Resizing images in Quark

[Bridesign]

Is there a definitive answer to the debate over whether it's okay to size images in Quark (or InDesign) as opposed to resizing first in Photoshop? I use tiff files 98% of the time for raster files and find it more time effective to scale images down in Quark. Mind you my resolutions will always be 300dpi or higher. I never upsize an image. I've heard that tiff images only send what they need to through RIPs so in my mind a scaled image would be fine. Any thoughts?

thx

B

[~Digital_E.V.O~]

1> Don't mix too many image types. jpeg eps tiff errors occure
2> If the image is used, like where i work, in 200 documents. Use one file.
3> If you are trying to save time, feel free to scale down the image, but if you need update the image, then (look at step 2) you only need to update one.
4> Tiffs do seem to RIP fastest.
5> In ID you can just use the psd files...

There are plenty more things to take into consideration, but I need more info.

Give me more info on how your network is set up/workplace.
Are you the only one working on the images?
Are you on a slow network?
Are you using slow printers?
Are you just a student starting out?

What we are going to do here is go back,
way back,
back in time.

When the only people to exist were Troglodytes.
cavemen,
CAVEWOMEN,
neanderthals,
troglodytes.

i got a letter from the gubberment the other day...

[Bridesign]

Hey Digital-
Thanks for response. To answer your questions:
>>Are you the only one working on the images?
Yes
>>Are you on a slow network?
I don't share files over a network.
>>Are you using slow printers?
For proofs, yes. My concern is for the commercial printers to whom I send my files. I am a graphic designer in a studio.
>>Are you just a student starting out?
No. Ten years experience and I have never had this be an issue. But another designer with whom I work is demanding it and I want to check the accuracy of this demand.

thanks again for your time.
B

[D-Zine]

Best thing for you to do is to probobly call your printer and ask them.

I hear this alot too but I dunno. When we switched printers about 3 years ago, I asked them and they were fine with it. I have scaled in Quark many many times for the same reason as you - its faster! I never upscale tho...only downscale. I do it because I just don't know what size I need all my images at until I get em in quark. I have only had one incident where I had a problem when it went to print. Maybe I am just lucky tho, I dunno! I had one image that got updated and oooopsss...didn't quite fit the box! Had that issue once, none before and none after.

So...I've been importing tiff files into Quark and scaling down at times (only down, never up) for about..umm...8 years now. One issue in 8 years. Not bad, right?!

That being said...if I know that my image is 8' and I know there is no reason for that becauseI already know it won't need to be more than say....4' at the most, then I go ahead and resize the image in PS. Once I take it into Quark I may need to scale down a little but not from that huge image...if that makes senes?!!

Now that I'v ran my mouth for a good long time...I would say again, ask your printer - there is no one better to ask!

Good luck!

Power to the Oldschoolers

[BOSCOW]

Depending on the complexity of the project in my experience. If your just doing a postcard or something sizing in quark has not ben a problem, on some more complex brochures or other newsletter etc, everything hadf to be to size, it can really drag down the printer. Check with them first, if it is something simple they have not cared if i sized in quark, if it is complex they want it all sized in ps.

[D-Zine]

Yeah definately check with your printer.
What I do is a 64 - 72 page publication and the other pub is 56 pages on average. I scale in Quark as I mentioned above. I am told by my printer that they like outputting my jobs bc they always run the smoothest out of all their clients, so my printer doesn't have a problem with me doing this. BUT...yours may. Always best to check!




Power to the Oldschoolers

Post Edited (D-Zine) : 3/3/2005 5:04:10 AM GMT

[~Digital_E.V.O~]

People have different ways... We do at least 200 ads a week of the same ad, so all images used are made for the biggest size. Since it's you, if you want take the time to make the images to size.

If you aren't familiar with the printer, you need to ask. There have been printers who asked for everything to be 100% and cropped. Some will ask for an Illustrator eps or PDFs, I even had people ask for psd's. You should always ask the printer first. Why? So you don't have to convert it to another application.

The way I work is making everything to size. And if I do have a larger image, I'll make an action to make all the reduced sizes..

I used to let people tell me I was wrong, they were right. Work how you are comfortable with and always communicate with the printers.
Good Luck, Bri

What we are going to do here is go back,
way back,
back in time.

When the only people to exist were Troglodytes.
cavemen,
CAVEWOMEN,
neanderthals,
troglodytes.

i got a letter from the gubberment the other day...

[BOSCOW]

having everything at a 100% you can't go wrong

[Magnus]

I've yet to have a problem downsizing a tiff in Quark.

I am serving my time in hell on earth...at the job I am currently employed at.

- Magnus

[D-Zine]

yeah me neither.

Call yer printer - they will tell you if its ok or not. They are your best bet since they will be outputting your job!

Power to the Oldschoolers

[DonnaL]

I downsize all the time in Quark. Rarely and I mean RARELY have I ever had to upscale. The only time I upscale is if a customer brings in their own logo that's like .72 dpi at .034x2 inches and it needs to fit on a postcard! (MAN I HATE THAT!), so we upscale it just to show the customer... 'we can't use this - this is what it will look like'.
Back to downsizing.... Tiffs and eps's we downsize all the time and have no problems with our rip. I work as a designer within a printing company and to date, no complaints from the pressman and no rip devices screaming at us.

Some drink from the fountain of knowledge while other's just gargle with it.