8 Quick Tips for Printing Better Photos

Use these tips to print better photos and to help choose the HP photo printer that's right for you.

1) Choose the right resolution for your print
Most digital cameras offer a range of resolution settings. It's a good idea to use a higher-quality setting if you plan on printing larger-than-wallet-sized pictures. Here are some general guidelines:

• The more pixels your photo has the more clarity and detail it will retain as you increase its dimensions.
• Resolution is sometimes expressed by the width and height of the image as well as the total number of pixels it contains.
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2) Select the best format for your image files
Chances are, your digital camera shoots in JPEG. It's the most common file format, and is especially well suited to:

• Use online
• E-mail
• Most printing needs (4" x 6", 5" x 7", panoramic)

Some cameras let you change the format you shoot in to TIFF or RAW. These are best for:
• Large format printing
• Prints made from cropped photos

Tip: These formats have the least amount of compression, meaning the photo will take up considerably more space on your memory card and computer. The advantage of these formats is that you get very clear prints, and in large sizes. Check your camera's manual to see if you can change the format.

3) Edit images for printing
Use a photo-editing program, like free HP Photosmart Essential—to do basic photo editing such as cropping, contrast and color changes for your digital photos.
• Use the auto-fix button in HP Photosmart Essential to adjust contrast and brightness automatically—one click and you're done.
4) Pick the right dpi
Dots per inch (dpi) is a measurement of print resolution that indicates how many individual dots a device can create on a page per square inch of area.

• For crisp, colorful, professional-looking prints, choose a printer with at least 600 x 600 dpi.
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5) Match print quality to the job
You can designate the "quality" of the print, depending on what you're printing. For routine print jobs, such as letters or recipes, "draft" or "fast" is probably sufficient. Reference your printer's manual to learn how to change quality settings.
• Choose "Best quality" for most photos
• Use "Normal" for wallet-sized

6) Adjust paper settings
Paper settings control the amount of ink that's laid down on paper, so using the setting in your printer software that matches your photo paper is essential for quality good prints.

• When you find a setting that works for a particular paper type, make note of it so you'll be able to get the same results when you use the paper again.

7) Match paper and ink
There's a good reason to use genuine HP supplies-they're specifically developed to work with your HP printer. HP's newest generation of inks, HP Vivera inks, deliver optimum color and fade resistance, and they're engineered for the absorption properties of HP photo paper.

• Choose HP Premium Plus photo paper for prints that will last generations.
• Choose HP Advanced photo paper for quick drying and water resistance.

8) Give prints time to dry
Before you frame a photo or add it to a scrapbook, be sure to give it enough time to dry.

• It's best to allow the print to dry for about 24 hours prior to framing or placing it in a photo album.
• If you're printing multiple pictures, remove them from the printer as they emerge and set them aside. This will eliminate accidental smearing or running.
Enjoy your prints for years to come and remember all of your great memories with your photos!

HP digital photography offers new tips for making your digital photos as professional looking as possible with these photo printing tips