Large Format Document will not print

[eileen_d...@adobeforums.com]

I am new to Photoshop and have no clue what I did wrong. My son helped me create a large format document 20X40 poster which is a collage of photos and scanned images. A memorabilia piece I wanted to print and hang in my office. When hitting "save as" the print option never highlighted, since I was not planning to print it on my home printer, I exported it to my desktop and saved it to a cd. The file is huge 3.1GB. I took it to kinkos to have it printed and they say it crashed their system and will not print. I assume something is wrong either with my set up of the original file or in how I exported it. Is that enough information for advice on how to get this printed?

[eileen_d...@adobeforums.com]

Using Photoshop CS3 On IMac Intel Core Mac OS 10.4.1. Created a large format document using scanned photos and documents. I created a poster 20X40 but when attempting to export the "print" option is greyed out. Saved the document to my desktop, it is a huge file 3.4 GB. Saved it to a CD and took it to Kinkos to be printed. They say it crashed their system and they likewise cannot get it to print and cannot save it to a pdf or any other file. I am new to photoshop and my son set up the document, I just filled it in so not sure what I did wrong. Any suggestions?

[Phosąfour dots]

Kinkos was one mistake.

:)

[eileen_d...@adobeforums.com]

It's just a fun thing to hang in my office so didn't want to spend a fortune.

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

eileen,

3.4 GB sounds too large for a file that is just 20x40 (inches, I presume).

Please tell us file type, color space, resolution, if it has layers, etc., etc. Also tell us the specs that Kinkos provides for preparing art for giant prints.

Neil

[Phosąfour dots]

A 20" в 40" document, even at 300ppi, shouldn't be any bigger than about 250MB (just a guess).

I think maybe your son isn't doing something right.

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

Phos,

My thinking as well.

Neil

[eileen_d...@adobeforums.com]

Looking under Image, mode, RGB Color and 8 bits channel are checked. It is saved as a .psb file. I saved it first time with layers checked, that created an even larger file, second time with layers not checked and as a copy. In save as embed color profile: sRGBIEC1966-2.1 I edit video so I realize this is an unusually large file, but I can't figure out how to adjust that.

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

Phos,

My thinking as well -- 250MB-300MB. And 300 ppi may not even be necessary. 240 ppi may be more than sufficient.

Neil

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

eileen.

Flatten all layers and save under a new name. How large is the file then? Is sRGB what Kinko's wants? It is not the widest gamut color space.

Neil

[eileen_d...@adobeforums.com]

I did not ask Kinkos that question, do you have a recommendation on RGB?

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

Ask Kinkos first -- maybe they do want sRGB for their workflow.

Neil

[pfigen]

How many pixels in any one direction? You still can't print a file with over 30,000 pixels on side without using a RIP.

[Ann_She...@adobeforums.com]

Also, can Kinkos work with a .PSB file?

They probably need a TIFF or even a JPEG.

[eileen_d...@adobeforums.com]

I have a call into Kinkos on the color their Mac guy is not in. I did flatten and save, now it's 1.5GB, better but is that still considered large for this type of project? And, thank you very much for for the advice. Photoshop has always been a mystery to me.

[pfigen]

Eileen,

If your flattened file is 1.5 gb, then it's almost for certain longer than the printable limits with the standard print drivers.

When you open the file and go to Image Size, what are you dimensions?

A quick check of Photoshop's new file dialog. A 40 X60 RGB 8 bit file with no compression would be 1.5 gigs at 820 dpi. That's 32,800 pixels in the long dimension, which is probably where you problem is. Size it down to 180-240 ppi and print away.

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

eileen,

I have a call into Kinkos on the color their Mac guy is not in.

You probably don't have to speak with a "Mac guy" as Photoshop files are platform-neutral. Speak to anyone in their "print shop" and ask what their file requirements are for "giant prints".

In addition to choices of media, mounting options and prices, you want to know:
Format
Recommended resolution
Maximum file size (pixels x pixels and file "weight"), if any
Color mode
Any specific "do's and don'ts"

Neil

[Phosąfour dots]

And if you really want to throw their "experts" a curve, ask them to send you a copy of their printer(s) color profile(s), so you know your submission will be accurate.

;) XD

[Neil_...@adobeforums.com]

And if you really want to throw their "experts" a curve

Well, at least the response (if any) should be a bit more meaningful than asking at the local Kodak or Fuji kiosk. <lol>

Neil

[eileen_d...@adobeforums.com]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your help. I finally figured out it was indeed in the set up my son used. FYI under image he had the resolution set to 1000, reset it to 300 and was able to create a jpg file no problem. It's fun, not perfect but blown up I can now see where my mistakes were and it didn't cost an arm ad a leg. So thank you again, my office needed some dressing up. Have a nice weekend,
Eileen