For PS Elements versions: PSE7 or newer
If you select the zoom tool (by pressing Z) and then click the "Print Size" button in the options bar you will see the actual dimensions of your document when it will be printed.
The dimensions on your screen with the zoom to print size option being selected must match what you get when you print. But very often this is not the case. I have created an action to help you correct this problem. To download it visit the the Photoshop action page before reading the rest of the tutorial.
Run the action. It creates 2 rulers with measurements in inches and in centimeters respectively. The width of the first ruler equals that of a US letter page (8.5 inches) while the width of the second ruler equals that of an A4 page (21cm).
Pick up a real ruler from your drawer and place it over your screen. If you don't have a ruler near you then pick a US letter or an A4 page from your printer. If your ruler readings or the paper's width match what you see on your screen then you see accurate previews. Otherwise you must amend the screen resolution value in Photoshop's preferences this way:
By default Photoshop uses 72 ppi as the screen resolution. But today's monitors have higher resolutions. In addition, not all monitors have the same resolution. You need to tell Photoshop what is the exact resolution of your monitor in order to resolve this issue.
- If you know the resolution of your monitor enter it in the Screen Resolution field and hit OK.
- If you don't know the resolution of your monitor you need to experiment a bit. The action will help you find the correct value. Enter a higher value (than 72ppi) in the "Screen Resolution" field and click on OK. Press Z, right click and select "Print Size". If the readings in the physical ruler still do not match those on your screen you need to enter a different value in the "Screen Resolution" field. Comparing the real ruler or the paper width with the one on the screen will help you find the correct value in seconds.
Having done this you can be sure the size you see on the screen is what you get when you print your Photoshop documents!
