How to print perfect pictures poster-size

Use free software to improve your favourite snaps

Step 3. The Crop tool lets you compensate for poor image composition and make a subject appear more prominent. Its scalpel icon can be found in the Tools pane on the left side of the workspace. Alternatively, click Tools, Transform Tools, Crop. Drag the cursor over the content you want to keep and hit Enter.

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Step 4. Boost the brightness and contrast of your image by selecting Colour, Brightness-Contrast. Alternatively, the Colour Balance tool in the same menu lets you adjust CMYK levels in shadows, midtones and highlights. Use the sliders to adjust the levels; you can see a preview of your image before accepting the changes.

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Step 5. Artistic effects can be used to make your photo look like an oil painting, a cartoon or even a ‘photocopy’ (a halftone print). To experiment, choose Filters, Artistic. Click on an effect to preview it. Some options offer granular controls – Canvas lets you choose the depth of your canvas, for example.

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Step 6. Once you’ve finished editing, click Image, Canvas Size. Check the resolution of your image and select an output size. Most free software allows you to print posters up to A0 (841x1,139mm). Note that by changing the size of the photo you’ll also alter the print resolution. Press Resize to implement the changes.

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Carrie-Ann Skinner

PC Advisor (UK)
Topics: Printers, photo printer, photo printing, photography, digital cameras
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