Image size not the same when printing - photoshop

[Richardgregory]

I have a large format printer, so I'm able to print artwork for my control panel - my image size in inches in Photoshop is 24 inches wide by 6 inches high; however, when I print the printout is 22 inches and 5.5 inches.  Printer is set to borderless and even so, the 24x6" print is smaller than the paper itself so it should fit but it somehow shrinks the image when printing.

Thoughts anyone?

Thank you

[meyer980]

Photoshop is terrible at printing. Just terrible. Couple things to check/try:

1. Export the file to a pdf. pdfs are designed to be printed so the size is coded right into them. Remember if you print the pdf not to choose anything like "shrink to fit" or "scale" or whatnot. You want the full image.
2. What's the dpi set to in Photoshop? A typical printed item should have 300dpi and it's what many printers or printing programs will expect. Meanwhile, many digital/screen items are closer to 72dpi. This isn't always a problem but can sometimes do weird scaling things.

You could also import the photoshop file into InDesign or Illustrator - both of which are much better at printing, imo. But even then I'd still export to a pdf first.

Good luck!

[Richardgregory]

Thank you!  I'll try the PDF.  DPI is at 300 yes.

Should the canvas size in photoshop be exactly the same as the image's size?

Cheers

Photoshop is terrible at printing. Just terrible. Couple things to check/try:

1. Export the file to a pdf. pdfs are designed to be printed so the size is coded right into them. Remember if you print the pdf not to choose anything like "shrink to fit" or "scale" or whatnot. You want the full image.
2. What's the dpi set to in Photoshop? A typical printed item should have 300dpi and it's what many printers or printing programs will expect. Meanwhile, many digital/screen items are closer to 72dpi. This isn't always a problem but can sometimes do weird scaling things.

You could also import the photoshop file into InDesign or Illustrator - both of which are much better at printing, imo. But even then I'd still export to a pdf first.

Good luck!

[vertexguy]

I've generally had no problems printing accurately from PS.  Did plenty of full size prints back in my school days..  One thing did recently trip me up though and it didn't have anything to do with PS.  Somehow the paper format / type got changed, possibly in a windows update.  You should never need to check the resize to fit option.  You can do a simple test by printing a 1 inch by 1 inch grid or just a square, then measure it on the print to verify accuracy.

[meyer980]

Yeah, canvas size. If you choose Image -> Image Size it should show you what the final dpi and dimensions of your total image in whatever measurement you prefer.

Thank you!  I'll try the PDF.  DPI is at 300 yes.

Should the canvas size in photoshop be exactly the same as the image's size?

Cheers

Photoshop is terrible at printing. Just terrible. Couple things to check/try:

1. Export the file to a pdf. pdfs are designed to be printed so the size is coded right into them. Remember if you print the pdf not to choose anything like "shrink to fit" or "scale" or whatnot. You want the full image.
2. What's the dpi set to in Photoshop? A typical printed item should have 300dpi and it's what many printers or printing programs will expect. Meanwhile, many digital/screen items are closer to 72dpi. This isn't always a problem but can sometimes do weird scaling things.

You could also import the photoshop file into InDesign or Illustrator - both of which are much better at printing, imo. But even then I'd still export to a pdf first.

Good luck!

[JDFan]

I have a large format printer, so I'm able to print artwork for my control panel - my image size in inches in Photoshop is 24 inches wide by 6 inches high; however, when I print the printout is 22 inches and 5.5 inches.  Printer is set to borderless and even so, the 24x6" print is smaller than the paper itself so it should fit but it somehow shrinks the image when printing.

Thoughts anyone?

Thank you

What pixel size does the file show in windows ( ie. if 24" at 300 DPI it should be 7200 pixels without any border and the 6 inch should be 1800 pixels so image details should show the image as 7200 x 1800 pixels - assuming you have no border around the image itself )  If you open the file and turn on the ruler what are the dimensions of the image shown - Does it show blank space on the four sides or does the image show from zero to 24 inches on the ruler  - Sounds like you have a 1/4" on the 6 inch and 1 inch on the 24" sides - Filesize dimensions for the file will show the entire size including any borders set by the program.