How to re-size your image for submission

The image(s) submitted for the 2006 RBC Painting Competition must be:

• 72 dots/pixels per inch (dpi);
• 6" (15.24cm) on the longest side
• Saved as a JPEG, GIF

There are a number of software applications available to help you resize and reformat your image. Rather than focus on particular applications, we have provided some general guidance to get the job done. First, it's best to understand what is required.

Resolution

Every digital image has a number of properties, and resolution is generally responsible for the quality of the image when it is viewed or printed. Most magazines are printed at a high resolution, such as 300 dots per inch (dpi), while a newspaper uses around 150dpi. Incidentally, a computer display will present the image at 72dpi. That's the size we're looking for: 72dpi. Dots per inch is sometimes referred to as pixels per inch.

Dimensions

Just as the dimensions of your real-life artwork are restricted, the image of your artwork must be no bigger than 6 inches, or 15.24cm, on the longest side.

File format

One last thing: your file should be saved in a particular format for viewing by the judges. JPEGs, GIFs are best. Each one has their distinct advantage, most notably the resulting file size. Confused? File size and file format go hand in hand. GIF and JPEG are typically smaller file sizes. File size is a big deal if you don't have a fast internet connection.

Completing the task

In your favourite image editing software look for the option to resize your image. In Adobe Photoshop©, use the Image menu and select the Image Size… option (other software applications may use similar names). There are two things you need to change here: document size (dimensions) and resolution. Change the largest document size to 6 inches, or 15.24cm; then change the resolution to 72 pixles/inch. Confirm your changes, and you're almost done!

Now you need to save your resized image. This task may be familiar, because it's just like saving a letter you have been writing, or a Web page that you like. From the File menu, choose Save As…and type the name of your image.

Now choose where you want to save your image. Put it somewhere that you can get to later. You will be required to browse to the image to upload it with your online entry form for the RBC Painting Competition.

Before you hit save, you must tell your software application to save as a certain file format. From the list, choose either JPEG or GIF. See above for more information on File format.

Now that you have resized, formatted and saved your image, the image is ready to be uploaded with your entry form for the RBC Painting Competition.