How to Print a Grid of Photos in a Specified Order

[Philip Flower]

I am sure there must be a better or simpler way of doing this, but I can't work it out.

Starting with Lightroom I want to print out a Grid of 12 Photos in Landscape Orientation in a specific order. 3 Rows of 4 Columns. The top Row needs to be in my order of 1,2,3,4 and carry on with the other 2 rows in sequence. Simple enough to set up a print template to achieve this, but the problem comes in trying to get them to print in the order I want.

I include a photo of what I want to achieve.

On an Epson P5000, using A2 paper, the problem is that the paper must be fed in in Portrait mode. Setting up the order in the Library Mode is only available in Landscape Mode. So when printing the 1st 3 photos in the sequence as set up in Library Mode are the first to be printed and are printed in the 4th Column across the 3 Rows.

After a certain amount of trial and error (quite a lot of error) I've worked out that the top row of 4 photos need to be ordered in the Library Mode in positions 10, 7, 4 and 1 and other positions for the other 2 Rows. Confusing and error prone. A4 and A3 paper is no problem since I can set up in Landscape Mode and Print in Landscape Mode. But not with A3+ or A2.

I looked at using Photoshop. Again easy to set up a portrait orientated canvas with 12 individual boxes. But then I have to re-size each photo to match the boxes, open all of them in PS and drag them into their respective boxes.

Am I missing something obvious to achieve what I want? Or is there another program such as Qimage which many like that would help? I am firmly wedded to Macs but am planning on a series of these grids and am beginning to think I may just have to outsource to a print lab with a 24 inch printer that can deal with these in landscape mode.

Any thoughts?

 

[RGBCMYK]

What about making a custom paper size that is Landscape oriented? I wonder how it would take the info if you selected portrait orientation?

 

[bmw44]

It would certainly be easy in Qimage. As you mentioned you can setup a template in Light Room to do that. Why is it difficult to control the order?

--
bmw

 

[Box Brownie]

I wonder if EPL(Epson Print Layout) might be of use?

I use this template in EPL as needed but it is a purely manual process of loading the image files in the order need NB the template that you see here is the default spaces......I think it is possible to edit the template to reduce/remove the spaces?





However, if I read your OP correctly you are looking for a semi automated process to load a set of files in a sequenced order? If so then your mention of Qimage might indeed be the route to go. Though I have not used it for some years IIRC the developer is open to suggestions for possible additional functions.....but it may even do want you want now.

NB as far as I recall the Mac version of Qimage is coded by a collaborative developer as the originator is/was a Windows only guy.

 

[jamn]

Hi Phillip,

It has been a while since I have done this, hope I am remembering correctly. In LRC create a collection with your 12 photos; The sequence / order can be changed by dragging the photos into the sequence you want.

OK, I just opened LRC and did a 2x2 test; put the photos in a collection; go to print module; use custom package in the upper right hand layout panel; in the cells panel choose the appropriate cell size or make a custom cell if needed; drag the cells to align as you choose; drag your photos from the filmstrip to the desired cells.

I hope this works for you. I feel your pain - remember struggling with this very issue.

Jay

 

[jamn]

I just reread your post - another thought - Perhaps the landscape portrait issue can be resolved by rotating the images to place in your template grid?

Jay