resize a jpeg

[Magnum]

I am working on a business card for my computer business.

I have a jpeg that I am trying to reduce in size.

I tried saving as a .bmp and then reducing, but the images looks crappy.

Any suggestions?

[dedndave]

depending on what it looks like, you may want to use vector graphics
InkScape is a free program (think that's right)
if you have a logo, you may want to reduce it as a bitmap, then place it on the vector image
or - convert the reduced vector image, then add the logo

EDIT - in some cases, you may have to create the card at the size you want to end up with

[jj2007]

I recently had a similar problem, 'upgrading' of a screenshot to a 300dpi tiff image as requested by professional editors.
After trying PaintShop and Gimp, I ended up with ImageMagick. Freeware, and there is a commandline interface, too.

C:\Program Files\ImageMagick-6.6.5-Q8\convert.exe MyFile.jpg -filter cubic -resize 400% MyFile.bmp

would be a first step; then perhaps

C:\Program Files\ImageMagick-6.6.5-Q8\convert.exe MyFile.bmp -filter cubic -resize 40% MyFile.gif

or similar - you will have to test it.

[clive]

GIMP or Photoshop have always worked quite well for this. Always using the best/highest resolution source helps.

[Vortex]

Another option is XnView Portable :

http://portableapps.com/apps/graphics_pictures/xnview_portable

Features

    * Import about 400 graphic file formats
    * Export about 50 graphic file formats

[Magnum]

GIMP or Photoshop have always worked quite well for this. Always using the best/highest resolution source helps.

The image I downloaded is a jpeg.

I'll mess around with the other suggested programs and see what happens.

If they don't work, I'll keep looking for a bmp image of a computer or a computer repair person.

[Magnum]

As a photographer, I keep thinking in terms of film.

I don't think picture resizing has many parallels with film properties.

[jj2007]

Normally, resizing with PaintShop or similar software should not produce bad images. Try to use multiples of 2, i.e. exactly 50% or 25% of original size.

[dedndave]

or 3 or 4 - but exact integers
i.e., if you reduce an image by a factor of 3, each 9 pixel square may become a single pixel
i have seen interesting results by modulo-shifting an image
in other words, add a few pixels to one edge, and try again
we might be able to offer better advice if we could see the original and the reduction

i had mentioned vector graphics, as i have had issues reducing things like schematics
a business card may be very similar
however, if you are having problems reducing a jpeg, there is something else at play

[Magnum]

Normally, resizing with PaintShop or similar software should not produce bad images. Try to use multiples of 2, i.e. exactly 50% or 25% of original size.

I used Irfanview to reduce my jpg to 25 and 50%, and the image got worse than the original.

Unless these other programs use some new and improved algorithm, I'll just find a bmp or I'll may borrow my friends digital camera and use a picture of my "Dumpster Special" as my logo on my business card.

I found a front cover for it and spray painted it gloss black.

Outta here.

[oex]

The image will always be worse than the original however there are different algorithms that resize, smooth and sharpen in different ways.... If you have a low resolution image to start with, you are not resizing with a multiple size or you are changing the proportions of the image you will potentially have greater problems

[dedndave]

i have taken 6 images and reduced them to 10%, 25%, and 50%
they look ok to me   :P

http://www.4shared.com/file/Bqg3A3qW/reduced.html

[Magnum]

I installed the program.
Haven't had time to play with it.

Rather a large puppy with all kinds of bells and whistles.  :8)

Andy