Large Graphics

[hbjapsurfer]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and hope I can get an answer from a pro.

I have a client who wants a 10 ft. x 10 ft. banner.

I created a file that is 10 ft. x 10 ft. (120 in. x 120 in.) in 300 DPI.
However, the scratch disk memory is just not enough to create the graphics.

My questions are:

1. Can I make it a lower resolution so I can design it faster?

2. Will it effect the print quality?

3. How should I go about making this banner?

All suggestions are welcome.

Sincerely,

[Gaussian]

Make it in vector format in Adobe Illustrator. You can then print it at any resolution needed.

[hbjapsurfer]

Hi Gaussian,

thank you for your reply.
I don't mind making the file in illustrator, but I have photos that must be printed on the banner. Wouldn't those photos get all distorted from making it so large??

Sincerely,

[iDad]

vector format will allow you any size you need, if the image is not distorted in the first place it will not be in vector format when enlarged

[hbjapsurfer]

thank you very much

[Tron]

Well if you convert the photo to vector then what iDad said will be true. However, if you want to use the photo's as they are and are simply going to insert them as raster imaged, make sure you get the highest possible resolution images to work with and you will just have to blow them up. This will cause distortion, but usually when you are looking at a 10ft banner it's not such a big deal because you are viewing it from a distance and they will look fine. If someone gets close up to inspect the banner then of course the photos are going to look bad.

It is really going to depend on the resolution of the source images to be used.

[hangman057]

Rule of thumb when creating posters or billboards in photoshop; use 600 dpi. It takes up alot of money so illustrator is your best bet. Vector format does not degregate and uses way less memory.

[Dezigns Unlimited]

Rule of thumb when creating posters or billboards in photoshop; use 600 dpi. It takes up alot of money so illustrator is your best bet. Vector format does not degregate and uses way less memory.

That's good to know, ive never worked with banners or bigger designs yet, i do have a few request that will be needing done very soon for a couple of my clients. Thanks sharing that info hm..

[Steve]

Rule of thumb when creating posters or billboards in photoshop; use 600 dpi.

Why is that?
I would think the larger the image is, the farther back you need to be to view it properly.
Because of that a lower dpi should be fine.

Why is that wrong?

[Gaussian]

600dpi is overkill for a large banner like that.... 150dpi or even lower would be fine for the reasons Steve and Tron have stated.

No one is going to be taking a magnifying glass to it.