advice on starting a poster project?

[davelash]

Hi, I'm a novice user hoping for some tips on efficiently starting up a 2' x 4' project. I'll want to eventually print at 300 dpi; I'll also want to be able to print a much smaller version -- say on 11" x 17" paper. I'm new to vector drawing and not sure where to begin. Should I specify a paper size initially or just get the proportions right and set size upon printing?

Any advice on crucial first steps would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Dave

[gwpriester]

If you plan to work in vector (scalable graphics) and not use bitmaps, then I would create a rectangle to fit on the page that is the same proportions as your final poster.

The do your design.

When you are finished with your design, you can either change the page size and scale your poster to that size, or check with whomever is printing the poster to see if you can provide them with a vector image (EPS or PDF) and let them scale the image when they do the output.

If you are going to use a bitmap, then you can still work small, but the bitmap will need to be at a resolution than when enlarged to printing size will be at the correct resolution (you said 300dpi).

So lets say you are working 8 x 10 and the poster is going to scale up to 200% then the bitmap will need to be at 600dpi.

You could also work with a low resolution image and then substitute a high resolution image before you save your file.

Hope this helps.

Gary

[John Rayner]

Great advice from one of the masters of Xara...

The only thing I would do different is heck with the low resolution bitmap. Xara can handle it...

I just sent off a 30"X42" project made in xara... Fast, easy and great!

[davelash]

Many thanks; just the info I needed!