Understanding Image Resolution for Print: Why 300 DPI Matters

What is DPI and Why Does It Matter for Printing?

When preparing artwork for print, image resolution is a critical factor that determines the final quality of your printed materials. You may have heard that 300 DPI (dots per inch) is the standard for high-quality printing, but what does that really mean? And why do some images look great on screen but appear blurry or pixelated when printed?

In this guide, we'll explain DPI, resolution, and best practices for ensuring your artwork meets the right specifications for professional-quality printing.

Recommended Resolution for Printing

At Same Day Printing, we produce a variety of custom offline marketing solutions, including:

• Brochures
• Stickers
• Flyers
• Wobblers
• Swing tags
• Business cards
• Catalogues

To ensure crisp and professional results, we recommend that all non-image elements are vector, and all images used in print projects be at least 300 DPI.

What Happens If Your Image Resolution Is Too Low?

Even if an image looks sharp on your computer screen, it may not be suitable for printing. Screens typically display images at 72 PPI (pixels per inch) or 96 PPI, which is much lower than the 300 DPI required for print. If an image is printed at a low resolution, it may appear blurry, grainy, or pixelated.

DPI vs. PPI: Understanding the Difference

Many people confuse DPI (dots per inch) with PPI (pixels per inch). Here’s a simple breakdown:

A higher DPI means a more detailed and higher quality print. For best results, always use images that are 300 DPI or higher when printing.

Does Colour Mode Matter in Printing?

Yes! Colour mode is one of the most important factors when preparing artwork for print. The main colour modes are:

• CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) – The standard for print
• RGB (Red, Green, Blue) – Used for screens, not suitable for print

Related Articles:

• CMYK Process Colour Requirements
• Why Colours Look Different on Screen vs. When Printed
• Beyond CMYK: Enhancing Print with Special Finishes

How to Quickly Check Your Image DPI Before Printing

Not sure if your image meets the 300 DPI requirement? If you dont have design software like Adobe Photoshop, you can quickly check the size and dpi of image files using Microsoft Paint, or GIMP:

• Open your image in Microsoft Paint.
• Click File > Properties.
• Change units to CM and check the size is the size you need it on your print. If it is smaller, keep in mind enlarging it will lose image quality.
• Ensure the resolution is set to 300 DPI or higher if possible.
• Look for the DPI resolution listed.
• If it's lower than 300 DPI, consider using a higher-resolution image or resizing it properly.

As the DPI increases from left to right, so does the clarity of the image. When printing any visual, it is important to use images with a DPI of 300 or higher to avoid any nasty surprises upon receiving printed artwork.

Need Help with Your Artwork?

If you’re unsure whether your image meets print-quality standards, Same Day Printing can help. We offer artwork setup services to ensure your print files are ready for the best possible result.

Contact us today to get expert assistance with your print-ready files!