How to Check Image Size and

Resolution
A Formatting Tutorial

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 Proper Size and Resolution
• When submitting an image for
publication, it needs to have a
suitable size and resolution.
• Using Adobe Photoshop, it is
easy to check the size and
resolution of an image.
• Although this tutorial will use
Photoshop, there are many
programs you can use to check
your images.
– Most of them will give you the
option to check the size and
resolution of the image in the
Menu bar.
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 Image Size and Resolution
Requirements

• If you are submitting images for the book’s cover or interior, they need to
have a resolution of no less than 300 PPI, or Pixels Per Inch.
• These images should be submitted in the size you want them to be printed.
– If you want your image to be a full bleed, or to extend to the edge of the page, we
recommend that you add 1/8 inch of bleed space to the top, bottom, and right side.
• For interior images, we recommend at lease 6 inches tall for portrait-oriented
images and 6 inches wide for landscape-oriented images.
– If you are publishing a color book and want the images to be in full
bleed, add ¼ inch of bleed space to the top, bottom and outside edge to
get your final minimum image size. Keep in mind that the outside ¼ inch
will be cut off in the printer. Unfortunately, you cannot do a full bleed in
a black and white book.

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 Check Image Size and Resolution

• In Adobe Photoshop, you can check an image’s size by going to

‘Image’ and clicking Image Size. A dialogue box will appear that will
show you the image size and resolution
• You can change the image size and resolution in this box.

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 Changing Image Resolution

• Be careful when changing the resolution of an image. You will see that
sometimes, it negatively effects the size of the image.
– As you increase the resolution of an image, the image will get smaller.
• To save images from becoming smaller, make sure Resample Image is
selected in the Image Size dialogue box. Choose the Bicubic Setting in the
drop down menu. This setting is best for image enlargement.
– This process can sometimes make an image look blurry. Sometimes the trade-off is
acceptable.
• If the image is too small, or the resolution is too low, it is best to rescan the
image at the appropriate size and resolution.
– Scanning is usually available at your local office supply store. AuthorHouse also
offers scanning for an additionally fee. It is one of the many self-publishing
services we offer.

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 Ready for the Book Publisher

• To be sure that your image is ready to be in your book, click on View

in the top toolbar and go to Actual Pixels. If the image still looks crisp,
the image is probably ready for your book.
– If you notice any loss of quality, it is probably best to rescan your original
hardcopy image.
• Congratulations! You are one step closer to self publishing a book!

If you have any questions, please contact a representative at 888.519.5121 and

we would be happy to assist you.

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