Help needed for large print

[HecticDesigns]

Hey guys,

I'm designing a board for a client that is 1750mm x 880mm at 300DPI.. as you can imagine, this is a massive file. Without any layers, it comes out at just over 800MB and photoshop runs very slowly with it.

I was wondering if there was any sort of trick to design at a smaller size, but still be able to be printed at that size and quality? It's a nightmare having to work at this size.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Ben

[pcbranding]

First question...what is the purpose of the board? If it is being printed then do you know how/who?
As this size will fall into 'large format' category you'll find that the resolution will only need to be 120 or 150 dpi at 100% or quarter size at 300dpi.

Best advice is to contact your printer and ask them how they want it supplied and they should give you similar info to that above.

300dpi at 100% is really only needed for quality magazines or items that are held/read in your hands. Large boards/posters etc. are generally viewed from further away and therefore can get away for a lower resolution.

[HecticDesigns]

Hey Paul,

Many thanks for the quick reply.

Basically it's a board to go across the front of a receptionist's desk.. it's basically a montage of images.

I'm afraid I have none of that information, as I've basically been sub-contracted for the work, so I'm not in direct contact with the overall client. Is that a major issue?

What size/settings do you suggest for this?

Thanks again!

[pcbranding]

I would advise you to find out who will be producing the panel. Presumably you'll be passing the artwork on to someone and they could find this info out? It is pretty important.

You may find someone on here may offer their advice from a print point of view. It does all depend on what the printer recommends.

[HecticDesigns]

Thanks again Paul,

I'll see what I can do!

[squeezee]

That's why you use Quark/InDesign/Illustrator/Corel.
The files are linked to the file so the working file is very small but when printed it draws on resources.
Photoshop is not the way to go.

[HecticDesigns]

I have to work in Photoshop, as the board is pretty much just photo montage.. I got in touch with the printer and they said to do it 100DPI scaled to a quarter of the size.. does that make sense?

[pcbranding]

I would generally agree with image based print works being 'assembled' in Quark or similar, but the OP's description of their project being a 'montage' may well mean that Photoshop effects/layering are involved and therefore necessitate it being done in Photoshop.

:)

Just think how much faster it will be when you can punch in 150dpi into the resolution box rather than 300dpi!

[pcbranding]

Our posts crossed!

Yep, 100dpi at 25% sounds about right.

[spottypenguin]

Our posts crossed!

Yep, 100dpi at 25% sounds about right.

Actually I would disagree because that means the final dpi will be quarterd when it is printed at full size. 300dpi and 25% is more understandable