making my life easier! ;)

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Here's an idea:

 

Ask the people that will be doing the actual printing of said billboard.

 

Like was mentioned above - you shouldn't have to go too overboard with the resolution since it won't be seen upclose, but the company doing the print work for you will most definitly have guidelines /recomendations for you.

 

We have large format plotters when when doing jobs that are a few feet x a few feet in size (and seen from upclose), and even 200 dpi is sometimes overkill. But when we have to get large banners printed (many yards x many yards in size), I always refer back to our printing company for suggestions - usually ~70dpi is more than plenty.

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A billboard company once told me that the printers used for billboard images would not print higher than 180dpi. Maybe you could print off some A4 sheets, stick them together and put them on the wall to see for yourself what it should be.

 

Or yes alternatively phone the company lol.

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