My world is currently PC-based (Windows 98/NT) so this may not apply to
you...

If you generate an image that is 1000x1000 pixels and print it as a 2"x2"
square you will have 500dpi.

If you print the same image as a 4"x4" square you will have 250dpi... and it
will look worse.

Most screens average about 72dpi, but in Windows you can adjust your screen
resolution.  For example if you set your resolution to 1280x1024 and view
the image you will see a certain dpi, and if you subsequently change your
resolution to 800x600 you will see approximately 2/3 the dpi... and it will
look worse.

In general I think you want to print at 300 dpi or better to have a good
image.  Generate a big picture and print it in a small square to achieve
adequate resolution.

I use Paint Shop Pro for general graphics operations like this.  Sorry I
don't know of a comparable unix or mac program, but I'm sure they exist.

"Michael DiDonato" <did### [at] scrippsedu> wrote in message
news:3A107956.CA89EB0E@scripps.edu...
I know its the printing step that is the culprit, but I don't know how to
fix it.  I printed some images from xv and they look like crap compared to
what I see on the screen.  AFAIK screen resolution is always 72 dpi
regardless of how big the monitor is.
Mike

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