subject: How To Print Photos From Home [print this page] Printing photos from home has never been easier. Taking trips to the photo shop takes time and money so why not make it easier on yourself and print your favorite photographs right off of your home computer? With these tips, doing so is easy.
1. The best photo prints come from the highest resolution images. Both on your camera and your computer, it's important to choose the best quality possible. 2 Megapixels is good for most smaller size photo prints like 5 x 7's and wallet sized photos. But for larger projects like calendars or full size 8 x 10's, 3 megapixels is the minimum.
2. Changing the format from a JPEG to TIFF results in higher clarity and better resolution. Although these files are larger, the size is worth it when you're printing.
3. Any photo editing program can correct blemishes or color problems with your pictures. Softening edges, cropping the size and removing red eye are all advantages to printing at home.
4. Working with your printer helps you to achieve the best quality photos. A way to do this is through updating the current drive, which is what allows your computer and your printer to talk to each other. By checking your printer manufacturer's web site, you can see if there are any new updates to install.
5. DPI, or dots per inch, is a feature that is very important to high resolution photos. Ideally you want at least 600 x 600 dpi. If your printer doesn't print this well, you might want to think again about how you get professional looking photo prints, by either investing in a new printer or going to the photo store.
6. Configuring the print settings of your printer will help you achieve the best results. In the control panel of your computer, find the printer icon and open the folder. Under Printing Preferences you should be able to change the print quality accordingly. If you have any difficulty, don't be afraid to consult your printer's instruction manual.
7. Choosing the right kind of paper is important. If you're printing macro shots with high resolution, you probably want inkjet glossy photo paper. Inkjet glossy photo paper will gives you the shine and gloss you want your photos to have. If, on the other hand, you are printing something with text, or a photo that doesn't require as much detail, you can go with premium matte photo paper.
8. Make sure that your print cartridges are aligned and that your printer is working properly to avoid wasting expensive paper and depending on the size, fit as many photos on one page as possible in order to conserve waste.
9. As far as ink goes, it doesn't really matter, but just to be on the safe side, get ink from the same company that made your printer. With these tips you should be well on your way to printing professional style photos. Printing photos has never been easier. Good luck!
