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Choose the right resolution for your print |
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Resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image. The more pixels your photo has the more clarity and detail it will
retain as you increase its dimensions. Resolution is sometimes expressed by the width and height of the image as well as
the total number of pixels it contains. For example, an image that is 1600 pixels wide and 1200 pixels high (1600 x 1200)
contains 1,920,000 pixels-or almost two megapixels (two million pixels).
Most digital cameras offer a range of resolution settings. It's a good idea to use a higher-quality setting if you plan on
printing larger-than-wallet-sized pictures. Here are some general guidelines:
| Minimum image resolution |
Megapixels required |
Maximum print size |
Output possibilities |
| Less than 640 x 480 |
1MP |
Wallet-size prints |
E-mailing to friends
Picture displays on the refrigerator
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| 640 x 480 |
2MP |
4" x 6" |
Photo albums
Craft projects (scrapbooks, stickers, etc.)
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| 1152 x 864 |
3MP |
5" x 7" |
Framing for home display
Photo greeting cards
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| 1600 x 1200 |
6MP-8MP |
8" x 10" or larger |
Framing for home or gallery display
Photo calendars
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Select the best format for your image files |
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Chances are, your digital camera shoots in JPEG. It's the most common file format, and is especially well suited to:
- Use online
- E-mail
- Most printing needs (4" x 6", 5" x 7", panoramic)
JPEG compresses the photo, meaning pictures will take up less room on your memory card or computer. This lets you take
more of them, and makes them faster to download in an e-mail.
Some cameras let you change the format you shoot in to TIFF or RAW. These are best for:
- Large format printing
- Prints made from cropped photos
These formats have the least amount of compression, meaning the photo will take up considerably more space on your memory
card and computer. The advantage of these formats is that you get very clear prints, and in large sizes. Check your camera's
manual to see if you can change the format.
Edit images for printing |
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Use a photo-editing program, like free
HP Photosmart Essential—to
do basic photo editing such as cropping, contrast and colour changes for your digital photos.
- Tip: Use the auto-fix button in HP
Photosmart Essential to adjust contrast and brightness automatically—one
click and you're done.
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Pick the right dpi |
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Dots per inch (dpi) is a measurement of print resolution that indicates how many individual dots a device can
create on a page per square inch of area. For crisp, colourful, professional-looking prints, choose a printer
with at least 600 x 600 dpi.
HP Photosmart printers
offer up to 4800 x 1200 dpi colour prints on HP premium photo paper, for amazingly sharp images.
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Use the latest printer drivers |
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Printer drivers act like translators so your printer and computer can communicate with each other. It's
important to use the most current version available for your printer. Download
new versions
for HP printers. They're free, and help fix problems and bring significant performance improvements.
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Match print quality to the job |
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You can designate the "quality" of the print, depending on what you're printing. For routine print jobs, such as
letters or recipes, "draft" or "fast" is probably sufficient. Reference your printer's manual to learn how to
change quality settings.
- Choose "Best quality" for most photos
- Use "Normal" for wallet-sized
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Select the best format for your image files |
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Chances are, your digital camera shoots in JPEG. It's the most common file format, and is especially well suited to:
- Use online
- E-mail
- Most printing needs (4" x 6", 5" x 7", panoramic)
Adjust paper settings |
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Paper settings control the amount of ink that's laid down on paper, so using the setting in your printer software that
matches your photo paper is essential for quality good prints. When you find a setting that works for a particular paper
type, make note of it so you'll be able to get the same results when you use the paper again.
Perform routine printer maintenance |
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Running the Cleaner function in your printer every two to three months improves print appearance and prevents problems such
as streaking. Access "properties" settings to perform maintenance such as cleaning the printer nozzles and aligning the print
head.
Match paper and ink |
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There's a good reason to use genuine HP supplies-they're
specifically developed to work with your HP printer. HP's newest generation
of inks, HP
Vivera inks, deliver optimum colour and fade resistance, and they're
engineered for the absorption properties of HP photo paper.
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Choose HP Premium Plus photo paper
for prints that will last generations.
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Choose HP Advanced photo paper
for quick drying and water resistance.
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Use print preview |
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Before you put it on paper, preview your prints on your computer. Simply select
File > Print Preview. Hit Esc to return to the normal view.
Microsoft Word even allows you to type documents in page layout, so you can see what your page will look like in
printed form while you're typing. Just go to View > Page Layout.
Buy ink combo packs |
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You can realize significant savings over time if you buy your HP inks in a
combo pack.
Combo packs combine the black and colour cartridges for your HP printer in one convenient package.
HP value packs
combine ink and paper, so have just the right amount of ink and photo paper for a predetermined number of photos.
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Give prints time to dry |
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Before you frame a photo or add it to a scrapbook, be sure to give it enough time to dry. Most HP inks and papers are
designed to dry within an hour or so, and some much more quickly. It's best, though, to allow the print to dry for about
24 hours prior to framing or placing it in a photo album. Use
HP Advanced photo paper
for the fastest drying time.
Tip: If you're printing multiple pictures, remove them from the printer as they emerge and set them aside. This will
eliminate accidental smearing or running.
Print your photos with a
printer designed for photo printing |
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HP photo printers, typically called HP Photosmart printers, are great for everyday
documents, spreadsheets and things you normally print. But they also include
special features for photographers, including big image displays, multiple memory
card readers for printing without a PC, 4" x 6" photo paper trays,
editing functions like red-eye removal, and creative color effects and borders.
These features make them a faster and easier way to print lab quality photos.
They are available in different sizes and shapes, depending on what you want
to do:
Other recommended articles |
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Learn more |
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Award-winning support |
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Related links |
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*Based on Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc., light fade testing under glass (as of January 2005) on
HP Premium Plus Photo Paper. For more information on additional permanence testing factors, visit
this page .
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