How can I convert .bmp to a format Kinko's can use

[Nick Goracke]

Alright, I'm looking to finish printing my shock-box inserts and some custom boxes for some DVD sets... scanned the images I want (in bmp format, unfortunately), and was considering using Kinko's "online printing service" to get some decent prints done.

Problem is, they need to be in pdf or eps format. I tried "saving as" in Photoshop, but when I upload the pics, it says that they won't work in their current state. I tried using the "conversion program" they offer on their website, but I need the postscript driver files from my Windows CD (god only knows where that is) to install.

So... I'd like to know an easy way to either convert the files or a link to the actual driver file I need to install Kinko's conversion service. Any ideas?

Also, has anybody used their online printing service? Seems reasonable at $1 per image, but I noticed they only offered one type of paper... Should I be going into the store to get this done?

 

[Decepticon]

Photoshop can convert them to pdf

 

[BIG BEAR]

Whoa,you scanned them in BMP format?? What was the DPI? What were the dimensions of the scan??
Did you try loading the BMP files into photoshop and saving them as a PSD. Make sure your dimensions are correct AND make sure that the Resolution (PPI-Pixels Per Inch) is @ 300
Then save as PDF.
-BB

 

[Nick Goracke]

Whoa,you scanned them in BMP format?? What was the DPI? What were the dimensions of the scan??
Did you try loading the BMP files into photoshop and saving them as a PSD. Make sure your dimensions are correct AND make sure that the Resolution (PPI-Pixels Per Inch) is @ 300
Then save as PDF.
-BB

Yeah, they were only scanned at 150... old scanner, old software. Dimensions of the scan were exactly the same as the dimensions of the item being scanned.

I saved them as an EPS and a PDF - while I can open them in something like Adobe acrobat and they work, Kinko's online service complains about them. It takes other EPS and PDF files without any trouble though (that I didn't create using the "save as" routine).

 

[BIG BEAR]

The DPI you scanned your images in at is too low and you saved them in the wrong format as well. What you shopuld have done is scanned them in through Photoshop @ 600 DPI @ a level of about 54% to 56% of the original size. Once you did that,you should have immediately laid them to the template which should be in PSD or PDF format.
While in Photoshop,you want to change the print values. I use 15 inches width and 9 1/8 height (9.125/9.127) This is imperative information that will be saved in your PDF or EPS image so it will print correctly.
I don't suggest EPS because the files will be too huge.PDF is great because the files are approx 4 megs in size.You are going to have to acquire a better scanner and import the scanner's software through Photoshop.
I have a Last Blade insert that I completed not too long ago. It is about 4 megs and I broke it down into three RAR files where each will fit on a 1.44. If you want it,just PM me and I will provide you with the links. I would just post it to my page but that will run my bandwidth out of whack from the amount of DL's I'm sure it would get..
You could see what king of luck you have with it.
-BB

 

[Nick Goracke]

The scanner I'm using should be capable of 600dpi... according to the Photoshop help, I should be able to import scans using the TWAIN interface, so I'll give that a shot. Thanks for the tips - I've got no clue when it comes to this stuff.

 

[BIG BEAR]

The template in pixels I use is 4500 in width and 2738 in height.
What you want to do is scan your image with the height in mind.
Scan your image with the height in your heights value vicinity. When you highlight the area to scan,your values will change. you don't want your height value to be greater than the 27xx range. you don't want it to be 28XX because that will be too large.

I scanned my LB image in @ 2775 height and basically what I do is copy the logos and artwork over to the template and as I do this I am adding layers to the template.After you place the images where you want them on the template,you want to remove the backgroun/clean them up,make sure you set the printer values correctly and flatten the image.
-BB

 

[CarlDMC]

Kinkos has a free CD that converts your files into Kinko friendly files. Ask for the small CD in a blue envelope (forgot the actual name, sorry)

 

[Neodogg]

if possible you might want to scan your images if they are printed from a magizine with a filter to take away from the printing frequency and you won't get a morie pattern.
Like BB said, sounds like you need to double your scan dpi if it is coming in at half.
PS should be able to change the image formate, and might try "extracting" the image aswell.
I think you can open bmp in illustrator and then save them as eps' which can be imported into photoshop.

get your images and put them in a layout program with a template, shouldn't be that difficult.

i rambled on about really nothing