Photo-reduction Help

[Jantrix]

I'm using JASC Paint Shop Pro 7. I realize it's probably a dated program but I'm not making animations here, I just want something shrunk, while maintaining clarity.

Can someone explain to me (in the simplest terms possible) how to resize a licence plate from the Acme License plate maker, to a correct level from the orininal (an 80% reduction) and maintain clarity. I've used the resize feature and then used the sharpen function. However it still looks bad on the screen and worse when printed.

I've seen people photo-reduce magazines and posters and whatnot so I know this can be done. I'm just not good enough with these computers yet. Can anyone help me?

Also do the settings for the printer need to be changed?

[ismaelg]

I use Photoshop with good results. I don't know about the program you are using, but you can try different picture formats like .bmp, .gif or others and see if it improves when reduced...

Thanks,

[CAL]

use an EPS file, and set printer to BEST quality. It will only print as high as resolution that it's able. It just depends on your particular printer.

Edited December 11, 2007 by CAL