A4 Photo Paper Workaround

craftech wrote on 12/21/2003, 12:38 PM
Hi,
I posted this awhile ago because I found that the templates and the few programs out there which layout DVD Jackets default to A4 paper size.:

http://www.mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=233762

Here is what I have done:

First of all my layouts are almost always photographic, which eliminates other types of paper if you are fussy. I have an Epson 980 printer which isn't bad, but seems (of course) to work best with Epson Photo Paper. Thus the quest for Epson A4 Photo Paper.

I did my usual A4 layout using Click n' Design 3D and saved it as a tiff file, then imported it into Photoshop for correction and smoothing, etc. Once I was done, I set it up to print, but instead of choosing A4 paper, I chose 81/2" x 11" premium glossy photo paper instead. In the Epson setup menu I clicked on "Maximum" and "Centered" under "Paper/Printable Area". I also checked "Print Preview" which shows the layout before it prints. I got a warning that it was outside the printable area, but ignored it. It printed perfectly with around an 1/8" strip on the top and bottom to cut off.

I also have tried other papers in order to find one that was as good as the Epson paper without making a million compensation adjustments in Photoshop. Struck out with Kodak, HP, IBM, and Rube Golberg brands. Then when I was in BJs Wholesale Club they had a rebate of $5 for a package of Polaroid Premium Glossy Photo Paper[PM15015 Made in Japan]. It was 69 lb. paper and ended up at $14.99 for 100 sheets. I figured I would try one sheet and if it didn't work I would return it. It actually looked as good or better than the Epson paper and is twice as thick. I am going back to get a couple of more packages. Those of you with Epson printers should give it a try.

John

Comments

Mandk wrote on 12/21/2003, 3:38 PM
I hav been using aN HP 5600 series printer at work. Great printer for photos and covers. We noticed that when printing on HP paper (with printer set specifically for hp photo glossy) the quality and color were much better than the same item printed on Kodak Paper (printer set for premium glossy but no HP brand).

Printing Kodak paper with setting for HP paper resulted in better print quality and true colors.

Could be a coincidence but could also be settings were optimized for the print manufacturers paper. Similar results were acheived with off brand papers and HP setting.