How to Improve Resolution in Photoshop

The maximum native resolution of an image is set when the picture is taken by your digital camera. A 15-megapixel camera has a maximum resolution of 4,752 x 3,168 pixels. When you crop the picture to get a better composition, the resolution is lowered and may not be enough to create a large print without exposing jagged edges in the picture. Photoshop has the ability to increase the resolution of your photos so that large prints can be made from relatively small files without harsh edges.

• 1

  Open your image in Photoshop. It is best to start with the original file. Crop it to get the best composition, and make any necessary changes to the exposure and color. Do not apply any sharpening at this stage.

• 2

  When the editing of the image is complete, select "Image" > "Image size." In the pop-up window, check "Constrain Proportions" and "Resample Image." In the drop-down menu, select "Bicubic Smoother (best for enlargement)." Select "240 pixels/inch" as the resolution because this is a good level of detail for high-quality printing.

• 3

  Enter the width of your final print size and Photoshop will automatically calculate the height. Depending on your paper size, you may have to adjust one of these numbers to make sure the image will fit the paper. Click "OK" and the program resizes the image to the new dimensions and resolution. Bicubic Smoother is the best method for enlargement because it smooths any jagged edges that otherwise might have been seen.

• 4

  Sharpen the image for printing at this new image size using your normal sharpening techniques. Print the image at its new size and resolution.