resizing a .jpg for a background

[nighttrain20]

I have a photo and would like to use it for my background. Except that everytime I use Fireworks.... modify/canvas/image size. the image is distorted from being increased. Is there a way to increase it but not lose resolution?

Thank You

Tony

 

[pixl8r]

The only way to increase an images size without losing quality is to decrease the size in ppi relative to your increase in width/height.

For example if your image originally is 1280x800 @ 300ppi you could safely double the pixel dimensions (2560x1600) without distortion if you reduce the resolution by half (150ppi).

If your original image is already 72ppi (or even 96ppi) forget it. You have nowhere to go. If you make it bigger it is going to distort.

The process also works in reverse. If you want to increase the ppi resolution decrease the size in pixels (or inches).

Hope it helps.

Wow JT that almost looked like you knew what you were doing!

 

[CLMooreJr]

yeah, afraid that you will lose resolution when resizing a bitmap. Since it is a photo, the image will be to complex to convert to Vector. (A vector file can be changed to any size without losing resolution...)

As pixl8r mentioned, you can decrease you dpi to 72 or so and resize it a bit, but if you are already at 72, your only hope is

1) Scan the image at a high dpi setting (600 or so). You can then use Photoshop to image it down to the correct size.

2) Retake the photo if you can (if it was a digital camera) at the cameras highest setting.