Field guide
Sharpening for print and for screen
Sharpening is an output decision. The same file needs different treatment for a small web card, a high-density phone and an inkjet print.
01
Resize before final output sharpening because radius is measured in output pixels. A one-pixel edge at full camera size becomes a different physical width after reduction.
02
Small screen images often tolerate a compact, stronger pass that restores acutance lost during downsampling. Large files need a wider judgement scale and lower apparent aggression.
03
Print softens through ink spread, paper texture and viewing distance. A print-ready file may look slightly crisp on screen without showing a visible halo on paper.
04
Make a representative test print or device preview. No universal amount can account for subject detail, resizing method, printer and paper together.