Resolution Guide for Printing
Understanding print resolution (DPI) ensures your flyers, business cards, and postcards print with sharp text and vivid images. Learn why 300 DPI matters.
Quick Answer
What is Print Resolution?
Resolution refers to the amount of detail in an image, measured in DPI (dots per inch) for print or PPI (pixels per inch) for digital screens. Higher resolution means more pixels packed into each inch, resulting in sharper, more detailed output.
Print production requires much higher resolution than screen display because printed materials are viewed up close and need fine detail. While computer screens typically display at 72-96 PPI, professional printing requires 300 DPI minimum.
72 DPI
Web/Screen
Not suitable for print
150 DPI
Draft printing
Acceptable for proofs only
300 DPI
Professional print
Industry standard - Required
600 DPI
High-end print
Excellent for fine detail
Why 300 DPI is Required
Screen Resolution (72-96 PPI)
- Displays look sharp because screens have limited pixel density
- Images are viewed from a distance (arm's length or more)
- Screen pixels emit light, making edges appear smoother
- 72 DPI images look acceptable on monitors
Print Resolution (300 DPI)
- Print is viewed at close range (6-12 inches)
- Ink dots must be small enough that the eye cannot see them
- Text requires crisp edges for readability
- Professional output demands industry-standard 300 DPI
Cannot Upscale Low Resolution
Minimum Pixel Requirements
Calculate required pixels: Print Size (inches) x 300 = Minimum Pixels. Use this table for common product sizes:
| Product | Print Size | Minimum Pixels |
|---|---|---|
| Business Cards | 2.5" x 2.5" | 750 x 750 px |
| Club Flyers | 4" x 6" | 1200 x 1800 px |
| Postcards (A2) | 4.25" x 5.5" | 1275 x 1650 px |
| Postcards (5x7) | 5" x 7" | 1500 x 2100 px |
| Flyers / Posters | 8.5" x 11" | 2550 x 3300 px |
| Posters | 11" x 17" | 3300 x 5100 px |
Note: Add bleed area (0.125" on each side) to these dimensions. See our Bleed Guide for details.
How to Check Resolution
Adobe Photoshop
- Open your image in Photoshop
- Go to Image > Image Size (or press Alt+Ctrl+I /Option+Cmd+I)
- Look at the Resolution field - it should show 300 Pixels/Inch
- Check Width and Height match your print size (with bleed added)
- If resolution is low, you need a higher resolution source image
Adobe Illustrator
- Go to Effect > Document Raster Effects Settings
- Set Resolution to High (300 ppi)
- For linked/placed images, open the Links panel
- Click on each image and check Effective PPI in the panel info
- Effective PPI should be 300 or higher at the placed size
Adobe InDesign
- Open the Links panel (Window > Links)
- Select an image in your document
- Look at Effective PPI at the bottom of the Links panel
- Images scaled larger than 100% will have lower effective PPI
- Replace any images with effective PPI below 300
Common Resolution Issues
Using Images from the Web
Images downloaded from websites, social media, or Google Images are typically 72-96 DPI and too small for print. Even if they look large on screen, they lack the pixel density needed for sharp printing. Always use original high-resolution source files.
Enlarging Small Images
Scaling up a small image beyond its pixel count causes blurriness. An image that's 600x900 pixels can only print sharp at 2x3 inches at 300 DPI. Scaling it to 4x6 inches forces it to 150 DPI, resulting in visible pixelation.
Screenshots and Phone Photos
Screenshots are captured at screen resolution (72-96 PPI) and cannot be used for print. Phone photos may work if the camera has sufficient megapixels, but photos taken in low light or with digital zoom will lack quality. Use professional photography or stock images for best results.
Vector Graphics Are Resolution-Independent
Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF with vectors) can scale to any size without quality loss. Logos, icons, and text should be vector whenever possible. Only raster images (photos, complex artwork) need to meet the 300 DPI requirement.
Related Guides
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