Printing digital photos at home

1. Maximize image quality

The best prints come from the finest images. Improve picture quality by following the suggestions below.

1.1 Up photo resolution

As a rule, the higher the resolution, the better the picture. Most digital cameras offer a choice of settings. Check your camera instructions to figure out how to change the resolutions you're using. For premium printing results, always select the maximum photo size and quality offered.

Here are some good guidelines to consider:

• 2 megapixels: Appropriate for an attractive wallet (2 1/2 x 3 1/2-inch) or album-sized (4 x 6-inch or 5 x 7-inch) print.
• 3 megapixels: Minimum resolution required for projects like creating calendars and greeting cards or printing an 8 x 10-inch photo suitable for framing.

The more you increase photo resolution, the greater you'll improve image clarity and detail. Higher image resolutions produce sharper snapshots.

1.2 Choose the correct file format.

The JPEG file format, which compresses image data, is suitable for sending pictures in e-mail or posting them to the Web. For photo printing purposes, though, stick with larger TIFF files. Despite consuming more space on a memory card, TIFF images are smoother, crisper, and vastly superior to their JPEG counterparts.

1.3 Edit and enhance images

Use (free) programs such as Google’s Picasa to soften edges, toy with lighting and color, remove blemishes from pictures, and touch up your photos. It's a simple way to add special effects, get rid of red eye, and otherwise improve your snapshots.

2. Prepare your printer

Enhance print quality by configuring your printer for optimum results.

2.1 Use current drivers

Drivers are software interpreters that let your computer and printer communicate. But printer manufacturers are constantly revising these drivers. Always use the most current drivers to ensure peak performance and picture quality. Check your printer manufacturer's Web site regularly for downloadable updates.

2.2 Don't skimp on dpi

The higher your printer's dots per inch (dpi) specifications, the slicker the prints it will produce. Avoid images that suffer from frayed and jagged edges by using a printer with 600 x 600 dpi or better printing capabilities when producing hard copies of colour digital photos.

2.3 Configure print quality settings

Check your printer owner's manual for instructions on how to change print quality settings, or do the following:

In Windows XP, click the Start menu, and then click Control Panel. In Control Panel, double-click Printers and Faxes to open the folder. Right-click the icon for your printer, and then click Printing Preferences. Set print quality to the highest possible color printing resolution. The greater the dpi setting, the better your prints will be. Each printer will have a different dialog box to change the print quality. Check your printer's user manual for instructions on your printer.

2.4 Configure your printer for optimum printing results

Note that some printers offer bonus features such as automatic contrast and smoothing adjustments that you can also use.

2.5 Managing paper

Different types of paper, such as high gloss or card stock, require varying amounts of ink and touch ups. When setting Printing Preferences, be sure to adjust the settings in your printer to accommodate the type of paper that you're using to guarantee first-rate results and avoid wasting expensive stock.

2.6 Ongoing maintenance

It's a good idea to run printer alignment, colour calibration, and print cartridge cleaning functions every 90 days. These functions (accessible from the Printing Preferences menu) prevent blurring, streaking, and off-centre photo prints.

3. Pick the right paper and ink

Improve photo prints by selecting the right choice of paper and ink to perfectly complement your images.

3.1 Go with photo paper

Standard printer paper isn't suitable for creating pleasing photo prints. Unless you're printing documents, choose a glossy or matte finish photo paper instead. Black-and-white prints generally look best on matte finish papers, colour on glossy.

3.2 Creativity counts

Multiple varieties of paper stock are available, designed for a wide range of specialty uses. These special-purpose materials can enhance any photo printing project. Whether incorporating your photos into greetings cards, business cards, or t-shirts, browse the selection at your local office supply or electronics retailer to see your options before starting a new project.

3.3 Choose the right size

Photos come in many shapes and forms, from wallet-sized (2½ x 3½ inch) to album/scrapbook-ready (4 x 6-inch or 5 x 7-inch) prints. Match the paper to fit. Alternately, choose a standard letter-sized paper and use the Windows XP Photo Printing Wizard to squeeze several smaller images onto one sheet. The Windows XP Photo Printing Wizard makes printing multiple photos a breeze.

3.4 Get inked

The safest way to pick an ink is to choose a brand from the same company that manufactured your printer. Various types of ink provide differing degrees of water, smudge, age, and fade-resistance. Which ink you should pick depends entirely on how much you're willing to spend for various image-enhancing qualities.

3.5 Additional advice

• Always align new print cartridges.
• Experiment with photo-editing software to eliminate image imperfections and improve your subject's already stunning good looks.
• Practice by making test prints. Try reducing image size and creating multiple prints on a single sheet of paper to cut down on wasted materials.
• Before placing photos in an album or framing them, give the ink around 12 hours to dry.