Lightroom 3 Export

I've recently started using LR 3, switching from ACR. When I export a photo for NPN I set the max file size and the pixels on the longest side, but the program also wants a value for resolution (pixels per inch). What do you typically use for this? I've been using 150 but my large size files don't look as sharp after export as they do at 1:1 in LR. Thanks for your help.

I think most folks use 72 PPI as that is what most screens can handle.

Actually, the ppi resolution doesn't mean a thing. You could have a 1800 ppi image, but it will display at the resolution set on the monitor. If you must set a resolution, 72 or 96 will work best if you have any text (like a copyright notice) on your image.

My guess as to why your images arene't as sharp as you'd like may be due to noise, not enough sharpening applied to the jpeg, or the effect of jpeg compression in very detailed images, or perhaps a combiniation of any of these.

You might want to review your workflow and experiment with settings that work the best for a majority of your images. One thing to bear in mind is that each image may require slight tweaking above and beyond a standardized workflow or settings.

--P

If you are applying sharpening before resize, that could be the problem. Better to sharpen after resizing, particularly if you are reducing a large file to jpeg/web resolution.

Oh, I just realized that I have output sharpening turned off in the LR3 Export menu. I only feel a little stupid. :)

Why does LR require a PPI value when it makes no difference? Is it assuming an output for print?

Michelle, I'm fairly sure it is ignored when giving absolute pixel dimensions. My experience is that it is only used when you dimension the image in inches instead of pixels. Adobe should have removed it from the pixel choice since absolute pixels don't need it.