CP Artwork Resolution?

[JC]

Hi,

We're in the process of finalizing our control panel design and have a couple of questions about the CP artwork, specifically re: using raster graphics over vector art.

I've noticed most people recommend using vector art, however I suck at Illustrator and haven't found an existing vector design I like very much. I've also seen a few people use bitmaps for their CP artwork; oftentimes these are just standard desktop wallpapers. My understanding is that to for a CP overlay to look its best, artwork should be printed at 300 dpi resolution. However, the biggest bitmaps I can find are 2560x1600, which is about 85 dpi.

Will it look really poor if I use a 2560x1600 bitsmap as a background? Is it better to resample the bitmap using Photoshop, or let the printer do its thing?

Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[RayB]

print out a test on a regular printer and paper. You'll see for yourself. Basically, anything supposed to be sharp might look a little blurred or pixelly. that's all.

[TheShanMan]

You could vectorize your image if it's not overly complex, then it should scale nicely. Can't remember the site that will let you do one for free - vectormagic or something like that.

[Rocco]

The image I want to use is also a 2560x1600 bitmap, and is too complex to convert to a vector.  Are there any other options other than enlarging it to fit my control panel (and consequently reducing it to 85 dpi, like JC said)?  I've seen some pretty cool designs out there.  How were those done?  Designed from scratch?  How have some of you guys done your high quality control panel artwork?

[TheShanMan]

Did you at least give the vectormagic service a try? I've seen it do a surprisingly good job on fairly complex stuff. May need a little fine tuning after, but it still might be your best bet. In other words, don't assume it's too complex - try it out first and see what results it gives.

[JC]

Thanks guys for the replies so far.

I've actually tried the vectormagic service. The problem with it is that it does not handle color gradients all that well, and so the vectorization process results in noticeable color banding.

Like Rocco I've noticed some people seem to use bitmaps for their overlay (space picture in Knievel's cabs for example). I was just wondering if I could expect decent results with a 2560x1600 bitmap with a commercial printer, or if I should just forget about using a bitmap at all.

Thanks,
JC

[TheShanMan]

Oh yeah, it would be hard for a vectorizing program to handle that properly. Sorry my suggestion wasn't of use to you!

[Blanka]

If you suck at Illustrator (I still do after all those years), Try to find the old Freehand 10 trial. You can use it 1 month, and the basic shape drawing and masking (copy-paste inside) is so much easier, that it would be interesting for just this CP.