4 questions

[tinkering]

Someone said that photoshop causes blurring when used for text in the printing stage on a cd cover. Is that a serious problem?

How do I check to see if jpg images have been saved at a resolution of 300 dpi?

What if my original jpg image resolution is less than 300 dpi and I require 300 dpi; Is it possible to resave them to a smaller image size and in doing so increase the dpi?

What if a jpg image says it is ?.jpg @ 25%RGB? and I am supposed to save the files in CMYK; What is this ?Mode? setting and can it be changed through resaving the jpg somehow, or is it changed to CMYK when you open it in Photoshop and choose CMYK in the'Rasterize Generic PDF Format' window?
I am using XP and Photoshop 7

 

[MindBender]

Someone said that photoshop causes blurring when used for text in the printing stage on a cd cover. Is that a serious problem?

Not if you know what you're doing, but having a good understanding of resolution and print procedures is a must... and it's not the most basic of subjects.

How do I check to see if jpg images have been saved at a resolution of 300 dpi?

Look in the "image size" dialog box... it will list the resolution of the file.

What if my original jpg image resolution is less than 300 dpi and I require 300 dpi; Is it possible to resave them to a smaller image size and in doing so increase the dpi?

Yes, in the "image size" dialog, again, uncheck the "resample image" checkbox and then type 300 into the DPI field. It will make the image smaller when printed, but it will be at the correct DPI if that is what you require.

What if a jpg image says it is ?.jpg @ 25%RGB?

It means that it is a jpg, it's in RGB color mode, and you're viewing it zoomed out 75%.

am supposed to save the files in CMYK

That depends entirely on the output. If you are working with a desktop printer, like say an inkjet... then never change to CMYK before printing... stay in RGB. If you are going to offset press or something similar, then you might need to save a copy as CMYK. You should always ask the person that's going to do the actual printing, they are the ones that will know the specific information for their equipment and what type of file they will require.

What is this ?Mode? setting and can it be changed through resaving the jpg somehow, or is it changed to CMYK when you open it in Photoshop and choose CMYK in the'Rasterize Generic PDF Format' window?

Uh... I really am not sure what you're trying to do and the specific things you need to accomplish... so that one I'm not sure how to answer.

I would do two things:
1. Read the manual and help files. Most of this information could be reviewed and absorbed from the provided documentation.
2. Talk to your service bureau if this is a professional print job. They are the only ones that will be able to answer some of the questions because this information is specific to their equipment.

Welcome to PSG.

 

[tinkering]

I am going to try a cd layout. When I open the templates in Photoshop 7 do I have to choose 300 dpi (the same dpi required for the images I have saved); make all the same choices as I have to for the images, (ie) CYMK, 5x5 inches, 300 dpi etc.? When I have the template open, what is the best way to bring the image to the template? Is the template considered a layer? Do you always see the template through the image as you are working with layers? What is the easiest way to start another layer? How do you save each layer? How do I make my jpg become a photoshop file? Some of these Qs might be dumb but if you can answer them I may be able to fly.

 

[docilebob]

When I open the templates in Photoshop 7 do I have to choose 300 dpi (the same dpi required for the images I have saved);

When you open theimages in PS, they will already be at 300 dpi if saved that way.

make all the same choices as I have to for the images, (ie) CYMK, 5x5 inches, 300 dpi etc.?

Uunless you`re printing that way CMYK is not always best (ask your printer).

When I have the template open, what is the best way to bring the image to the template?

If they are already oen in photoshop, just drag them into the template document. If not, double click the photoshop background, or go File>>Open (CTRL+O) and navigate to the floder where they are saved and click them. Opening multiple files at once is ok. Then just drag them in and position them with the move tool (V)

Do you always see the template through the image as you are working with layers?

The template will show as it`s own layer.

What is the easiest way to start another layer?

Drag in a new photo in or Copy/Paste and it will be on a new layer.

How do you save each layer?

All layers will be saved with the document (CTRL+S)

How do I make my jpg become a photoshop file?

When you put it in Photoshop it is a psd.
Fly on little bird.