I'm looking for info on sharpening techniques using Photoshop CS2. I searched the archives and only found info about sharpening specific software that was available on the market. I want to print some 16x20 @ 300ppi. Any general help with unsharp mask would be helpful. I'll print some 100% proofs but a starting point would be nice... Thanks!
Jeff - hopefully you'll get some more detailed advice than this, but as a starting point for experimentation.... when working with full rez 12.4 MP files, I sharpen for printing by selecting unsharp mask, setting pixel radius to 3px, threshold to 0, and adjust the % slider to somewhere between 75 and 125 depending on the image. On some images, I've adjusted the % slider to around 40-50 and applied it twice; that's worked well for me on images with a lot of detail.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on July 31, 2007 at 12:44 PM
Check out some of the offerings at The Light's Right Studio -
http://www.thelightsrightstudio.com/TLRSharpeningToolkit.htm
I use their actions and have been really pleased with the results. They're free, but they do request a donation if you like them and continue to use them.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Image Sharpening with Adobe Photoshop CS2 by the late Bruce Fraser. In it you'll find all the reasoning behind choosing certain settings and techniques over others. He also addresses noise reduction and provides step by step instructions on creating your own sharpening actions.
Posted by Doug Dolde on August 10, 2007 at 10:40 PM
Photokit's PK Sharpener has setting for various output dpi and glossy or matte, but isn't based on print size. I use Photokit and PK Sharpener extensively with great results.
Discussion
4 replieshttp://www.thelightsrightstudio.com/TLRSharpeningToolkit.htm
I use their actions and have been really pleased with the results. They're free, but they do request a donation if you like them and continue to use them.