Cover Factory Tutorial

Why bother saving the image file in a large size and then reducing it?

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Let's take a look at why we bother to save the image in a large file size and then resize it... and especially why we soften the edges!

Basically, the reason for saving your image in a larger size - 800X800 pixels - is that because the image is already quite sharp at 800, when you reduce the size you'll get an even sharper image.

However, the difference becomes really apparent if you want to re-size your images so it's LARGER than 200X200 (if you choose a small size to begin with). As your image expands, the image becomes blurry.

See the examples below.

1. Image saved at 200 pixels, with "No, don't soften edges" chosen (Note the jagged edges on the e-book cover)	2. Image saved at 200 pixels, with "yes, soften edges" chosen. (Jagged edges reduced - much better looking image.0
3. Image rendered at 800 X 800 then reduced to 200 X 200 - slightly sharper again at 200 pixels - best option. (If you look at the two silhouetted figures, and the boat, you will see that this image is sharper than either of the two preceding it.)
4. Image below resized to 300X300 from original 800X800 - image remains sharp	Image below resized to 300X300 from original 200X200 - image starts to blur.

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