I have PSP X. I created my image as 2000x2000 with a dpi of 200, with a transparent background. I then saved it as a pspimage because it has several layers.

Then I saved it again as a .png image doing Save As. But when I look at the image information later on the .png image it's no longer 200dpi. Instead, the image information shows as 2000x2000 but 78.740 pixels per centimeter.

Question 1: Why does PSP show me the resolution in pixels per cm for the .png image instead of ppi?

Question 2: Why does PSP change the resolution on the .png image. WHy doesn't it just leave it as 200dpi?

I've used PSP for quite awhile but I'm not an expert by far. And I haven't ever worked with .png images before.

If some kind soul out there can help me, I would greately appreciate it and I would worship you forever!

You can change the units it uses in your preferences.

Why it changes the resolution -- PNG is designed for the web, therefore it will ordinarily read and save files at resolutions appropriate for the web. But it doesn't matter. CP does not retain or pay attention to resolution anyway. All that counts is - how many pixels do you have, and what size do you apply the image to the product. http://www.tutortanith.com/imagesizing2.htm

Hi J,
When you start make your own template File>New.
Make it 200 or 300 DPI. When you have finished designing and are happy enough with it to save, click Layers>Merge>Merge visible.
This keep the background transparent and you can then save it straight to .png.

I know 300 dpi is 118 per centimtre, but I'm not sure what 200 is. I usually work in the old style inch.

That should keep everything as it should be.

Jen

I think I understand now. We'll see. Thanks for all your help!

I recommend a different save method. First, you will want to retain the finished image in the native file format .psd so you can continue to edit / reuse as needed. Next you can save yourself steps and avoid errors if you use "Save for Web". You will get a message saying that the image is larger than for the web but go ahead anyway. Using the "Save for Web" method will (1) make sure you are no longer in CMYK mode, (2) merge your layers for you (3) ensure you don't accidentally forget to change modes and save over your editable file. The only error it won't save you from is submitting a file in greyscale - it must be RGB mode. If you tend to work in RGB mode then do be sure to gamut check the image to make sure the colors chosen are in the printable range. http://tutortanith.com/#imagecolor
This is not a concern for photographs, it is a concern if one is chosing colors, especially bright colors.

I use parallel filing systems - one for the png finished files, one for the psd working files. I do that because I can reuse elements of the psd files for other designs, or change bits for design variations. My psd file structure, therefore, is more generic than the finished files.