[Gimp-user] How to print to fit paper, print window and other print issues.

[rich404 <forums gimpusers com>]

> I am trying to print a file and I want to scale it to different sizes
> so that I can fit it on both 8.5x11 and 11x17 paper but I don't see
> the "scale to fit" option anywhere. I also want to print some smaller
> areas of the image but I don't see an option that lets me put a window
> around the area that I want to print. I'm also not seeing any options
> to pick portrait vs. landscape or print quality when I try to print.
> Any ideas?

Assuming you are using Windows, Why do you expect Gimp to set the functions
provided by the **Windows printer driver** that comes with your printer. Various
printers have various settings, get to know them.

Portrait / Landscape and scaling-to-fit should be provided by whatever printer
make you use. Some examples in screenshots.

However you need to do a little research on printing quality. One of the most
common moans is "my" US Letter size 8.5" x 11" (@ 72 ppi) in Gimp size = 600 x
800 pix and the print quality is terrible.

Because it should be 8.5 x 11" (@ 300 ppi) 2550 x 3300 pix. Gimp is a raster
(bitmap) editor and works in pixels, does not care about inches or millimetres
or...

Say you have that 8.5 x 11 @ 300 ppi image. Want to print to 11" x 17" ? - first
the aspect ratio is different **but** the resolution now becomes 200 ppi. Might
look ok / might not - depends on the image. This for simple advice:

http://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/articles/a-handy-guide-to-image-resolutions-in-print-design

No good taking that small 600 x 800 pix image and scaling up, it will still look
rubbish. You need to start with the correct image size in **pixels** for
printing.

Want part of an Image: Make a selection -> Selection to new image. Print it, but
be aware of the above, good chance it now too small and will be crap.

To be truthful, the Gimp Windows printer plugin lacks an update. Needs a
maintainer (if anyone out there wants to contribute.)

Often better to use some other application to print your images.

Attachments:
* https://www.gimpusers.com/system/attachments/1148/original/printer.jpg

-- 
rich404 (via www.gimpusers.com/forums)