The Question: Designing CD Jackets... : I'm pretty new to PhotoShop but I can't seem to find the answer to this anywhere. I'm designing cd covers using jpegs downloaded from the web. After cropping to the correct size template for a full bleed cover, I then am applying text (8 or 6 pt type) over the image. My problem is, when I print, the text is blurry, EXCEPT when it is applyed over a gradient or color block or a painted background. If it is just overlayed on top of the jpeg, it ALWAYS comes out blurry. I've tried using the anti-aliasing options as well as rasterizing the type and flattening the layers. Some people have said to me that PhotoShop is not very good with tiny type and I'm better off doing that in In Design or Quark, but I do not have those programs. What am I doing wrong?

Tiny type in Photoshop?

Keep your eye on the rez

Our reply to a question sent in by: mike
 

Mike's problem is not so much getting Photoshop to print sharp type as it is in the initial planning of the file. A more basic problem is downloading jpg or gif files from the web and expecting them to print nicely.
    First, you mention "cropping" to the correct size. Let's change that approach to first getting the size you need to print good, sharp graphics for a CD cover.

Resolution revolution

Start a new file. Set the file dimensions to 5.125 x 4.875, and the resolution to 288. The new file will seem very large, but when you click/hold on the bottom window bar you'll see the layout fits the page in the exact size of a jewel case. This establishes a resolution for the file that will (should) print sharply and smoothly to most output devices. (You could go on up to 300, 1200 or higher, but for the purpose of this response 288 ppi should do fine.)
   
   Now import your jpg files from the web and you may be in for a bit of a surprise. Does it seem too small for the project? It should.
    JPG files will generally be 72 or 96 ppi, specifically for the web. If you must use these images, then you'll have to live with their sizes in the layouts. You'll have to change your design approach to accommodate those images.

Setting the Type

Now you can set the type as you normally would. For very small type (8pt. or smaller) select a sans serif font for high readability.
    Do not 'drop' or 'rasterize' the small type, and do not flatten the file. It's okay to rasterize the large display type for styling. But as long as you keep your 'tiny' type layer alive, Photoshop will use the computer's vector fonts for printing. As soon as you drop that text layer, you rasterize it allowing the antialiasing to 'soften' edges.

Use your head

• What's In The News? • Photo Retouching • Photoshop Book Guide • Register Here   to win Photoshop books • Back to the Index

I recently wasted a dozen sheets of glossy photo paper because I hadn't followed my own lessons. Don't make the same mistake. Dig into your printer's documentation and it should tell you the optimum printing resolution. The rule of thumb dictates that the native file size (dimensions) should be 4-times as large as the final reproduction size. However with today's fantastic, low-price ink jet printers you can get away with 2.5 to 3-times final size.
   
   Always make sure your tiny type is highly contrasted against any background graphics. (Assuming you want the reader to actually read the tiny type!)
   Oh, by the way: they're right. Quark, PageMaker, InDesign, Canvas and even Illustrator are all better suited for the assemblage of images and type/text. If you're doing this professionally, it would be wise to invest.
 

Retrieved from Photoshop 911: 08-16-2002

Back to the index

Get Published

If you'd like to publish in the pages of DT&G then read the Readers Guidelines or just contact us

Got a tip? Get a treat!

Send your tips... if they're published, you'll get a chance to select goodies from the Designers' Bookshelf!

Thank you for visiting

. . . the Photoshop Tips & Tricks department of the Design & Publishing Center   Don't forget: this is a reader-driven web site. We need your input and participation to continue bringing great content to Photoshop users everywhere at no charge.

High content, low noise since 1990