Will someone please help me figure this out (re printing)

[Scrapper007]

I signed up with Smilebox.com and want to print the 8.5x11 size LOs but from what I have read, unless I print them as a 5x7 image, image quality will be lost. Here is the link to the page I just read. How would you interpret this? TIA for any help!

ETA: I tried to post the direct link and it didn't work. Here is the info, copied and pasted:

What is the resolution when I print a Smilebox?

Please keep in mind when printing that:

1. All images are resized when imported into the Smilebox photo well. The image’s longest side is limited to 1350 pixels and the short side is scaled down accordingly. For example, a 3000 x 2000 pixel image imported to Smilebox would become 1350 x 900 pixels.

2. If you opt to zoom your pictures, your resolution will decrease depending on how much you zoom.

Both these factors can impact the quality of a printed Smilebox.

[aggiefamily]

I think it is talking about the photo you are importing and not the layout you would print.

http://support.smilebox.com/ics/supp...sp?deptID=4044

[BrattyMeg]

I'm no help..I've only made and shared online with family, etc never printed them.

I really can't tell from that what it's saying lol I would think 1350x900 is too small for 8.5x11 with good quality

[Scrapper007]

I know that when I print out my own designed LOs (which are around 2500x3300), the quality is great. Why would a place with predesigned digital LOs crop down so far so that the image quality is lousy when printed?

[kscwgirl]

The smilebox albums are meant to be emailed and shared online, not necc. printed. I think.

[kscwgirl]

Yah. The free membership is meant for online use.

[Scrapper007]

Thanks Sara for posting that. I just finished the 14-day free trial and was able to access all of the designs that premium members pay for, as far as I know. I am going to go ahead and pay for the next month to give it some more time to see if I like it there.

It looks like when I save my layouts, they save at (approx.) 2500x3300, but then according to Smilebox, they are cropped down to a much smaller size, indicating that the image quality won't be that good if printed at the 8.5x11 size. ???

[Scrapper007]

Originally Posted by kscwgirl

The smilebox albums are meant to be emailed and shared online, not necc. printed. I think.

If that's true, that stinks!

[kscwgirl]

Everytime it mentions printing, it says print as a keepsake. I dont' know if they are expecting people to print full size layouts.

[EvaK]

I know when designing an album for them we do keep the resolution at 300dpi. I suppose it might depend on the resolution of the photos you upload into their program as far as printability would be concerned.

I can tell you that my Mama absolutely adores Smilebox. She has a membership and uses it all the time -- but I don't think she prints them. My Mama is in her 70s and isn't very computer literate -- and she is easily able to understand their software and interface. She wouldn't know how to make her own layout -- since she doesn't use any type of graphics program. Smilebox is perfect for her.

[aggiefamily]

I know you can order prints through them to print out at Walmart or other places. I know it is possible but I don't know the ins and outs.