Use of
Retina Displays - Research -
Research testing
How we tested: We took images gotten from screenshots (PrintScreen key on keyboard). Opened a “New file” in Adobe Photoshop which automatically contains Monitor screen dimensions in pixels, in 72 ppi (pixel per inch) native screen resolution. Paste it in blank space, a screenshot picture. Where it was needed we imitated Retina DIsplay screen resolution changing on same picture dimesnions, a screen resolution to 220 ppi (pixel per inch). We putted both kinds of images with different resolutions (Usual and Retina displays resolutions) but of same size, on A4 format paper and putted on digital print mashine and also we simply printed one time on usual laser printer. We did another test with simple rounded corners rectangle: We created same monitor screen dimensions file but with Vector Object in Photoshop file, a rounded corner rectangle and created 3 files of that with resolutions of 300 ppi-dpi, 220 ppi (Retina display) and 72 ppi (Usual most common at this moment display). ppi we can say is almost same as dpi but that’s not the thing here we need more to disscus in this document. They are equal in this test. We printed with same equipment from first test... digital print mashine and laser printer. In second test we had a vector object in photoshop file and when we was changing image resolution, vector object was scaling proportionally so we didn’t losing a quality of a rounded corners on it!
Result was: That images with higher resolution had better quality picture when they was printed, which is normal but what’s so special about Retina displays?
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Why Retina displays?
Retina displays are good for: computer images created on Retina displays can be printed with less loss in quality of an image. it’s good for games screenshots to print, for computer software screenshots to print, for presentation bilboards on events, where are used computer screen images or parts of those images. easier “workaround”, a workflow for graphic designers and prepress operaters. more details on digital pictures, crisp picture on display web graphics with Retina resolution can be better printed and used on higher resolution digital displays
Of course Retina displays picture is not 300 dpi press quality but 220 dpi is something minimally acceptable for average print on print machines for tipical use, average and usual quality printing in everyday life and work. Displaying a Retina resolution on some computer screen in real time also need “stronger” other computer components, like... better graphic card and more computer memory. So Retina displays-monitors can start another ciclus of personal computers production for next level of computer use.
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TEST 1 PAGE 01 Retina display 220 px
Usual display 72 px
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TEST 1 PAGE 02 Retina display 220 px
Usual display 72 px
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TEST 2 PAGE 01
File 1:
File 2:
File 3:
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Research done by:
2013. Lab-Dot Design Lab. http://lab-dot.com Free for use.