createing jpg files in lightroom

[tayl0124]

What is the best way to create/export a jpeg at the maximum resolution in lightroom. Does the paper size chosen for the print/page layout matter if you are exporting to a file and not printing it locally??

[drg]

What is the best way to create/export a jpeg at the maximum resolution in lightroom. Does the paper size chosen for the print/page layout matter if you are exporting to a file and not printing it locally??

I take this question to refer to using the Print module as opposed to the regular export command.

The Print module is geared to generate specific formats and treatments to drive the front end of your printer/RIP engine. If you know the original dimensions in pixels that you are trying to print, then it is a matter of 'doing the math' to set the appropriate parameters to get the 'best image' that isn't re-sized or otherwise stretched/shrunk etc.

Once you turn on or select the 'print to jpeg' option, be sure the quality is set to 100%.

There is a better way.

To get the best JPEG output use the 'Export' - Ctrl+Shift+E - from the File menu and:

Under File Settings
- select JPEG
- select the best color space for your use (sRGB, Adobe, Pro, Chrome, etc) depending on how you are going to use it later.
- Quality set to 100%.

Under Image Sizing
- de-select Resize to Fit
- Do not worry (right now anyway) about Resolution

Under Output Sharpening
- Select for Screen or for the appropriate paper if you are going to print later.
- Try different Sharpening amounts. This will alter how the file is rendered even after you LR adjustments.
- De-Select Sharpening to get no Sharpening.

Some print processes are ruined with too much added visual sharpening. It also depends on the original file and where it came from as to its need for sharpness being added. If you are doing much adjustment other wise, including pre-sharpening, for printing it may cause artifacts. Experiment.

Metadata
- These options don't effect quality of the image other than the watermark will be there and you may want to de-select that so you can add another one elsewhere.

Post-processing
Whether you want to display the output in an Operating System window (Windows or Mac) is merely a convenience. The other options allow for immediately jumping to an application such as Adobe Photoshop of your choice or other apps to print or watermark or otherwise alter the JPEG.

Let me know what else you need to answer your question!